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How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 6:48:16 PM

kentcol

Posts: 137
Joined: 7/1/2006
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I know this probably has been asked before but how did you learn to play this monster? I'm still too intimidated by this game and have yet to tackle it even though I have bought it long ago.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 6:56:36 PM

Bullwinkle58

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I played WITP first, and that had a tutorial. But AE I played the 1000 Mile War scenario to see some of the changes, then started a GC versus the AI. If you screw up nobody can see you. If you need to re-start you can. It's important to not have a feeling of perfection when playing. Just play, see what happens.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 6:58:52 PM

mind_messing

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Trial and error. Coral Sea for naval operations, Guadalcanal and 1000 Mile War as mini-scenarios, then the Marianas to tie it all together.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 7:21:23 PM

AW1Steve

Posts: 14507
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From: Mordor Illlinois
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I'd already played WITP for a while. I fell into it , and didn't play it well. When WITP AE came out , I decided "Damn it, this time I'll do it right". What that means is slooooooow and steady , methodical and through. I played all of the shorter scenarios. First I'd play one side , then the other. Then I played PBEM's against experienced player. Whenever possible I mirror played (two simultaneous games , on opposite sides so you gain knowledge of the scenario from both sides). Then I started playing the GC in PBEM's against the best players I could get to play me. About this time I started "mentoring" rookies. You learn from teaching , and often recall basic questions that you'd forgotten. The teacher is the student thru the eyes of the student. My current step is playing a GC scenario 2 against one of the toughest opponents out there, facing some pretty difficult house rules. Of course I get my head handed to me on a daily basis. But you learn far more from your defeats than victories.

My next step , after I finish this PBEM with Chickenboy will be to finally "cross over" and play the Japanese in a GC. Maybe I can find a "grand master" that will let me be a junior partner in a 2x2
GC". In my estimation , production ( which I refer to as "Factory manager in the Pacific") is the most difficult aspect to this game. Hence , when you master it , you are in good standing and eligible to join some of the "Grandmasters" in this exclusive club. (No one will admit to being one , but you'll figure out who they are).

So....I've been playing since the day the game 1st came out ,almost every day since then. I consider myself to be an advanced beginner.

Good luck and welcome grasshopper!

And I hope that you have at least as half as much fun as I have had reaching this small stage.....And I look forward to someday viewing you as a grandmaster.

(AND I'LL STILL BE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT "Factory Manager in the Pacific"!!!!)

< Message edited by AW1Steve -- 8/23/2014 8:23:21 PM >

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 7:21:58 PM

crsutton

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From: Maryland
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Find a human opponent on the same skill level as yourself and just have fun. You will pick it up fast enough. You can play pretty darn well without knowing everything. There is tons of crap that I still don't quite get but I can still play a very good game.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 8:32:49 PM

SuluSea

Posts: 2358
Joined: 11/17/2006
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Has anyone learned to play this game yet?

As most people say start with the smaller scenarios to get the basics, and move onto the Allied GC. I'm not the brightest lightbulb in the room, this game isn't as daunting as it looks. More than likely you'll still be picking up tips or tricks 5 years in.

The ride is great , enjoy!!

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 8:47:19 PM

Panjack

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Joined: 7/12/2009
From: Southern California
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Here's what I'd suggest: play just the first couple of turns of the scenarios just to learn the basic mechanics of ships, land units, and air units. Then move right to a GC versus the AI (which is playing as Japan). But ignore most of what you think you need to do. Focus only on keeping your CVs safe, moving units out of the Philippines, sending out a few subs, and organizing some sort of defense in the Philippines and around Singapore. But don't be too diligent. Your little digital sailors and soldiers will forgive your mistakes and omissions; they are very gracious.

Don't study the complete manual but only look at what you need to accomplish basic tasks. Bookmark this in your browser:
site:matrixgames.com/forums + "War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition" XXXX.

Here, XXXX is what you need to learn about.

You'll make lots of mistakes and won't figure out how to do some things, but you'll be moving forward with the game, which should be your #1 goal. Over time, move to dealing with other things...setting up training groups, moving supplies/fuel, repairing ships, sending units out to defend key locations, etc. At some point you'll want to restart a new game, maybe one "for real."

Because of my schedule it took be a couple of years (in real life) to get beyond the first couple of turns. Now I'm still working on a game I started over a year ago but am only in April 1943. Every couple weeks (in game time) I decide to learn something new. I still know only about 25% of what I need to know to play the game. But it's a blast.

< Message edited by Panjack -- 8/23/2014 9:58:42 PM >

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 10:02:27 PM

RogerJNeilson

Posts: 1277
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From: Bedlington, Northumberland, UK
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If you expect to learn this game before you play it then its not for you. I have been playing it since it appeared and am still learning stuff on a daily basis.

That is part of its charm.

Just jump in, make mistakes and ask here on the forum - 99% of people will be very helpful if you ask questions in the right way.

