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Does this manual actually teach you how to play?

 
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Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/1/2014 9:33:45 PM   
FroBodine


Posts: 872
Joined: 5/5/2007
From: Brentwood, California (not the OJ one)
Status: offline 		I bought World in Flames, and the three huge manuals that came with it. I had never played WiF before, and the Matrix manuals were written in a way that completely baffled me. It explained game screens, but did not really teach you how to play the game. And, the instructions were very scattered over the three books, and not in a nice flowing manner.

However, this WitW manual looks very good. Does it have actual examples of how to do things in the UI? Most good board wargame manuals have detailed examples of most of the instructions, and usually a comprehensive detailed example of gameplay that runs through a couple turns.

Does the WitW manual have anything like that? Will this manual take someone brand new to this series, and really teach them how to play?

What about tutorials? How many are in the game, and are they comprehensive in explaining all game mechanics?

I really want to get into this game, but WiF really turned me off with its nearly incomprehensible (to me) manuals.

Thank you very much!
Post #: 1
RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/1/2014 10:41:02 PM   
carlkay58

 

Posts: 8650
Joined: 7/25/2010
Status: offline 		The manual itself details the options that are available to you through the interface. There are, however, some one page summaries and some video tutorials that do discuss the 'how' to string the options together to do something. Also check out the AARs - Shermanny has a good AAR that is also part tutorial available on this forum.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/1/2014 11:10:24 PM   
Erik Rutins

 

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Status: offline 		I think the manual is very comprehensive. In addition, there is an easier to digest Player's Handbook with various one page guides as a starting point and five tutorial videos. My suggestion is starting with the Tutorial Videos and Player's Handbook, then once you have the basics down, the manual will give you the details and take you to the next level.

Regards,

- Erik


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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 7:19:52 AM   
RedLancer


Posts: 4314
Joined: 11/16/2005
From: UK
Status: offline 		I can't echo Erik's comments enough.  We have tried really hard to make the game, massive and complicated as it is, easy to get into in.  The early versions of the tutorials and handbook have themselves been tested - beta testers used them to learn how to play the game before the manual was finished.

I'd like to add two other things - the Player's Handbook is 'home printing' friendly - it is short and has a topic per page - so if you don't want to know about weather you don't have to print that page.  The other thing is that none of the documentation has been written as a WitE to WitW conversion guide.  WitE players will no doubt pick up the game a lot quicker but my Big Difference posts are there to highlight that some things needs learning afresh. 

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 9:22:17 AM   
gerardo

 

Posts: 53
Joined: 3/12/2014
From: Italy
Status: offline 		OK so there are only video tutorials or also a little 'scenario' tutorial? If there isn't one, wich one is the easier to play for a novice?

Thanks, Gerardo

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 9:33:51 AM   
RedLancer


Posts: 4314
Joined: 11/16/2005
From: UK
Status: offline 		There are two introductory scenarios - Op Husky and a four turn strategic Air Campaign.  We recommend you start with Op Husky.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 10:28:42 AM   
gerardo

 

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Status: offline 		Great, thank you.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 1:41:48 PM   
FroBodine


Posts: 872
Joined: 5/5/2007
From: Brentwood, California (not the OJ one)
Status: offline 		Thank you for the comments, guys. I cannot imagine a few one-page guides could be enough to explain how to play this massive game. Could you please post a couple of these for us to look at?

How long are each of the five video tutorials, please?

Many examples of play in the manual, and a detailed walkthrough of a couple turns showing how to do things (move units, attack, set air missions, move supply, etc.) is always the best way to teach a game, in my opinion. It might be just the way I learn, but I learn best by reading instructions, then reading/watching examples of these instructions played out. This is what I have hoped this game would provide.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 2:20:06 PM   
RedLancer


Posts: 4314
Joined: 11/16/2005
From: UK
Status: offline 		I'm logged on at work enjoying a traditional british tea break so can't answer all of your questions exactly as you would wish. 

Actually the real game basics are pretty simple - auto air directive setting and then moving and fighting - it's the nuances that are difficult.   As I wrote the Player's Handbook I can be more enlightening.  I've posted the basic text from the start below together with the topic and one page guide headings.  Most of the one page guides are cartoon strips - I can promise I have stuufed as much info on a page that space and eyesight allows. 

The tutorials were done by Joel - they are video of him playing with a commentary but off the top of my head can't say how long they are.

Intro to Players Handbook (abridged) 
 
Aim.  The aim of the Player’s Handbook is to explain as quickly as possible how to get the most enjoyment from WitW.  Whilst the WitW Game Manual is focused on describing how everything works in intricate detail the Player’s Handbook is all about how to understand the Game as a Player and providing some helpful advice.  Not all aspects of gameplay are covered.  In terms of learning a new language the Player’s Handbook is the Phrase Book – the Game Manual is the Dictionary.

