RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy?

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy?

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] >> Desert War 1940 - 1942 >> RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy?

Page: << < prev 1 [2] 3 4 5 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 8:18:48 AM

Erik2

Posts: 786
Joined: 11/2/2000
From: Oslo, Norway
Status: offline

A couple of suggestions for small-scale scenarios that may utilize a part of the Compass-map (and OOB).
Operation Brevity, the fore-runner to Battleaxe.
Operation Skorpion, Rommel's counter-attack after Brevity.

And now for something completly different.
I miss the railroad in Egypt. Would add some decor even if there is no rail functionality (which would be nice for transporting units from Alex due west).

(in reply to bcgames)

Post #: 31

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 12:33:54 PM

stuart3

Posts: 193
Joined: 9/4/2014
Status: offline

Intending to buy this game eventually, I recently paid more attention than I had previously to the product requirements and was very surprised by the final one, "Desert War also requires Java -1.7 or better to be installed".

I have long since lost count of the number of magazine articles I have read warning of the security vulnerabilities involved with Java and recommending readers to uninstall it from their PCs. I followed that advice a long time ago and won't re-install Java just so that I can add another game to my collection.

(in reply to Erik2)

Post #: 32

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 12:55:02 PM

Searry

Posts: 848
Joined: 1/24/2014
Status: offline

If the Java thing is true, I am definitely staying away forever then.

(in reply to stuart3)

Post #: 33

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 2:31:18 PM

Saint Ruth

Posts: 1070
Joined: 12/16/2009
Status: offline

Oh, java (JRE9) is far more secure than it used to be.
By the by, java is still the most popular business language. In my day job I write java for telecoms. If it's good enough for the major telcos like AT&T it can't be all bad. ;-)

But as to the question: if you don't want to install java, then no, you can't play this game.

(in reply to Searry)

Post #: 34

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 2:37:58 PM

zakblood

Posts: 22687
Joined: 10/4/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Searry

If the Java thing is true, I am definitely staying away forever then.

old news and if your on windows xp, 7 or 8 either, it's has more holes and bugs than older previous versions of Java ever did, so having a firewall and AV made by whoever, made no point, if the errors was going past it at the O/S level.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/java-security-risk/

old version then maybe i'd agree if i was using xp, win 7 or 8 etc,.

but new version and win 10, nope, not an issue anymore

(in reply to Searry)

Post #: 35

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 4:05:48 PM

stuart3

Posts: 193
Joined: 9/4/2014
Status: offline

Properly used, Java isn't unsafe per se. But it isn't updated often enough and, the last I heard, it still doesn't auto-update. That means that it is a wonderful tool for professionals who have protocols in place to keep all of their applications up to date, and a ticking bomb for ordinary mortals who tend to load their software and leave it running, getting more and more out of date and more and more vulnerable.

I have never read an article about it that said that the operating system makes a difference, and these publications know that most of their readers use win 10.

If you do decide to use it, download it only from it's own site. Don't trust third party sites.

(in reply to zakblood)

Post #: 36

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 7:28:33 PM

Saint Ruth

Posts: 1070
Joined: 12/16/2009
Status: offline

Unless you disable it, by default it checks for an update once a week.

quote:

If you do decide to use it, download it only from it's own site. Don't trust third party sites.

True for java and true for all software!

(in reply to stuart3)

Post #: 37

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 8:04:24 PM

zakblood

Posts: 22687
Joined: 10/4/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: stuart3

Properly used, Java isn't unsafe per se. But it isn't updated often enough and, the last I heard, it still doesn't auto-update. That means that it is a wonderful tool for professionals who have protocols in place to keep all of their applications up to date, and a ticking bomb for ordinary mortals who tend to load their software and leave it running, getting more and more out of date and more and more vulnerable.

I have never read an article about it that said that the operating system makes a difference, and these publications know that most of their readers use win 10.

If you do decide to use it, download it only from it's own site. Don't trust third party sites.

Java updates now all the time and is a auto one as long as you don't disable it.

and most who moan about Java being unsafe, still use out of date and unsupported O/S is what i mean, so there opinions don't count

(in reply to stuart3)

Post #: 38

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 5/28/2018 8:59:59 PM

stuart3

Posts: 193
Joined: 9/4/2014
Status: offline

quote:

and most who moan about Java being unsafe, still use out of date and unsupported O/S

So that would be Vista and previous O/S?

quote:

so there opinions don't count

Duly noted that the opinions that I have gained from publications such as Computer Active, Web User, and various other computing magazines don't count.

