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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Steel Panthers World At War & Mega Campaigns >> Interested in this game, help please...

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Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 9:28:58 AM

ibalkid

Posts: 32
Joined: 5/24/2005
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I know absolutely nothing about this game. I see that there is a downloadable version of the game for free, and then the version on this site for 69-79 bucks.

Are the mega campaigns worth the extra loot? Is that the only difference? What are some of the glaring differences between the two versions?

Besides PBEM, where do players play the online games? Via a shell or a IP list?

The amount of detail in this game seems staggering. The online community seems very healthy and active for such a old series. Impressive.

What is it about this game that keeps you grog nards coming back? How stable is the editor? How easy to use?

What is the learning curve for this beast? Intuitive Gui's?

I do not mind shelling out money for some war gaming goodness, i just like to be as informed as i can be before i make a purchase.

Anything else that will sell an old war gamer like myself? Please feel free to rant as much as you want about the game, its much appreciated!

Thanks in advance for the help!

Post #: 1

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 10:09:57 AM

stevemk1a

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From: Penticton B.C.
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I would say to download the game and give it a try. Basic download is free, and if you like it, you can add the megacampaigns ...

If you played the Squad Leader or ASL boardgames and are looking for a computer equivalent, then this is it!

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Post #: 2

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 4:03:02 PM

FlashfyreSP

Posts: 1193
Joined: 7/6/2002
From: Combat Information Center
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The downloadable version is free, the one for $70 is the General's Edition, which includes all the MegaCampaigns. I would suggest you try the free version first, before spending any money on the Megas.

As far as learning the game, there is a PDF Game Manual included with the game that, although being a few versions old, is still valid. There are Tutorial scenarios included, with playing guides in the manual. There are also Help areas both here and at The Depot (www.spwaw.com) to answer most of the FAQs. We at the Depot have also begun our Training Academy which gives instruction on the various core elements of the game.

One of the things that keeps this old warhorse going is the editing ability. There are editors for making scenarios, maps, and OOBs (Orders Of Battle: the files of each nation's combat units). There are 3rd-party editors for changing the icons in the game, both units and terrain, as well as editors for modifying game and map data directly. And there are any number of additional programs out there to make your gaming experience the best it can be.

So get the freebie and give it a try...after all, it won't cost you a dime!

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Post #: 3

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 5:13:17 PM

Adamo

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Joined: 3/14/2002
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I think it's only fair to warn you that you will have no more 'early' nights once you install this.

Excellent game, stick with it and you'll be rewarded. Have fun!

adam

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Post #: 4

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 5:42:31 PM

parusski

Posts: 4804
Joined: 5/8/2000
From: Jackson Tn
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Welcome to our world. Use the following to download v8.2, then upgrade to 8.4

http://www.caiman.us/scripts/fw/f2005.html

just follow all the dl links. If you have a high speed conncection this download will not take tooooo long.

Good luck.

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Post #: 5

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 6:10:54 PM

ibalkid

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Joined: 5/24/2005
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Thanks again for the answers all!

I will download as soon as i am done with my honey do list

I cannot stop thinking about this game. I have always avoided it becausei know how horrible i am in regards to portion control with these types of games!

A few more quickies please!

Does the free version have an editor? With games like these i do like to have the packaging and manuals, but are the manuals up to date for this game?

How large are the campaigns? What justifies close to 80dollars for a set of campaigns? Or is there something i am missing. I have a million more questions but will refrain from asking them until i give this game a go.

One thing i have experienced in the past in situations like this are let downs. For example i bought the entire Strategic battle series when i first discovered the series. In hindsight my Korsun pocket purchase was sort of a waste past the collectable aspect of it because the series had moved on and improved so much. Not many people played it online(Pbem) anymore. Even tho SP does seem to have a rabid communal following i worry about not being able to enjoy a game with other, like minded grognards.

Thanks again!

(in reply to parusski)

Post #: 6

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 7:24:20 PM

Alby

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From: Greenwood, Indiana
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The editor is included in the free version, the manual is a few versions behind but still applies.