Structure.  The Player’s Handbook consists of stand alone pages; each concentrates on a broad topic e.g. Basic Movement and Combat.  The topics have been grouped into two levels of competency.  The first level is for Beginners as they tackle the Operation Husky Introductory Scenario.  As you encounter each stage of Op Husky you should find that the next Topic roughly corresponds to the situation you are in.  Only the information that is required to complete the Introductory scenario with reasonable success on difficulty level ‘Easy’ has been included.  For example the first topic helps you start the game and the next two explain the Player Interface, Map and Units.  The Topics are not always precise instructions on what to do – you need to play and explore.  The second group of topics are for Competent Players and explores further those skills which are fundamental to successful play. There are also eleven One Page Guides which are simple graphic aide memoires.  If you print nothing else – print these.  The One Page Guides tell you what to do and the Handbook gives you the supporting information.  The last four One Page Guides provide a number of ‘Ready Reckoners’ to help simplify decision making for this complex game.

Style.  To maximise limited space the Player’s Handbook has been written concisely.  To help those who are not native English speakers simple words and grammar are used.  Like the Manual the numbers in brackets e.g. (5.4.12) are references to the related section of the Game Manual.  In most cases the Player’s Handbook will not explain any calculations, how or why a function works.  To get that detail you must read the Manual.  At least you know where to look!

BEGINNER
1.  Starting the Game                                  
2.  Game Interface and the Map                   
3.  Understanding Units                               
4.  Air Phase Intro & Auto AD Creation          
5.  Basic Movement and Combat                   
6.  Invasions & Amphibious Ops                   
7.  Airborne Operations                               
8.  Moving Air Groups & Airbases                
9.  Introduction to Logistics                         

COMPETENT
10.  Weather                                             
11.  Manual Air Directive Creation                
12.  Managing Leaders and Order of Battle   
13.  Other Factors in Combat                      
14.  East Front Box and Garrisons                
15.  Victory Points                                      
16.  Managing Logistics                              
17.  Reinforcements,
Production & Replacements                        
18.  Using the Comd’s Report                      
19.  Metrics                                               

ONE PAGE GUIDES
#1.    Getting Started                                 
#2.    Basic Combat & Movement                
#3.    Invasions                                         
#4.    Air Transfer and Airbases                  
#5.    Logistics                                           
#6.    Manual Air Directives                         
#7.    Hotkey Summary                              
#8.    Production                                        
#9.    Air Planning Ready Reckoner              
#10.  Combat Ready Reckoner                    
#11.  Logistics Ready Reckoner                   


< Message edited by Red Lancer -- 12/2/2014 3:21:30 PM >

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 3:52:49 PM   
FroBodine


Posts: 872
Joined: 5/5/2007
From: Brentwood, California (not the OJ one)
Status: offline 		Thank you very much, John. This all sounds great.

I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but I want to know what I am getting into if I buy this game. I don't have unlimited game time, so I am hoping this game is documented very well, and I can learn it without having to scour forums for hours on end.

What do you mean the one page guides are cartoon strips? Are you just talking about the layout as being like a comic book, like frame by frame? Or, do you mean they are simple cartoony pictures with some basic advice on how to do things?

< Message edited by jglazier -- 12/2/2014 4:53:35 PM >

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Post #: 10
RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 4:03:03 PM   
RedLancer


Posts: 4314
Joined: 11/16/2005
From: UK
Status: offline 		I know exactly how you feel and it is for people like yourself that I created the Handbook. The WitW Manual is excellent but at 300+ pages can be daunting.

The One Page Guides are mainly screenshots showing what you should be looking at and then explaining either what you need to do or what you are seeing means.  Some have blue arrows showing where to click.  They have numbered boxes to take you through the process step by step.  I'll post a screenshot when I get home.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 6:49:00 PM   
RedLancer


Posts: 4314
Joined: 11/16/2005
From: UK
Status: offline 		Here you go ... I've done it as a screen capture so some of the quality has been lost.




Attachment (1)

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 7:01:28 PM   
FroBodine


Posts: 872
Joined: 5/5/2007
From: Brentwood, California (not the OJ one)
Status: offline 		That is beautiful, and looks to be just the thing to help learn the game. Excellent work!

One thing - in the #2 Air Planning Phase section, it says, "The second method is where the human player creates their own air directives (see One Page Guide #2)". This screenshot IS One Page Guide #2, and it only shows the simple air planning description. Is this an error in the guide, or is there another One Page Guide #2 that shows the manual air directive planning?

Great job. I think I will definitely be asking my wife for this for Christmas, now!


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Post #: 13
RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 7:07:52 PM   
Banquet

 

Posts: 1184
Joined: 8/23/2002
From: England
Status: offline 		The manual and one page guides look really good. It's also nice to be able to get a hard copy manual. This is a day one purchase for me.