Roger

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/23/2014 10:08:30 PM

kentcol

Posts: 137
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Thanks,guys. Feel a little better about starting! :)

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 3:55:38 AM

Numdydar

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I took the road less traveled and just started playing the game as Japan. Still have not played past Dec '41 as the Allies yet

. Played three full games as Japan including a PBEM though

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Post #: 10

RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 7:00:00 AM

rockmedic109

Posts: 2390
Joined: 5/17/2005
From: Citrus Heights, CA
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I am not sure I can say that I've learned to play this game. I know enough to be able to play it and enjoy it. But "learning" to play this game is still a work in progress.

I started by playing Uncommon Valor. Then I played WITP since it came out. I've played AE since it came out. But I am still learning it.

I went against the common sense of most people {typical since I have very little}. I fired up the Grand Campaign and played for a month. That way I learn from mistakes. And I learned the map as well. The sheer size of the map was the most intimdating part of learning.

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Post #: 11

RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 10:01:17 AM

LargeSlowTarget

Posts: 4443
Joined: 9/23/2000
From: Hessen, Germany - now living in France
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I'm playing Pacific War games since "Guadalcanal" on the C64 and like many went through the predecessors Uncommon Valor and WitP Classic - and I am still intimidated by AE

The best (and probably only) approach is probably "Learning by doing" and "The path is the goal" - but the path is long, winding and always uphill...

I also have learned a few things from other player's mistakes / achievements reported in AARs and there are severel useful guides and link collections on this forum.

< Message edited by LargeSlowTarget -- 8/24/2014 11:01:49 AM >

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 10:55:26 AM

Trugrit

Posts: 947
Joined: 7/14/2014
From: North Carolina
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I think that the reason I like it so much is that I�ve yet to learn all of it.

This game is like an onion, you peel away a layer and you discover another layer.

I learned what I know by jumping right in. I started pushing buttons and reading the manual and forum.
Learn the mechanics. See a button, push it, see what it does and then go read about it.

You can learn a lot using the forum. You have to dig and read and try things out.
Now, I�m studying up on Japan. Another big layer awaits PBEM.

Have fun.

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Post #: 13

RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 2:32:27 PM

szmike

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Imho the hardest thing to learn is not game mechanics, it is to apply that knowledge correctly to achieve your goals. And that can be gained through experience only and mainly in PBEMs.

AndyMac vs PZB old WitP AARs come to mind.

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Post #: 14

RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 5:58:05 PM

Richard III

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Very valuable learning vids here:

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2353946

and VS AI Game here: http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2940156
Some things in the 2010 AI GC above may have changed due to patches/upgrades.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 6:16:16 PM

geofflambert

Posts: 14863
Joined: 12/23/2010
From: St. Louis
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You need to play a PBEM against a gorn. I would teach you many lessons.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 7:17:13 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
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Just know that the forum is where you'll learn the most. Play, make mistakes, ask questions. When you post make sure to include a lot of (pertinent) information so other players can really get a sense for what is going on. We've all been looking at this beast of a game and thinking the same thing, "will I ever get it?" Probably not, but you'll have a hell of a lot of fun and meet some good people in the process.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 9:37:31 PM

Dili

Posts: 4708
Joined: 9/10/2004
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It helps knowing about war and specifically about WW2 and its hardware: what type of planes, ships and their capabilities. If you don't know that already you start with an handicap.

The best way to understand the game is to play the small scenarios and read this forum and historical sites- if you lack that part.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/24/2014 10:39:58 PM

wdolson

Posts: 10398
Joined: 6/28/2006
From: Near Portland, OR
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I started learning on Uncommon Valor back in the day, but I'm still learning tid bits here and there and I was on the development team for AE!

It's like learning anything complex, it takes time, but eventually you figure things out. You still encounter new things from time to time, but the basics stick with you. First step is to get your arms around the basics. Asking questions on the forum helps a lot. There are also some very good threads here. For most players, the AI is a good set of training wheels. Start with some of the small scenarios and work your way up. The basic game mechanics will become natural after a game or two of the small scenarios. Then it's a matter of learning the little details and honing strategy, which can take a while. Enjoy the learning process. It can be a joy all in itself.

Bill

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/25/2014 12:45:45 PM

leehunt27@bloomberg.net

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One of the most important things to learn is all the settings for a Carrier Task Force. You might make mistakes with Japanese production/economy, or routing your land units, but the mistake that will make you angry is when you set your fighters to 100% cap on a CV and then leave your torpedo bombers at extended range unescorted with no Nav Search. Once you know you aren't going to accidently lose your fleet in the next few rounds its easier to progress on the logistics

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/25/2014 3:20:25 PM

geofflambert

Posts: 14863
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From: St. Louis
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I would stay away from playing the Japanese while you're learning. Playing them is at least twice as complicated as playing the Allies. Plus you'll win a lot

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/27/2014 8:01:34 PM

Thayne

Posts: 748
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I built my inexperience into the game itself. I started with a grand campaign, allies against the AI. I knew I would make mistakes. But, then, the allies made mistakes. I would learn over time and improve.

The way it is now, it's as if the Allies were all ready with everybody at the starting line ready to launch the perfect plan the instant the first bomb dropped.