(in reply to zakblood)

Post #: 39

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/3/2018 9:26:24 AM

Smirfy

Posts: 1057
Joined: 7/16/2004
Status: offline

I have not bought it yet because it is not on Steam. No Steam no buy

(in reply to stuart3)

Post #: 40

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/8/2018 12:45:29 AM

wodin

Posts: 10762
Joined: 4/20/2003
From: England
Status: offline

Personally the scale. I prefer tactical games. Next I have a phobia of big stacks..and Desert War looks like it has big stacks:)

Also even if it's purely chrome I do like to see casualties counted per soldier etc, thats not a no buy killer but something that may make me buy or at least take a good look at. Again silly really, but hey ho.

_____________________________

My website

https://www.awargamersneedfulthings.co.uk/

(in reply to laska2k8)

Post #: 41

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/8/2018 1:56:07 PM

James Taylor

Posts: 638
Joined: 2/8/2002
From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Status: offline

Ditto the too many units and large stacks, terrain and unit information gets lost.

Personally, I prefer battalion size units in this theater, much like SPI's PanzerArmee Afrika and AH's Afrika Korps.

_____________________________

SeaMonkey

(in reply to wodin)

Post #: 42

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/8/2018 5:47:39 PM

Searry

Posts: 848
Joined: 1/24/2014
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: zakblood

quote:

ORIGINAL: stuart3

Properly used, Java isn't unsafe per se. But it isn't updated often enough and, the last I heard, it still doesn't auto-update. That means that it is a wonderful tool for professionals who have protocols in place to keep all of their applications up to date, and a ticking bomb for ordinary mortals who tend to load their software and leave it running, getting more and more out of date and more and more vulnerable.

I have never read an article about it that said that the operating system makes a difference, and these publications know that most of their readers use win 10.

If you do decide to use it, download it only from it's own site. Don't trust third party sites.

Java updates now all the time and is a auto one as long as you don't disable it.

and most who moan about Java being unsafe, still use out of date and unsupported O/S is what i mean, so there opinions don't count

There is absolutely no reason to let obsolete and unsafe stuff like Java or Flash to infest your computer. For gods sake developers! Use modern stuff! Is it really too much to ask to keep up with the times?
Even AV's exploit you nowadays with "signing" your emails without asking and hiding the option to remove it in a mess of UIs or they send you spam mails trying to advertise their product.

< Message edited by Searry -- 6/8/2018 5:48:28 PM >

(in reply to zakblood)

Post #: 43

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/8/2018 6:45:41 PM

DonCzirr

Posts: 464
Joined: 10/3/2014
Status: offline

It wasn't released on IOS.

I have plenty of games on PC that cover the Desert War but not on IOS.

Port it there and future games with this engine and I'll buy.

_____________________________

Man schl�gt jemanden mit der Faust und nicht mit gespreizten Fingern !

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100032812112896

(in reply to Searry)

Post #: 44

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/9/2018 3:02:27 AM

gabeeg

Posts: 292
Joined: 11/18/2009
Status: offline

I plan on buying it, maybe D-day sale or Holiday sale, but it was not an instant buy due to the theater...not that I mind the desert...but I have a few games that cover the desert and I prefer west front more (east front as well...but I have a ton of those). I have a back log of operational games right now. I do look forward to getting this eventually.

(in reply to DonCzirr)

Post #: 45

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/9/2018 8:59:37 PM

milkweg

Posts: 546
Joined: 7/23/2007
Status: offline

I bought it just yesterday but if I wasn't going to buy it it would be because the game requires Java. I like to run a tight ship and that means preferably no Java on my PC.

(in reply to gabeeg)

Post #: 46

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/11/2018 7:28:38 AM

laska2k8

Posts: 556
Joined: 11/18/2005
From: Italy
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: DonCzirr

It wasn't released on IOS.

I have plenty of games on PC that cover the Desert War but not on IOS.

Port it there and future games with this engine and I'll buy.

quote:

There is absolutely no reason to let obsolete and unsafe stuff like Java or Flash to infest your computer. For gods sake developers! Use modern stuff! Is it really too much to ask to keep up with the times?
Even AV's exploit you nowadays with "signing" your emails without asking and hiding the option to remove it in a mess of UIs or they send you spam mails trying to advertise their product.

