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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Unity of Command Series >> After Action Reports >> Very difficult for novices

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Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 6:18:44 PM

YoungAtHeart

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Joined: 11/21/2011
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Okay, I'm really a novice at strategy games although I played Panzer General and all the sequels. I recently discovered Panzer Corp and Battle Academy which are great and have an experience level. I bought Unity of Command expecting to have fun but after the tutorial and 1 easy scenario I just can't make any headway. I've just finished playing Eidelweiss for about the 10th time and I never get even close to winning. Just as I start to make headway...the game ends. This is getting extremely frustrating. There should be an introductory or easy level for those of us who just want to have fun.

Post #: 1

RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 6:28:51 PM

JudgeDredd

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From: Scotland
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What exactly is going wrong? I've won the first German mission in the Campaign each time I played it (I don't know if that's the one you are referring to)...but what's specifically going wrong for you?

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 7:19:03 PM

2xTom

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Hello,

we had several testers who reported difficulties moving forward from the intro scenario.

Typically I suggest playing the "Voronezh" scenario because you have a bunch of hard hitting units there and the turn limit is not harsh (6 turns). Do not attack frontally but try to concentrate air attacks and armor at 2 or 3 points and punch some holes in the enemy line. When you've done that, push some of your units forward to create a penetration.

I think that that once you master these basic maneuvres the game indeed is a lot of fun. Sure it's not an easy game, but when you finally get that victory, it's a very rewarding experience.

_____________________________

Tomislav Uzelac
Unity of Command Lead Developer

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Post #: 3

RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 7:39:35 PM

Hanal

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Joined: 11/1/2003
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I found that it is beneficial to study how the AI plays a turn....You can actually learn from it!

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 9:22:00 PM

YoungAtHeart

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Joined: 11/21/2011
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I keep running out of time. It seems impossible to eliminate enemy troops blocking my path and make it to the objectives before the game ends. Even when I get a break through I run out of time. In the second Axis scenario (Eidelweiss?) the game ends about 2 turns before I can get the final objective.
I started a campaign but was totally wiped out (and completely depressed) after just a few turns. Oh well, back to Panzer Corp I guess.

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 9:55:11 PM

JudgeDredd

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From: Scotland
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Well if that's your attitude I'm not going to bother spending the time trying to help you.

Clearly winning is everything and you've got to the point where you came here and posted this - I thought it was because you wanted help

Enjoy Panzer Corps - it's a good game

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Alba gu' brath

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/21/2011 10:22:39 PM

GS_Schimpf

Posts: 66
Joined: 3/21/2007
From: Germany
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This may sound stupid to you but just have another try reading the manual and give the first scenario a new go.

You should always take your time and compare the units you have fighting each other before starting an assault immediately. It is also a good start not starting to attack along the whole frontline but to find 1 or two rather weak spots in the enemies line and concentrate your attack there and only there using your strongest units in reach, supported by air if available. After you got a breakthrough you can start to exploit that gap and start cutting the enemies supply lines. This second part can be a bit tricky as you have to find the right balance between rushing through the gap and not getting this spearhead cut off by the opponents.

You should try and start over the first scenario again and again to try different approaches and to get a feeling for the games mechanics. Once you get the hang of it it starts to be really rewarding!

Good Luck and don't hesitate to ask for any more help after you tried our hints first.

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/22/2011 1:26:11 AM

dougb

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quote:

ORIGINAL: YoungAtHeart

I keep running out of time. It seems impossible to eliminate enemy troops blocking my path and make it to the objectives before the game ends. Even when I get a break through I run out of time. In the second Axis scenario (Eidelweiss?) the game ends about 2 turns before I can get the final objective.
I started a campaign but was totally wiped out (and completely depressed) after just a few turns. Oh well, back to Panzer Corp I guess.

Hi,

I was one of the beta testers on the game and can empathize with you - I got my ass kicked the first few times and I've played quite a few war games. Here's a couple of things that I found helped me quite a bit:

1) you have to keep a solid line to prevent the ai from getting in behind you and disrupting your supplies (as it will do if given the chance). However, sometimes you can leave just a couple of units behind to deal with it while the rest of your forces advance towards your objective. Never get sidetracked from getting into position so that you can take your objectives before the turns run out.

2) As mentioned earlier, when you're attacking you really want to focus on punching a hole through the enemy line and then launching your motorized and armored formations through the line. Use your air to help soften up the enemy units you want to punch through. Keep in mind that at first most of your front line infantry will be doing nothing more than staying opposite their enemy counterparts. The exception to this is on the shoulders of the penetration where you can loop infantry around behind the enemy front line.

