Missouri_Rebel
Posts: 3065
Joined: 6/19/2006 From: Southern Missouri Status: offline
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I must admit that I do not share the same experience as some of you. I too had bought both titles when they were released. FoF came out first, as you all know, so I have had more time with it. For me, AACW just didn't do it. The map is nice, as is the ability to zoom in and out, but a little too cluttered for my taste. Yet the biggest drawback for me was the lack of immersion. The game consisted of going through the motions of preparing for a battle that left me feeling a bit disappointed when it was actually executed. Almost no input from my part to alter the outcome. Zip,bang,boom, and there were the results. After so much time preparing for the upcoming battle, they were over in an instant. Kind of like renting a nice tux for the prom and then spending the night on the bleachers. In FoF there are so many factors that can be chosen by the player that changes the flow and conditions of the fight. One might be able to choose the defending terrain in the 'province' they occupy for the battle, i.e. Wooded with many rivers,swamps, clear with hills,city and fortifications....etc. You can get certain choices before battle depending on your scouting ability sometimes that include Surprise, cavalry reserve, avoid battle, screen terrain, raid supplies...etc. The choices give a percentage chance, depending on the action, for success and for fatigue. All of this with a simple click of the mouse before the battle. In addition, there are so many cool aspects and decisions a player can make such as besieging forts, (again given a choice of what kind of siege and the ramifications of your selected action). The ability to choose what kind of battle you, the player, would like to play out (Instant battle, quick battle, or my favorite, detailed battle). Others include conscription, foreign intervention, emancipation, economy, weapons upgrades, research....etc. that adds to the enjoyment imo. I could go on quite a bit on the influence that each player can exert on the outcome of the overall game and of the many options, but this post would be far too long. There are that many. Yet the very best part is the player may choose the level of depth they want to manage in their game. If one doesn't want to handle the economy then they don't have to. Same with research, governor requests, emancipation,several advanced rules....etc. Just check what rules you want to play with in the opening screen and start what is a basic game or add the depth you want. Talk about customizing. It is just these choices that add up to make a far more pleasurable, and more importantly to me, a more immersible game. I really cannot put down AACW because they did a great job on it. It is nice to have two War Between the States games. My advice, buy both if you can afford it, but don't let the perceived complication of FoF scare you. It is as deep as you choose it to be and incredibly fun. Mo Reb Edit. I should also mention that reinforcements can sometimes be called in during battle, even from farther points by rail. But be careful not to weaken an area. ;)
< Message edited by Missouri_Rebel -- 8/8/2007 6:51:38 AM >
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**Those who rob Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul **A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have-Gerald Ford
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