< Message edited by Searry -- 6/8/2018 5:48:28 PM >

quote:

ORIGINAL: milkweg

I bought it just yesterday but if I wasn't going to buy it it would be because the game requires Java. I like to run a tight ship and that means preferably no Java on my PC.

java is a developer framework and a dev language not different from c++, php or python, android apps are java based. The web in front of you probably have some internal javascript code because is reliant and fast.

The 14 most popular programming languages, according to a study of 100,000 developers

explanation

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by laska2k8 -- 6/11/2018 9:39:54 AM >

_____________________________

"Sa vida pro sa Patria"

(in reply to DonCzirr)

Post #: 47

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/12/2018 4:16:55 AM

Rosseau

Posts: 2757
Joined: 9/13/2009
Status: offline

Unity isn't even listed, or is that not a PL?

(in reply to laska2k8)

Post #: 48

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/12/2018 9:52:54 AM

laska2k8

Posts: 556
Joined: 11/18/2005
From: Italy
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Rosseau

Unity isn't even listed, or is that not a PL?

Unity internal coding language is C#

< Message edited by laska2k8 -- 6/12/2018 9:53:30 AM >

_____________________________

"Sa vida pro sa Patria"

(in reply to Rosseau)

Post #: 49

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 6/12/2018 6:00:39 PM

jacktimes2

Posts: 153
Joined: 7/11/2015
From: NY
Status: offline

Honestly, I got very busy with work and completely missed the release date. I plan to buy it next month when things slow down.

(in reply to laska2k8)

Post #: 50

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/6/2018 3:05:38 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

As others have said, the one and ONLY reason I did not buy this was the lack of a campaign game. I just find it hard to believe that when this was being developed that no one said, "What about a campaign scenario?" as that would have been the first thing I would have thought of.

The fact that one was not included with the game just screams "We don't care what people want." Or worse, "Since we know everyone will want a campaign scenario, let's make the campaign a DLC and make even more money from our saps. Whoops, customers." I know that is not true, but that is how it makes me feel anyway.

Unfortunately they are right in the fact that I would buy the base game and a campaign DLC. It would piss me off, but I would still do it simply because it would be the only game with the detail for this theater/time period.

(in reply to jacktimes2)

Post #: 51

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/6/2018 9:55:02 PM

johng5155

Posts: 48
Joined: 12/3/2007
From: Kentucky
Status: offline

I broke down and bought the game after all, and gotta say it is pretty darn good. Reminds me a bit of the GDW game Operation Crusader (1978).

(in reply to laska2k8)

Post #: 52

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/6/2018 10:40:02 PM

oaltinyay

Posts: 593
Joined: 12/20/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: bcgames

I'm working on the requirements document for the next game using the Desert War Engine (DWE) and have a very important question for you to answer--why didn't you buy Desert War? Was it the topic? Was it the scale? Was it the documentation? Was it the AI? Size of the scenarios? The reviews? The use of Old School hex system? Pasta? No Pasta? What? Let me know your views.

warspite1

Not quite answering your question but I bought it because of the topic - I want more game of this massively under-appreciated theatre and so wanted to show support.

That said I wasn't thrilled with the lack of a campaign game. The Desert War 1940-43 featuring land sea and air from Gib to Suez is begging to be wargamed - a game that either side could win, a game that has absolutely everything (except carrier vs carrier battles).

I second every line in this message. Look at WITPAE grand campaign and do sth similar please. Non-grognards will never buy games like this anyways so play to their taste.

_____________________________

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 53

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/7/2018 6:16:47 AM

bcgames

Posts: 2527
Joined: 6/2/2010
From: Bramble Rose Farm, KS
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar
As others have said, the one and ONLY reason I did not buy this was the lack of a campaign game. I just find it hard to believe that when this was being developed that no one said, "What about a campaign scenario?" as that would have been the first thing I would have thought of.

I have found that people define game terms differently from how the military defines them. Coming from the military side of the house, I have learned that it best to listen to the gamer's definition of what words mean. Can you list your criteria for a correct and acceptable campaign scenario? Thanks.

_____________________________

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 54

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/7/2018 6:53:27 AM

bcgames

Posts: 2527
Joined: 6/2/2010
From: Bramble Rose Farm, KS
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bcgames

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar
As others have said, the one and ONLY reason I did not buy this was the lack of a campaign game. I just find it hard to believe that when this was being developed that no one said, "What about a campaign scenario?" as that would have been the first thing I would have thought of.

