3 Questions...

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

3 Questions...

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> World in Flames >> 3 Questions...

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

3 Questions... - 1/18/2014 8:16:33 PM

Werewolf13

Posts: 511
Joined: 7/31/2005
Status: offline

Seriously considering dropping the $99 on Matrix to get WIF download/boxed version. This one takes me back to those days when I played the likes of SPI's Terrible Swift Sword, War in the West and War in the East along with AH's Guadalcanal, Longest Day, Squad Leader and my all time favorite Anzio solitaire. Which makes me ask:

1) I'm a fan of Hearts of Iron 3 with the Their Finest Hour expansion. I won't go so far as to say I'm a huge fan as it can really drag at times and be very overwhelming. That said: How would those that have played it compare it to World in Flames?

2) How long does a typical scenario played online take to complete? From the smallest to the (I'm guessing there is one) the full blown knock down drag out whole deal WWII from start to finish.

3) How does WIF play out solitaire? I believe one of the features is a solitaire mode.

_____________________________

Freedom is not free! Nor should it be. For men being men will neither fight for nor value that which is free.

Michael Andress

Post #: 1

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/18/2014 10:33:40 PM

Courtenay

Posts: 4003
Joined: 11/12/2008
Status: offline

Can't answer #1; I have only played Hearts of Iron II.

#2: Have not yet played against a human being over the internet. Playing face to face, it took several months, playing once a week for six to eight hours per session, to play the global war scenario, which is the whole war and is the longest scenario. Some things (e. g. reorganizing oil) go faster on the computer, because a computer counts much better and quicker than a human; others (e. g. moving naval units) goes slower, because a human moving units long distances on a map moves faster than doing the same movement on computer screen. Overall, I think that the times of face-to-face and on the computer are not too different. My game is going slower, but that is because I am writing an After Action Report, which takes time.

#3: I am currently playing solitaire; WiF plays very well solitaire, as there is very little hidden information, so you don't have to double think, and the game is unpredictable enough that you will not be defeating your own plans. (For example, in my current solitaire game, I am making an unexpected Japanese declaration of war, because the weather unexpectedly turned good. This is a true surprise attack, because it certainly surprises me that I am making it.

)

There is no AI. One is promised for someday, but no one expects it this year.

_____________________________

I thought I knew how to play this game....

(in reply to Werewolf13)

Post #: 2

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/19/2014 12:00:03 AM

gravyhair

Posts: 164
Joined: 3/15/2003
Status: offline

I've played HOI in all its iterations, and still do with Lothos' top-notch TRP mod. So:

#1) If you micro-manage every division in HOI3 like I do, MWiF is simpler. But you really have to pay attention to supply lines, convoy routes, etc.

#2) Playing a scenario with my regular WiF opponent will take the better part of a day. Hotseat is the only real option ATM, as they are still polishing the NetPlay MP.

#3) I play solitaire all the time, and it's great. There is no AI. They are still polishing a few bugs, but it's very playable. Highly recommended. It's very impressive to see what Steve has accomplished with this.

_____________________________

Wise Men Still Seek Him

(in reply to Courtenay)

Post #: 3

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/19/2014 3:30:50 AM

paulderynck

Posts: 8201
Joined: 3/24/2007
From: Canada
Status: offline

2) My experience is that over the board, a Global War campaign (Sept 39 to Aug 45) will take from 9 to 18 months to play, playing one day a week for 6 or 7 hours. IMO solitaire would play around 25% faster.

3) WiF is very playable solitaire, although ideally against another human is better when first learning the game as you both discover the "tricks of the trade" and spring them on each other.

_____________________________

Paul

(in reply to gravyhair)

Post #: 4

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/23/2014 7:50:00 PM

Ostwindflak

Posts: 668
Joined: 1/23/2014
From: New Hampshire
Status: offline

I am glad Werewolf posted this as I had the same question for solitaire play. I have been seriously contemplating purchasing this game to the point where I have watched almost all of the tutorial vids on You Tube in their entirety. I am skeptical though based upon how much fun it could possibly be to play a game against myself.

