UI: a good option to buy?

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> UI: a good option to buy?

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UI: a good option to buy? - 10/21/2021 6:08:51 PM

juntoalmar

Posts: 601
Joined: 9/29/2013
From: Valencia
Status: offline

Hi,

I�m tempted to play this game, but I have some fears about it.

I tried on a friend�s computer long ago, and I remember the UI being difficult to use (very small font-size, a lot of screen space unused, bad UX/UI in general�).

- Is there any rumour if there is going to be developed a similar game with a modern UI in the next years? Like a CMANO, but on the WWII.
- How does it look on a modern PC with Win10 on a big screen? I remember my friend told me he tried to change some config text files to make it look better on a big screen, but he couldn�t manage to and I�m afraid I won�t be able to play comfortable on a big screen either.
- Is the AI good enough or do you have to end up playing with a human to have fun?
- Do you any alternative game on naval war on the Pacific theatre for comparison?

Thanks a lot in advance for your answers.

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Post #: 1

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/21/2021 6:43:14 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

Hi,

I�m tempted to play this game, but I have some fears about it.

I tried on a friend�s computer long ago, and I remember the UI being difficult to use (very small font-size, a lot of screen space unused, bad UX/UI in general�). What you mention is about the worst of it. Obviously the people active here on the forum and many more play it anyway, so that should say something.

- Is there any rumour if there is going to be developed a similar game with a modern UI in the next years? Not that I know of. Like a CMANO, but on the WWII. What is CMANO?
- How does it look on a modern PC with Win10 on a big screen? Same as you saw but covers more real estate on the screen. You can change the resolution, but not the density. In other words, take two screens that are the same size but one has higher resolution. The screen with the lower resolution will be more comfortable to look at because things (like text) will not be as small. So if you get a modern big screen with high resolution, things might look just as small as you saw on your friends screen, but you can see more of the map at one time. I remember my friend told me he tried to change some config text files to make it look better on a big screen, but he couldn�t manage to and I�m afraid I won�t be able to play comfortable on a big screen either. I run it at 2656 x 1654 resolution. I have a large screen (2 years old) and it won't go large enough to take up the whole screen (which is fine with me because I keep other things open at the same time). But, the individual icons, text, etc. look just as small as they did on my old monitor.
- Is the AI good enough or do you have to end up playing with a human to have fun? Totally depends on you. At first, almost certainly. Until you learn the game mechanics the AI might give you a few thrashings. Later, as you learn the game mechanics and learn about (within the game) how to conduct a campaign, things will get easier over time. Later, when you are good enough that you notice the shortcomings of the AI you will be able to take advantage of those 'technicalities' if you wish, or retrain yourself on purpose for a greater challenge. Or, switch to human opponents.
- Do you any alternative game on naval war on the Pacific theatre for comparison? I don't know of any, but I don't look around at games very much.

Thanks a lot in advance for your answers.

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Post #: 2

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/21/2021 7:00:03 PM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
Joined: 2/21/2012
From: LI, NY
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quote:

Is the AI good enough or do you have to end up playing with a human to have fun?

To myself the AI is for learning the game. Its really not that good, although there are some scenarios that are said to be challenging.

A human opponent would be your best option, eventually. If I could only spare the time for such a commitment. Soon I hope.

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Post #: 3

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/21/2021 9:56:43 PM

BBfanboy

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From: Winnipeg, MB
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It is still the cheapest game to buy in cost per hours played. It can take up to 3 years to play the grand campaign through to completion if you spend a lot of time on detail. And then you will want to try it again using different strategies and trying not to commit the mistakes you made first time through. I have played the game almost daily for 10 years and I still have things I want to try.

BTW - the game usually goes on sale at a deep discount before Christmas - sometime in November I think.

But the game does require patience and/or commitment to playing it even after real life interrupts your plans. If you want a game with fast turn cycles and ending in a few weeks it is not for you.