I have found that people define game terms differently from how the military defines them. Coming from the military side of the house, I have learned that it best to listen to the gamer's definition of what words mean. Can you list your criteria for a correct and acceptable campaign scenario? Thanks.

Anyone else with views on this topic--feel free to chime in. Convince your peers.

< Message edited by bcgames -- 7/7/2018 6:54:23 AM >

_____________________________

(in reply to bcgames)

Post #: 55

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/7/2018 10:49:37 AM

76mm

Posts: 4688
Joined: 5/2/2004
From: Washington, DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar
The fact that one was not included with the game just screams "We don't care what people want." Or worse, "Since we know everyone will want a campaign scenario, let's make the campaign a DLC and make even more money from our saps. Whoops, customers." I know that is not true, but that is how it makes me feel anyway.

Huh? To me it just screams "We're a very small team and are focused on getting out an operational-level WEGO game in the North African Theater, not to bolt on a campaign feature that most players may or may not like anyway.

The problem with campaigns is that there many ways to do them, but however you do them many/most players will complain that you didn't do it one of the other ways...

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 56

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/7/2018 4:51:26 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bcgames

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar
As others have said, the one and ONLY reason I did not buy this was the lack of a campaign game. I just find it hard to believe that when this was being developed that no one said, "What about a campaign scenario?" as that would have been the first thing I would have thought of.

I have found that people define game terms differently from how the military defines them. Coming from the military side of the house, I have learned that it best to listen to the gamer's definition of what words mean. Can you list your criteria for a correct and acceptable campaign scenario? Thanks.

Its very simple for this game since naval units are not involved.

You start with the Italians/British in 1940 and end in 1943. The DAK can arrive as a script or as a form of reinforcements.

Basically take the Campaign for North Africa board game https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4815/campaign-north-africa and use this game system to replicate it.

(in reply to bcgames)

Post #: 57

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/7/2018 10:21:26 PM

Rosseau

Posts: 2757
Joined: 9/13/2009
Status: offline

Here are some assumptions:

1. Patches will keep coming for free
2. A campaign will require and deserves extra paid DLC
3. A new theater of war may or may not require the effort of a campaign DLC.

I would much rather have a new theater of war using this game system. But I would also buy the campaign.

Not that any of this is a really big deal. The big deal is that this game remains healthy in terms of sales and continual updates and community support.

I am a bit surprised that someone hasn't made some modifications to change-up the existing scenarios. My work would be a historical atrocity, so I'm not the ideal one to do it. Nor do I expect we get the TOAW effort that took decade(s) to build. Just some changed reinforcement schedules, unit positioning and strengths. We do not expect to see people doing Operation Huskies every day

Forgot to add that of course I bought the game. There is nothing else like it since SSG, in general.

< Message edited by Rosseau -- 7/7/2018 10:23:32 PM >

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 58

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/8/2018 4:02:08 AM

bcgames

Posts: 2527
Joined: 6/2/2010
From: Bramble Rose Farm, KS
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar
Its very simple for this game since naval units are not involved.

A trivial point...but Desert War does include naval units.

More significantly, a Campaign for North Africa that does not include a substantial naval component kinda misses the whole historical boat for a joint (air, land, sea) campaign about the control of the Mediterranean. How should we reconcile this requirement?

_____________________________

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 59

RE: Desert War: Why Didn't You Buy? - 7/8/2018 9:34:41 AM

Smirfy

Posts: 1057
Joined: 7/16/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bcgames

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar
Its very simple for this game since naval units are not involved.

A trivial point...but Desert War does include naval units.

More significantly, a Campaign for North Africa that does not include a substantial naval component kinda misses the whole historical boat for a joint (air, land, sea) campaign about the control of the Mediterranean. How should we reconcile this requirement?

quote:

A trivial point...but Desert War does include naval units.

More significantly, a Campaign for North Africa that does not include a substantial naval component kinda misses the whole historical boat for a joint (air, land, sea) campaign about the control of the Mediterranean. How should we reconcile this requirement?

Apart from the important naval aspect, Air was the decisive factor of the campaign the 8th army were repeatedly saved by the desert airforce, whilst the Afrika Korps were badly let down by the Luftwaffe, who basically treated the whole campaign as a knights cross hunt letting their supplies and troops suffer massive interdiction whilst they racked up impressive scores of obsolete fighters.

< Message edited by Smirfy -- 7/8/2018 9:35:11 AM >

(in reply to bcgames)

Post #: 60