It seems as if it would be unfulfilling as I already know what I am going to do with one country and then move units in place to counter it. Also from what I have read on the forums, multiplayer at this time appears to be lackluster as the NetPlay is not a good platform?

(in reply to paulderynck)

Post #: 5

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/23/2014 8:20:29 PM

paulderynck

Posts: 8201
Joined: 3/24/2007
From: Canada
Status: offline

There's a confusion in terms. NetPlay means two players playing the game against each other using their own computers and connecting via the internet on a Slitherine server.

HotSeat means two players playing the game on one computer by switching whose sitting in front of it, or more elegantly as mentioned in another thread, by using more monitors to clone the screen view and connecting a second mouse (very do-able as most computers and laptops will allow screen cloning and the connection of more than one USB mouse). Plus then you have the social aspects of gaming with a friend without needing the space and preserved set-up area for the game.

Both of those are multiplayer. NetPlay is not yet "ready for prime time". Hot Seat works as well as Solitaire and Solitaire is working well enough, considering the AAR threads.

But playing solitaire WIF, it can be very surprising the stuff you don't see until you look at the board as the "other side". Plus even when you know what you are trying to do strategically as one side, there's still the challenge of making the best possible tactical response to those moves and attacks. And that's good training for playing someone else.

_____________________________

Paul

(in reply to Ostwindflak)

Post #: 6

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/23/2014 8:35:01 PM

Centuur

Posts: 8802
Joined: 6/3/2011
From: Hoorn (NED).
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: paulderynck

There's a confusion in terms. NetPlay means two players playing the game against each other using their own computers and connecting via the internet on a Slitherine server.

HotSeat means two players playing the game on one computer by switching whose sitting in front of it, or more elegantly as mentioned in another thread, by using more monitors to clone the screen view and connecting a second mouse (very do-able as most computers and laptops will allow screen cloning and the connection of more than one USB mouse). Plus then you have the social aspects of gaming with a friend without needing the space and preserved set-up area for the game.

Both of those are multiplayer. NetPlay is not yet "ready for prime time". Hot Seat works as well as Solitaire and Solitaire is working well enough, considering the AAR threads.

But playing solitaire WIF, it can be very surprising the stuff you don't see until you look at the board as the "other side". Plus even when you know what you are trying to do strategically as one side, there's still the challenge of making the best possible tactical response to those moves and attacks. And that's good training for playing someone else.

Agreed. And solitair play is also useful to get to learn the buttons and the interface. It needs a little getting used too...

_____________________________

Peter

(in reply to paulderynck)

Post #: 7

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/23/2014 9:34:29 PM

Tonqeen

Posts: 45
Joined: 1/31/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Ill try answer the #1 as I have played both HOI2 and HOI3 a lot, and also a lot in multiplayer (1vs1) where I think HOI3 is weak in compare. HOI2 where better suited for multiplay IMO. The biggest difference between HOI3 and MWiF is the prediction of the outcome of a battle, and that in MWiF you can win a battle where the odds are not so good with just a very luckily dice roll, in HOI3 the battle always goes the same way every time.

I think HOI3 is fun to play as a singlegame and try different historical outcome, but for MP I hope for MWiFs netplay and up to 3vs3 play.

(in reply to Centuur)

Post #: 8

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/23/2014 9:46:48 PM

Klydon

Posts: 2251
Joined: 11/28/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Centuur

quote:

ORIGINAL: paulderynck

There's a confusion in terms. NetPlay means two players playing the game against each other using their own computers and connecting via the internet on a Slitherine server.

HotSeat means two players playing the game on one computer by switching whose sitting in front of it, or more elegantly as mentioned in another thread, by using more monitors to clone the screen view and connecting a second mouse (very do-able as most computers and laptops will allow screen cloning and the connection of more than one USB mouse). Plus then you have the social aspects of gaming with a friend without needing the space and preserved set-up area for the game.

Both of those are multiplayer. NetPlay is not yet "ready for prime time". Hot Seat works as well as Solitaire and Solitaire is working well enough, considering the AAR threads.