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Post #: 4

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/21/2021 10:01:08 PM

Maallon

Posts: 196
Joined: 12/27/2020
From: Germany
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The thing with "a lot of screen space unused" comes from using a high resolution, if you play on a lower resolution you will see that there actually isn't that much unused space in the UI.
The UI elements in the game don't scale with your resolution. I personally play the game on full screen with 1600x900, except if I want to plan big campaigns, then I normally switch to my monitors resolution so I can see more of the map at once. But 1600x900 is perfect for me for the day to day business and the combat resolution is also much more enjoyable to watch as the windows are bigger.
All in all, the UI isn't necessarily bad, its just old and certainly no longer state of the art, but it is actually fairly well designed and once you get used to it you will see that it actually is very straightforward.

If you want to know if there is a similar game to WITPAE with the same operational detail in naval warfare then I can tell you with confidence that there is none.
But if you are more interested in a simulation type of game, maybe "War on the Sea" is something for you, but be aware that the game is still in active development.

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Post #: 5

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/21/2021 10:02:52 PM

Platoonist

Posts: 1342
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From: Kila Hana
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quote:

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

- Do you any alternative game on naval war on the Pacific theatre for comparison?

There is the recently released War Plan Pacific. Not as detailed and involved but neither is the documentation and manual according to some.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1794

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Post #: 6

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 4:20:10 AM

juntoalmar

Posts: 601
Joined: 9/29/2013
From: Valencia
Status: offline

Thank you all for your responses!

@BBfanboy: �If you want a game with fast turn cycles and ending in a few weeks it is not for you.� Not the case. I�m playing exclusively to World in Flames nowadays and it�s been the best bang for the buck in terms of hours and cost. I know how different these two games are, particularly about level of detail, but it�s not a quick game to play either (not the Global War, at least). I�m just afraid I will buy the game and I won�t be able to play because it�s uncomfortable for my eyes reading tiny text for long sessions.

@Maallon: that thing about resolution is interesting. Yes, I kind of remember that the text was tiny, and playing it on a big screen (compared to a laptop) didn�t make it better. But the suggestion of playing on a big screen with low resolution makes sense. Is there any �demo with one scenario� that I could try to see how it looks on my screen? Alternatively, could you send a fullscreen screenshot of the game with your config? I guess if I view that photo at 100% zoom on my screen, I will know approximately how would it look on my PC+screen combo.

@platoonist: Thanks for the suggestion. I played the European scenario. The interface is modern and nice, but the game design I feel it�s not my cup of tea.

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Post #: 7

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 7:44:15 AM

Maallon

Posts: 196
Joined: 12/27/2020
From: Germany
Status: offline

I am not aware that a demo exists. Here is a Screenshot from my game.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 8

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 7:55:53 AM

juntoalmar

Posts: 601
Joined: 9/29/2013
From: Valencia
Status: offline

Thanks a lot. Extremely helpful!!!

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Post #: 9

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 11:05:23 AM

btd64

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There is a switch for font size. We can get into that later....GP

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Post #: 10

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 12:46:54 PM

juntoalmar

Posts: 601
Joined: 9/29/2013
From: Valencia
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Can you elaborate on that?

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Post #: 11

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 1:48:53 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
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There are user-created tutorials of the game on YouTube that you could look at. That should give you some idea of the resolution.

Note that only map text is an issue for me, and my eyes are not great, but I am running at lower resolution because I have an older graphics card. I use a magnifying glass when necessary (which is rare) and there is a magnifying utility in Windows you can turn on to magnify what is under the cursor.

There are some players who have severely impaired vision (enough to claim partial blindness disability) who still play the game. I think if you can read Maallon's screenshot you should be fine.

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Post #: 12

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 1:52:13 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
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quote:

ORIGINAL: btd64

There is a switch for font size. We can get into that later....GP

If you refer to the -AltFont switch, it is not for size, it changes the font from one with serifs to a sans-serif one. You may be thinking of the forum reply box which lets you change font size among other things like bolding, colour, etc.