However, the allies stumbled for the first few months. It took until February until they started to change from reacting to acting. It took until May until pilots stationed in Hawaii actually began to spend some of their time training.

Learning is just another facet of the game.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/27/2014 8:53:22 PM

pontiouspilot

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I would dive in but until you have mastered the bare basics ignore those on here who worry about the strength of a Zero air-frame vs. an Oscar or whether upgrading a 4 piper DD to 1 of 4 variants is important. In other words don't sweat the trivial details until you master the big ones. I'm not convinced that many of the details you hear learned ones discuss herein make any difference to play and enjoyability.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/27/2014 8:55:06 PM

Mike Solli

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I started way back in Uncommon Valor, which I dabbled with while waiting for WitP. I got WitP when it came out. I was at mob station getting ready to deploy when I downloaded it. For the next year, I had no access to the Matrix website (gaming sites on government computers don't mix well), so I learned the Japanese side against the AI, with lots and lots of spreadsheets. I started with just a few facets of the game (GC) and restarted over and over until I added in everything. I restarted at least a dozen times and only made it to 1 Jan 42 once. When I came home, I looked around for a novice American, met tc464 and started a PBEM with him. We got into mid-42 when the Guard dragged me away again, once again with no access at all for the most part. When I came home, we restarted with patch 2 (a pretty major patch). We got to mid-43 when AE came out and restarted yet again. I deployed again, with internet access this time, and continued with the game. When I came home, this Spring, I took some time off, but we're at it again. This is a lifelong learning event.

By the way guys, I just sent Ted my turn, so I'll start updating my PBEM soon.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/27/2014 9:07:08 PM

nashvillen

Posts: 3836
Joined: 7/3/2006
From: Christiana, TN
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The old dos PacWar, skipped over Uncommon Valor, then at the 2006 Origins (I believe it was that year as it is when I joined this BBS) a kind gentlemen known here as Mogami showed me WitP. I immediately saw that it came from PacWar and bought it. Once AE came out, I didn't hesitate. Jumped right into the campaign and immediately got lost. But, I just concentrated on one thing at a time, learned it against the AI and moved on to the next. Didn't get into PBEM until my friend rjopel suggested it at Origins one year. We had a couple of miss fires and had to start over, but we have made it to Novemeber of 1945 in our current campaign. We will start another soon after this one is done, but in the mean time I have won one other PBEM by surrender in June of 42 by the Allies as the Japanese, and am currently in a 3x2 game in August of 42 and about to start a RA 7.0 2x2 with rjopel as my partner.

< Message edited by nashvillen -- 8/27/2014 10:07:47 PM >

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/28/2014 1:08:55 AM

geofflambert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I would dive in but until you have mastered the bare basics ignore those on here who worry about the strength of a Zero air-frame vs. an Oscar or whether upgrading a 4 piper DD to 1 of 4 variants is important. In other words don't sweat the trivial details until you master the big ones. I'm not convinced that many of the details you hear learned ones discuss herein make any difference to play and enjoyability.

I fully enjoy losing whether it is because I don't know all the details of this game or because I'm just one big dumb-ass.

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/28/2014 1:42:23 AM

pontiouspilot

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Oh, and make sure your mother approves reading and viewing "soft Gorn"...mercifully there is evidently no hard Gorn!

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/28/2014 11:25:06 AM

wegman58

Posts: 460
Joined: 12/28/2013
From: Edina, MN (FROM the Bronx)
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Do they still have Origins? Is it still in Baltimore? If I remember correctly it was the Avalon Hill 'convention' and they have gone the way of the dodo. Or is my memory faulty?

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/28/2014 12:24:24 PM

Banzan

Posts: 288
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From: Bremen, Germany
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I owned the game for quite some time and re-installed it every xyz months, just to give up after some hours again. Then i stumbled into sardaukars(spelling?) newbie thread playing the first month as an allied players against the "AI". Replayed it serveral times with more and more changes and moved on from there. :)

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RE: How Did You Learn? - 8/28/2014 3:00:21 PM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
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The biggest challenge in a monster game like this is developing a turn by turn regimen.

I play Allies so I have never had to introduce regimens for monitoring the economy or R&D.

I start each turn by reviewing the Ops report:

Identify all bases that upgrade that turn and see which ones need altering.
Look over and be familiar with what LCUs upgraded devices last turn.
Go to each newly arriving unit and assign it orders.

Exit the Ops report.

Go to map, start in Alaska and work my way clockwise around the map addressing naval, air and land unit orders being sure to check all off map bases for arrivals that need new orders.

Compartmentalize each theater and it isn't as overwhelming as it seems. At least after the first turn.

The first turn can be grueling. 4-6 hours into issuing first turn orders I'm still in the DEI and thinking I still have India, Burma and China to go and start feeling like I will never finish.

Perseverance is what is required to get past the first turn. After that, unless you are mounting a huge complex op the turns go much faster.

Each person develops their own play style in a game as huge as this, but basics that need to be addressed are the same for everyone.

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