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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Empires in Arms the Napoleonic Wars of 1805 - 1815 >> Jump in or wait?

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Jump in or wait? - 12/10/2007 12:17:26 PM

RSGodfrey

Posts: 147
Joined: 6/21/2004
Status: offline

I have never played the board game but am intrigued by the enthuisiasm and interest of those who have.
On the other hand I am wary of the problems reported by newbies like myself who have purchased but who report a steep learning curve not helped by the manual or absence of tutorials, and questionnable AI ( I would be retiscent to play pbem as a poor and inexperienced player), compounded by a not insubstantial investment.

So should (virgin) players like myself wait for greater support and an update or two or jump in and try? A frustrating learning experience can sour new players perspective; just how hard is it to get grips with this title, or is it a necessary pre-requisite to be a member of the Guild of board-game players?

Richard

Post #: 1

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/10/2007 1:08:22 PM

Cossaky

Posts: 29
Joined: 12/4/2007
From: Sanaa, Yemen
Status: offline

Hey Richard,

Even experienced players of the boardgame like myself have had some turbulence adjusting to the game interface. Having said that, I think you'll be fine if you just read the manual thoroughly, check out the forum posts, and ask questions as they arise.

Our group is spending a few days on solo games and then plans to crank up a scrimmage game just to familiarize ourselves with the nuances of PBEM. When we're comfortable with that, we'll actually get into bidding for powers and take a crack at a "serious" game. Whether you're familiar with the EiA boardgame or completely new, I think this approach offers the best way to master and - more importantly - enjoy the game.

Good luck!!! And let us know if you pick up the game and have any questions.

Cheers,

Cossaky

(in reply to RSGodfrey)

Post #: 2

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/10/2007 3:02:10 PM

WJPalmer1

Posts: 81
Joined: 9/20/2004
From: Colorado Springs
Status: offline

I took the plunge and bought the game without any prior experience with the EiA board game. After spending a few hours playing time, watching the forums for insights & enlightenment and toggling back and forth to the manual, I feel that I've picked up a major portion of the system and have a solid feel for the game. It's more involved than the typical wargame, and would probably frustrate a gamer looking for (what we used to call) a "beer and pretzels" game. But that's exactly what I like about it. The game interface and vast majority of rules are intuitive. The complexity comes from the need to plan ahead while taking into account a very large number of variables and surprises from your 6 opponents -- in other words, it does a terrific job of recreating the situation in 1805!

Bottom line, I think I'll be looking to begin a PBEM experience in a day or two although not yet as GB or FR!

Hope this helps!

< Message edited by exp101 -- 12/10/2007 3:03:53 PM >

(in reply to RSGodfrey)

Post #: 3

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/10/2007 3:30:46 PM

jardail

Posts: 152
Joined: 11/28/2005
Status: offline

Jump in, the water's fine.

Beware of sharks tho :D

(in reply to WJPalmer1)

Post #: 4

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/10/2007 6:39:44 PM

therockyfroggy

Posts: 57
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

I'd just jump in. I read the manual, then played the first few turns of some games. The manual didn't really mean anything to me until I played a few turns and now I'm going back and reading it again and it's making a lot more sense. Plus, there are so many people here who are helping.

(in reply to jardail)

Post #: 5

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/11/2007 2:31:17 AM

Artmiser

Posts: 179
Joined: 12/4/2006
Status: offline

Pass on it till the first patch or so. I bought it, downloaded it, and tried to just play it like I can most games with barely a glance at the manual. I started it and five minutes later quite the game and tried to read the manual......... have not restarted the game since. The only people that have anything good to say about this mess of a game or those that played the board game. Ive been waiting for a grand strategy napolenoic game for some time, hopefully this will be it someday.

Art

_____________________________

Former Marine
Retired Deputy Sheriff
Wargamer untill I die

(in reply to therockyfroggy)

Post #: 6

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/11/2007 6:26:47 AM

Larac

Posts: 250
Joined: 9/5/2004
Status: offline

I played the board game years ago, I was 17 at the time, (indeed that was many mnay years ago), and it was great fun.

But the fun was the player interaction, which is why I am on the fence about Buying it, and I just bought Mondern Combat and was not impressed, my fault as I should have learned more about it before I bought it, and disability pay is limited.

So I will wait a little on this one, if it can help capture the board game, and then Email and such might allow it to play well.

But not seeing it dawning on your buddy that not only are you about to betray him, but that he played into it will be missed.

Lee

(in reply to Artmiser)

Post #: 7

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/12/2007 12:10:59 PM

RSGodfrey

Posts: 147
Joined: 6/21/2004
Status: offline

Thanks for all the replies. I couldn't resist the glowing reports and bought it.

Now, whats the best way to learn this game?

Richard

(in reply to Larac)

Post #: 8

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/12/2007 3:03:44 PM

tgb

Posts: 766
Joined: 7/8/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: RSGodfrey

Thanks for all the replies. I couldn't resist the glowing reports and bought it.

Now, whats the best way to learn this game?

Richard

Here's how I did it:

1) Launch a game as France with the manual open in front of you. As you read about each phase, practice the mechanics of it. Don't worry about strategy or gaining PP's - just learn the interface.

2) Read Raleigh's AAR and tips. They will actually makes sense to you this time

3) Read the manual a couple of times to pick up some of the rules you may have glossed over.

4) Start a real game thinking you know how to play. As issues and events crops up that you STILL don't understand (and they will), come to these boards for an explanation.

5) Read the tips and AAR AGAIN - this time you will probably learn something useful from them

6) Read the manual one more time to see if you finally have everything down.

(in reply to RSGodfrey)

Post #: 9

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/13/2007 6:44:06 PM

La Provence

Posts: 153
Joined: 7/16/2006
From: Toulouse (FRANCE)
Status: offline

I have a question :

Can I buy EIA now and hope for a patch ?

Have I to wait the patch to install all at the same time to be sure that the game work well ?

(in reply to tgb)

Post #: 10

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/13/2007 6:48:41 PM

chuckj118

Posts: 110
Joined: 12/7/2007
From: SC, USA
Status: offline

The rumor is that the first patch will be available before the end of this year. It won't even attempt to fix everything but will address as many of the problems as it can.

I have a feeling were looking a patches about once a month for the next few months.

(in reply to La Provence)

Post #: 11

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/13/2007 7:06:01 PM

DodgyDave

Posts: 223
Joined: 9/30/2002
Status: offline

thats fine, as long as some of these bugs are sorted out and the AI is improved :)

(in reply to chuckj118)

Post #: 12

RE: Jump in or wait? - 12/14/2007 5:43:46 PM

1LTRambo

Posts: 313
Joined: 8/31/2004
Status: offline

Getting back on track, The best thing to do is to purchase the game and play it to find out whether you will like it or not. I remember very similiar postings on the Crown of Glory forum of both positive and negative when I was trying to figure out if I should buy or not. I purchased it right away and took the time to play several start up games just to learn the game mechanics. In the case of CoG, the manuel was just enough to get you started. You still had to play it in order to figure it out. I'm sure the EiANW manuel leaves something to be desired and have read other threads where there are planned improvements. However, once you get into the game, you will probably like it. If you don't like it, then you probably would not like it even after a thousand patches.
As far as patches go, there will probably be numerous patches over the next year. But, don't wait for patches as you still need to learn the major parts of the game.

(in reply to DodgyDave)

Post #: 13