3) Supply is critical in this game. Take a look at the map when you start out. Are there any rail lines heading in the direction of your objectives? You'll want to advance so as turn the rail line into a friendly route for your supplies, particularly when you get deep into enemy territory. Check the supply values on the map and figure out which of your supply bases should be give extended supply (clicking on the fuel icon and then on one of the bases on the map). Where are the enemy units getting their supply? convert territory so that you can cut them off from supply and form pockets.

I think if you stick with it you'll get your wins. The AI is tough, and that is a good think IMO. But it is beatable if you focus on your objectives and utilize your units properly. Learning how to do that should be the fun part!

Good luck!

Doug

(in reply to YoungAtHeart)

Post #: 8

RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/26/2011 1:09:02 AM

Duck Doc

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I know you haven't posted for a few days but I hope you keep looking here & will keep playing UoC. It is a fantastic experience even for those like you & me who are challenged by it. I just finished The Fall Blau scenario & won then read Comrade P's excellent AAR & got real disappointed. Then I used his techniques & I now see how I can win in 5 turns. I am going to have to work at it but it can be done.

The game is difficult. No question about it. My experience has taught me that when I am having trouble mastering a game it is because I am stuck in a conceptual trap. By this I mean I usually have been trying to play the way I think things should happen in the real world & forget it is a game. When I do this I usually have a hard time. I forget it is a game & I have to play by the rules. The rules rule!

The supply aspect of the game is very important & I have learned after a few games that it is imperative that I must attack down a rail line & protect that line at all costs. I must also work to disrupt the enemy's supply (rail bridges are a good target). Others have said this as well.

Also I had to learn how to adjust the tempo of my attacks so that I don't penetrate too far, too fast & must allow the AI time to withdraw. This solves a lot of problems. The AI likes to try to counterattack to disrupt attack supply but it will eventually give way if your advance has developed far enough. It has taken me a few times to get the hang of it & I am still not great at it. I find that I just keep trying things out & see how they work. It is a trial & error business for me. I don't mind. I am having fun.

My experience has also been that when I post about my difficulty with a game there are inevitably those that post they had no problem whatsoever with winning all the scenarios & campaigns the first time through. This may indeed be the case & I congratulate them. However there is no game of this caliber that has been produced that is so easy that you don't have to work at it to win. I just ignore the champions & carry on. The developers & beta testers have said the game is challenging. I believe them.

I hope you join me in struggling with the game until you get good then maybe we could play an internet game. The blind leading the blind, so to speak. Enjoy.

Like you I really loved Panzer General & thought completing PG2 to be the pinnacle of my gaming career. I played others in the series after PG2. I have Panzer Corps but don't have the time to devote to winning. I hope UoC will fill that void.

Happy hunting, regardless.

quote:

ORIGINAL: YoungAtHeart

Okay, I'm really a novice at strategy games although I played Panzer General and all the sequels. I recently discovered Panzer Corp and Battle Academy which are great and have an experience level. I bought Unity of Command expecting to have fun but after the tutorial and 1 easy scenario I just can't make any headway. I've just finished playing Eidelweiss for about the 10th time and I never get even close to winning. Just as I start to make headway...the game ends. This is getting extremely frustrating. There should be an introductory or easy level for those of us who just want to have fun.

< Message edited by Dale H -- 11/26/2011 1:10:17 AM >

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Post #: 9

RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/27/2011 6:42:20 PM

YoungAtHeart

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Joined: 11/21/2011
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Don't get me wrong. I do appreciate the assistance. I was just getting very frustrated and decided to take a break and play with something that I can beat occasionally.

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/27/2011 7:07:24 PM

Moltke71

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Yeah, it's rugged. Many of you know how long I've been playing games and I've never had more trouble than with 2nd Kharkov. I've done two things:

1. Played and easy scenario to bolster my spirits.
2. Re-read the part in Glantz' To the Gates of Stalingrad about that battle to see how the Germans did it.

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/29/2011 4:19:03 AM

Rosseau

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Or, if you are really desperate to get through a scenario, edit the unit_types xml file in your favor (just a little bit) and then go back to the original unit settings after you win.

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/30/2011 7:31:31 AM

sshenzhuzhu

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/30/2011 7:36:35 AM

sshenzhuzhu

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 11/30/2011 7:49:40 PM

YoungAtHeart

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Thanks for the tip. I modified the xml file to give me a small improvement on unit stats. After a couple of tries I finally succeeded in beating Eidelweiss. I still get beat a couple of times first but I'm having fun again.

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RE: Very difficult for novices - 12/11/2011 5:51:36 PM

cherryfunk

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I learned a great deal by watching this:

http://sugarfreegamer.com/?p=3297

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