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Post #: 13

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/22/2021 7:27:55 PM

Moltrey

Posts: 297
Joined: 4/11/2010
From: Virginia
Status: offline

juntoalmar:

As a relatively newer player (~5yrs) I would say one needs to have a good degree of passion for the Pacific War in order for WITP:AE to return a good value.
Personally, I am 57, my father served in WW2 as a Aviation Gunners Mate 2nd Class with VBF-16 onboard the Bon Homme Richard and later Randolph. So, I have a direct connection to the history and lore.
I have been meaning to scan and post a bunch of my father's memorabilia from his Navy days, "CV News" magazines from the USS Randolph and photos, etc. that I imagine the forum would enjoy looking through, just need to find the time.

This background helps me with the whole suspension of disbelief, and keeps me coming back to the game as I go through the learning phase, starting the Allied Campaign over and over.
It is a great game and I really enjoy experiencing the fog-of-war WITP:AE presents you as you try to fill the shoes of Admiral Nimitz. Not being omniscient gives you a whole new appreciation for the US Navy's accomplishments.
Good luck and persevere!

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Post #: 14

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/23/2021 5:55:35 AM

Tanaka

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From: USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: btd64

There is a switch for font size. We can get into that later....GP

If you refer to the -AltFont switch, it is not for size, it changes the font from one with serifs to a sans-serif one. You may be thinking of the forum reply box which lets you change font size among other things like bolding, colour, etc.

It may just change the font type but the new font type is bigger and easier to read. I highly recommend it.

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Post #: 15

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/23/2021 2:43:11 PM

Platoonist

Posts: 1342
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From: Kila Hana
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The alt font, Lucida Sans Unicode (the one on the right) is the same height as the original, but is less condensed horizontally and without the serifs a whole lot easier to read at that size.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Platoonist -- 10/23/2021 2:44:07 PM >

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Post #: 16

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/23/2021 3:24:43 PM

juntoalmar

Posts: 601
Joined: 9/29/2013
From: Valencia
Status: offline

Wow, there is definitely an improvement with the alt font. Is it an easy option to choose (like a some string added to the command line of the link to the exe) or is it a bit obscure to use?

Thanks everyone for your help. I think I'm convinced it will be ok(ish) to play with the current UI, with the alt font and a big screen. I'll probably wait for the next sale.

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Post #: 17

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/23/2021 3:34:16 PM

Platoonist

Posts: 1342
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From: Kila Hana
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quote:

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

Wow, there is definitely an improvement with the alt font. Is it an easy option to choose (like a some string added to the command line of the link to the exe) or is it a bit obscure to use?

Yup, you got it. It's one of a series of switches you can add to the shortcut link that starts the game. You just have to be careful you word and space everything exactly as documented in the readme file.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 18

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/23/2021 3:47:22 PM

btd64

Posts: 9973
Joined: 1/23/2010
From: Mass. USA. now in Lancaster, OHIO
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quote:

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

Wow, there is definitely an improvement with the alt font. Is it an easy option to choose (like a some string added to the command line of the link to the exe) or is it a bit obscure to use?

Thanks everyone for your help. I think I'm convinced it will be ok(ish) to play with the current UI, with the alt font and a big screen. I'll probably wait for the next sale.

Just remember, use the manual. If that doesn't help search the forum. If all else fails, ask your questions and let us help you. There's a ton of information on this forum. And a lot of experienced forum members....GP

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Post #: 19

RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 10/23/2021 6:35:24 PM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
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From: LI, NY
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quote:

I'll probably wait for the next sale.

That usually starts next month.

Well guys we snagged another pigeon.

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RE: UI: a good option to buy? - 11/3/2021 2:23:56 AM

RangerJoe

Posts: 13450
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Another thing to mention is the SeeBee utility to help install the game with the correct switches.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4415089

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Post #: 21