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Post #: 14
RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 7:39:07 PM   
jhdeerslayer


Posts: 1194
Joined: 5/25/2002
From: Michigan
Status: offline 		+1

I haven't WitE in a long time but me thinks I will be WitW soon. Nice work on the guides. Actually knowing these exist helped pull me back in...

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 7:50:28 PM   
RedLancer


Posts: 4314
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jglazier

That is beautiful, and looks to be just the thing to help learn the game. Excellent work!

One thing - in the #2 Air Planning Phase section, it says, "The second method is where the human player creates their own air directives (see One Page Guide #2)". This screenshot IS One Page Guide #2, and it only shows the simple air planning description. Is this an error in the guide, or is there another One Page Guide #2 that shows the manual air directive planning?

Great job. I think I will definitely be asking my wife for this for Christmas, now!




My mistake it should have been #6 for Manual ADs. I was in your position when WitE released and my wife bought it for me for Xmas. I've never looked back but I have a sneaking suspicion she doesn't share my enthusiasm for Matrix/2by3 games.







< Message edited by Red Lancer -- 12/2/2014 9:31:56 PM >

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 8:33:16 PM   
gerardo

 

Posts: 53
Joined: 3/12/2014
From: Italy
Status: offline 		Agree, great job, thank you.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/2/2014 9:36:05 PM   
Delaware

 

Posts: 212
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Status: offline 		Looks awesome. Thank you~!!!!!

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/3/2014 2:26:06 AM   
Wild


Posts: 364
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Status: offline 		The game and manual look great!

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/3/2014 3:45:28 AM   
Duck Doc


Posts: 693
Joined: 6/9/2004
Status: offline 		The manual preview has been very reassuring to me. I had a lot of problems understanding the WitE manual even after multiple readings. Now this may not be the fault of the manual entirely however. Regardless I find the WitW manual easily comprehensible. The section on Logistics has me really excited about the model used. I seem to be able to get my head around the concepts and I believe the way the ideas are presented has a lot to do with it. On the other hand the prospect of running an entire air campaign has me quaking in my boots. I'll take it slow. Thanks much for the preview.

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Post #: 20
RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/3/2014 7:09:18 PM   
Grotius


Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline 		So the digital download includes a PDF manual, right? The bound manual is an optional additional purchase?

Edit: Found my answer in the "invade your bookshelf" thread. PDF included with download; bound manual sold separately.

< Message edited by Grotius -- 12/3/2014 8:15:32 PM >

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/3/2014 11:16:51 PM   
Dorb


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Status: offline 		Sweet. Looks like Xmas gift going to come early this year.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 2:34:02 AM   
gexmex

 

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From: Nashville, TN
Status: offline 		Is the "Players Handbook" part of the hardbound manual, or is it only available digitally?

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 3:07:00 AM   
balto

 

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From: Maryland
Status: offline 		This is a great thread. I also need a great manual to get my head around things and enjoy. I will wait a while and see what new players think of the manual, but that screenshot look very promising.

JGlazier, you would die if you bought AGEOD games. Incomplete documentation, nothing explained correctly, no one really knows anything - freaking disaster.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 6:59:50 AM   
RedLancer


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quote:

ORIGINAL: gexmex

Is the "Players Handbook" part of the hardbound manual, or is it only available digitally?


It is only available digitally but I designed it specifically with home printing in mind.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 1:07:30 PM   
gexmex

 

Posts: 150
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Lancer



It is only available digitally but I designed it specifically with home printing in mind.


Thank you sir

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 4:50:32 PM   
mariandavid

 

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 5:28:49 PM   
FroBodine


Posts: 872
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From: Brentwood, California (not the OJ one)
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quote:

ORIGINAL: balto

This is a great thread. I also need a great manual to get my head around things and enjoy. I will wait a while and see what new players think of the manual, but that screenshot look very promising.

JGlazier, you would die if you bought AGEOD games. Incomplete documentation, nothing explained correctly, no one really knows anything - freaking disaster.


Hahaha. I own a few AGEOD games, and enjoy Alea Jacta Est and Wars in America 2 the most. I had to watch a bunch of videos to even begin to understand those games. The AJE manual is not horrible, but I know what you are talking about.

Anyway, this is WitW, and the manual and game guides appear to be a masterpiece.

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Post #: 28
RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/4/2014 10:41:12 PM   
Sabre Man

 

Posts: 10
Joined: 10/28/2013
From: Norway
Status: offline 		There is a great video on YouTube by Slitherine playing Husky. It demonstrates how to actually play the game, what to focus on, which buttons to press in which order, which to me is the best tutorial.

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RE: Does this manual actually teach you how to play? - 12/5/2014 7:52:31 AM   
gerardo

 

Posts: 53
Joined: 3/12/2014
From: Italy
Status: offline 		Just bought the game, total newbie here, never played Wite even if i'm playing wargames (both PC and boardgames) since the 70'. The game is great and the video tutorials very well done. Looking forward to spend some quality time with this monster of a game.

Thank you.



Gerardo

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