But playing solitaire WIF, it can be very surprising the stuff you don't see until you look at the board as the "other side". Plus even when you know what you are trying to do strategically as one side, there's still the challenge of making the best possible tactical response to those moves and attacks. And that's good training for playing someone else.

Agreed. And solitair play is also useful to get to learn the buttons and the interface. It needs a little getting used too...

One other thing to add here.

Although you can pre-determine the weather and combat rolls if you choose, you can have all the strategic plans you want, but what happens with the weather will absolutely play a huge role in any game and it is going to be different from one game to the next. That and some dice rolls on naval combat or even ground combat can make a world of difference between what you planned to do and what will actually happen.

I had all sorts of grand plans for the Germans for the campaign in the west starting March/April. Well, the first thing that happen was the Axis lost initiative and lost the re-roll and the Allies decided to move first. The second bad thing that happen was the incredibly bad weather. The Allies went first, didn't really do a lot. The Germans decided to hope the weather would clear, so they didn't do much either. Next impulse, the Allies being in good shape all passed and the turn ended. So much for German plans and this is just one example of what can happen even with just a test game.

(in reply to Centuur)

Post #: 9

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/23/2014 10:53:43 PM

Empire101

Posts: 1950
Joined: 5/20/2008
From: Coruscant
Status: offline

Excellent points .....+1

_____________________________

Our lives may be more boring than those who lived in apocalyptic times,
but being bored is greatly preferable to being prematurely dead because of some ideological fantasy. - Michael Burleigh

(in reply to Klydon)

Post #: 10

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/24/2014 12:24:32 AM

Majorball68

Posts: 490
Joined: 11/22/2013
Status: offline

I played all the HOI versions and most games were dominated by those that employed the blob strategy. Pile everything into a single province, build lots of BB to dominate the seas and naval battles. WIF is much better tactical wise in my opinion and much better for playing solitaire.

(in reply to Empire101)

Post #: 11

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/24/2014 1:08:23 AM

Posts: 4176
Joined: 5/1/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Werewolf1326

Seriously considering dropping the $99 on Matrix to get WIF download/boxed version. This one takes me back to those days when I played the likes of SPI's Terrible Swift Sword, War in the West and War in the East along with AH's Guadalcanal, Longest Day, Squad Leader and my all time favorite Anzio solitaire. Which makes me ask:

1) I'm a fan of Hearts of Iron 3 with the Their Finest Hour expansion. I won't go so far as to say I'm a huge fan as it can really drag at times and be very overwhelming. That said: How would those that have played it compare it to World in Flames?

2) How long does a typical scenario played online take to complete? From the smallest to the (I'm guessing there is one) the full blown knock down drag out whole deal WWII from start to finish.

3) How does WIF play out solitaire? I believe one of the features is a solitaire mode.

Hi Werewolf

My name is Bo and I worked mostly on Guadalcanal as a beta tester. I do not know if you should put out 99$ or not, I know there is a lot of negativity about the game which might be scaring you off a little. I think the problem with the game is there are too many rules conflicting with each other and at times it might be overwhelming for Steve to program just right, but he has broad shoulders and he will set everything straight given time.

I am an AI guy through and through, and I will always be that because I want to play when I want to play, I pleaded to have the AI in the initial release but I have no say in that. If you were to say that MWIF could be played solo two years ago I would have put you in the nut house.

I have played Guadalcanal over and over for 2 years and every game is different if played with most of the optional rules. I am not saying it is perfect playing that way but it is doable. When you play a human opponet you can see every move he is making and can pretty much figure out what is coming next.

I believe this when playing any computer war game it is like chess, the player that gets there the fastest with the mostest WINS. You can actually play Guadalcanal and never find the other fleet or fleets in the five turn game. When Steve installs the 2 map scenarios Fascist Tide and Day of Infamy a lot of attitudes will change.

I would assume that a lot of computer war game players get a little tired of playing thru Russia over and over, so the Pacific theater is a relief, for me at least, ground war is almost the same in every game given a rule here and there, but the naval war is totally different and a shade harder to learn in MWIF.

