First Impressions

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> First Impressions

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First Impressions - 8/30/2004 4:45:57 AM

trcanberra

Posts: 34
Joined: 8/30/2004
From: Canberra, ACT
Status: offline

Hi all

Well, I have just finished playing my first scenario (Coral Sea) and wanted to make a note of a few first impressions for others considering the game. I am a wargamer from way back but haven't been active for about 10 years, playing mostly computer RPGs in the interim. Before this I had played lots of SPI and Avalon Hill games (including Campaign for North Africa !!, War in the East and a few other monsters). My thoughts:

1) I was put off by the price at first, as I couldn't find any reviews; but the vibe on this forum looked good, so I took the plunge as it looked one of the better games available (until SSG finally do a new Eastern Front game??). It is rather a lot to pay sight unseen, but given the level of developer support, the detail in the game, and the likely size of the market I am almost convinced I have my money's worth.

2) Not being in the USA I'm not sure if there is an Australian option for printing the manual, I did it 4 pages to a sheet in draft mode on my printer and get by (with some squinting

). I like to have the manual at my side as I work through the game to learn how it all works.

3) I found it rather difficult to get into, but the tutorial helps and I have high hopes for the future

4) The scenario I played was rather odd, I was expecting a big carrier battle but the Japanese just slunk off to Truk with their carrier task force and won a minor victory on base ownership. Is there something I should have done about this as the Allies (probably just a bit rusty on wargames?).

5) The game looks very nice and the interface works pretty well, so I am looking forward to my next few games as I continue to learn the system. I look forward to future discussion on this forum as I get better at it.

Post #: 1

RE: First Impressions - 8/30/2004 5:02:54 AM

Oleg Mastruko

Posts: 4921
Joined: 10/21/2000
Status: offline

Coral Sea is really an odd scenario for a game of WITP proportions. I mean it's obvious why it's recommended first scenario for someone who never played UV or WITP before, but don't judge the book by the cover (or should I say, by one tenth of the cover

)

Advice: Play Coral Sea few more times to get the feel, then go on scenario #2 - excellent scenario, not very long, and IMO, of all the "smaller" scenarios in the game this is best to get the feel of the complete game. (Marianas - too one sided, Manchuria - too land oriented, etc.)

O.

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(in reply to trcanberra)

Post #: 2

RE: First Impressions - 8/30/2004 5:07:36 AM

Grotius

Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline

I also think the tutorial is helpful. It has its own manual that guides you through creation of TFs, Bombardments, surface actions, carrier actions, sub use, etc. Maybe you don't need it now that you've played Coral Sea.

I also like scenario 6. And, of course, scenario 15. :)

(in reply to Oleg Mastruko)

Post #: 3

Welcome trcanberra - 8/30/2004 5:11:33 AM

mogami

Posts: 12789
Joined: 8/23/2000
From: You can't get here from there
Status: offline

Hi, Welcome aboard. It will grow on you.

(Like a New Guinea fungus)

_____________________________

I'm not retreating, I'm attacking in a different direction!

(in reply to Grotius)

Post #: 4

RE: First Impressions - 8/30/2004 5:23:48 AM

trcanberra

Posts: 34
Joined: 8/30/2004
From: Canberra, ACT
Status: offline

Thanks for the comments so far.

I have just begun Scenario 2

I forgot to mention that I did print out the Tutorial manual and worked through it carefully, would have been totally lost otherwise. I would recommend this approach for all new players who have not tried Uncommon Valor.

< Message edited by trcanberra -- 8/30/2004 3:24:24 AM >

(in reply to trcanberra)

Post #: 5

RE: Welcome trcanberra - 8/30/2004 5:32:15 AM

Williamb

Posts: 594
Joined: 1/4/2001
From: Dayton Ohio
Status: offline

I should say this about the game.

I never played UV. I didnt even know about WITP until I came to this BBS and look around just before it was released.

After reading a few AARs and many of the comments made on this board knew I would want this game.

I jumped right into the big full war from the start. Made a few mistakes and had a couple of restarts.

but I have to say I have gotten into the swing of the game into my 3rd try of the full war. My TFs are working well, I got the Japanese production working better, and the mistakes I made are far fewer. (I still dont like the AI for Subs, I was sending too many TFs out without checking their fuel so they were in danger of running out on their missions, I had too many obsolete aircraft being built, I didnt know that LCU combat wasnt automatic had to give orders, I was putting too many large airgroups on Baby CVs, and had trouble finding all the ships in port to form TFs to move out)

Im sure I will discover some other things I did wrong. But after only having this game one week I feel that its very intuitive and if you have any understanding of naval or air operations it will serve you well.

(in reply to mogami)

Post #: 6