Playing the Japanese in Guadalcanal with overwhelming power sometimes forces me turning off the computer do to bad die rolls and suffering huge losses. I have a problem, I hate to lose

While waiting for netplay to be cleared up and the AI installed you will have to learn the game and that could take a few months, once you get the interface down the game takes on a whole new face and it becomes fun.

I most likely will never play PBEM because I believe it is not workable but I could be very wrong on that one, netplay is nice but time zones are going to have a lot to say who you play and when.

If I can answer any questions about Guadalcanal I will be glad to.

Bo

(in reply to Werewolf13)

Post #: 12

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/24/2014 4:23:39 AM

WarHunter

Posts: 1207
Joined: 3/21/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bo

If I can answer any questions about Guadalcanal I will be glad to.

Bo

Bo, Its nice to see you in the forum. I mostly lurked when you were more active. But since the game has been released, i've been trying to be more friendly.

Even if we have not shared many words. Like to say Hi!

_____________________________

�We never felt like we were losing until we were actually dead.�
Marcus Luttrell

(in reply to bo)

Post #: 13

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/24/2014 8:07:07 PM

Posts: 4176
Joined: 5/1/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: WarHunter

quote:

ORIGINAL: bo

If I can answer any questions about Guadalcanal I will be glad to.

Bo

Bo, Its nice to see you in the forum. I mostly lurked when you were more active. But since the game has been released, i've been trying to be more friendly.

Even if we have not shared many words. Like to say Hi!

And Hi to you Warhunter, appreciate your kind words, I think what happened to me is when the game came out I felt a little left behind in a way. I loved doing a demo AAR and sending the Annual 98 out to anyone who wanted but now I feel kind of useless [not whining, well not yet] because I do not have the knowledge of the game and its rules like Paul, cad98, Orm, centuur, Lomyrin, Warspite, michael, AxeINL, Grotious, Extraneous and others to properly answer the questions that have been asked by the posters.

Also I feel kinda of mortified by the troubles with netplay after all the hard work put in by Steve and the beta testers, in time if given that time Steve will straighten everything out, I will say this again if it werent for Steve there would be no MWIF with its warts and all. I do not believe there is a major programer in the world who would have wanted to take Mwif on. I also believe that everything will never be perfect because of all the interlacing rules that effect every part of game play.

I read most of the posts and if I can help someone I will be glad to do so, right now I am mostly in the beta section waiting now for Steve to start the AI which I am looking forward to helping bring that to a fruitful conclusion. And probably 80 to 90 percent of the posters are looking for the AI also.

Bill

Bo

< Message edited by bo -- 1/25/2014 5:33:27 PM >

(in reply to WarHunter)

Post #: 14

RE: 3 Questions... - 1/27/2014 5:11:27 PM

Lothos

Posts: 16
Joined: 5/23/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: gravyhair

I've played HOI in all its iterations, and still do with Lothos' top-notch TRP mod. So:

#1) If you micro-manage every division in HOI3 like I do, MWiF is simpler. But you really have to pay attention to supply lines, convoy routes, etc.

#2) Playing a scenario with my regular WiF opponent will take the better part of a day. Hotseat is the only real option ATM, as they are still polishing the NetPlay MP.

#3) I play solitaire all the time, and it's great. There is no AI. They are still polishing a few bugs, but it's very playable. Highly recommended. It's very impressive to see what Steve has accomplished with this.

Been a long time since I posted on these forums, but thanks for the compliment on my AI work.

Yes at one point I was going to help with World In Flames game as well and there was some very un-official discussions about it but in the end I was not able to do it due to my NDA with Paradox as they treat my NDA a bit different than the average beta tester.

On a side note, always wondered if some US company would take notice and ask me to me to take it to a more serious level but that bridge has never been crossed. So during the day I remain a Microsoft VB.NET Development Manager and at night I am an AI LUA coding freak :)

< Message edited by Lothos -- 1/27/2014 6:13:02 PM >

(in reply to gravyhair)

Post #: 15