I own 2 of the 4 mega campaigns and they are great. and large!!

hope this helps

< Message edited by Alby -- 9/4/2005 10:14:04 PM >

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Post #: 7

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 9:51:24 PM

Goblin

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From: Erie,Pa. USA
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Individual Megas retailed an $25US, IIRC. You get all four with the Generals Edition, so it is a bargain. I will wager that it would take a hell of a long time to get thru all four Megas.

D/L the free version and try Long, Long Road to Victory (included in the game), and Das Reich (available at www.spwaw.com). Both are long camapigns that will give you an idea of what a much bigger Mega will be like!

Goblin

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Post #: 8

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 11:22:17 PM

Warrior

Posts: 1808
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From: West Palm Beach, FL USA
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Get the Free version first. Besides the hundreds of scenarios included with the game, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of additional free scenarios available at the SPWaW Depot, The Wargamer, and other support sites. When you're ready to put money into it, get the full General's Edition - it's the best bargain. As for the learning curve: To learn the basic game is not too difficult, there are excellent Tutorial scenarios included. But I can tell you that after playing it for years I'm still discovering new things about it. You can always ask questions here and get help if necessary. If you end up disappointed with this game it will be because you didn't give it a chance.

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Post #: 9

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 11:48:03 PM

KNomad

Posts: 339
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From: Buffalo, NY USA
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quote:

I cannot stop thinking about this game. I have always avoided it because i know how horrible i am in regards to portion control with these types of games!

hehehe ....

Looks like we'll soon have another member at the "meetings."

Hi, I'm KNomad, and I'm a wargamer .....

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Post #: 10

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/4/2005 11:59:10 PM

Terminus

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From: Denmark
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No 12-Step Program here, man... Unless you count this:

Step 1: Play SP
Step 2: Repeat Step 1.

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Post #: 11

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/5/2005 12:49:02 AM

Adamo

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I may be in the minority here but many times I just like using the random campaign generator, pick number of battles, month and year, which army I want to command, choose my force and let it rip! Either against the cpu or human opponent. Very fun!

adam

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Post #: 12

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/5/2005 8:23:25 AM

Wild Bill

Posts: 6821
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From: Smyrna, Ga, 30080
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There is an excellent manual to get you started, a PDF file easy to access. THere is a tutorial scenario to teach you the basics of move and fire. Once you have gotten the idea, there are nearly 300 scenarios all tested and proven and a bunch of campaigns.

There is a world of combat adventure ahead of you. I've been playing this game or some version of SP for over 10 years, been involved in nearly every version of it, designed over 300 scenarios for it, and I still love it as much as ever.

Wild Bill

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Post #: 13

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/5/2005 12:07:11 PM

haruntaiwan

Posts: 65
Joined: 4/28/2005
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So if I enjoy Long, Long Road to Victory, the Megacampaigns are totally worth it?

So far, I'm having a blast and learning a lot...and all for free. I almost feel guilty to buy the MC as a matter of honor.

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Post #: 14

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/5/2005 4:41:19 PM

Goblin

Posts: 5547
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From: Erie,Pa. USA
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Harun,

I believe you will find the Megas very worth it, especially Screaming Eagles.

Wild Bill designed SE to be played as one of four units. You could play it 4 times without repeating yourself by playing each unit in turn. It is also based on smaller, quicker playing scenarios. Combine that with the other Megas, covering most theatres of WW2, and saving $20 from their original price by getting the package, and it really is a very good bargain.

BUT! If you haven't played Das Reich yet, do it first!

Goblin

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Post #: 15

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/5/2005 7:03:43 PM

DoubleDeuce

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From: Crossville, TN
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If you want to get a feel for the Mega-Campaigns just download the Depot's Das Reich Campaign. While not as extensive as the Mega's it will give you an idea of how they work. Rumor has it they are working on another Campaign over there so you might want to DL and start Das Reich now so you will have time to play the new one. I think they are shooting for end of year release on that one but not sure what the latest time line is.

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Post #: 16

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/5/2005 10:46:52 PM

ibalkid

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Joined: 5/24/2005
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quote:

ORIGINAL: haruntaiwan

So if I enjoy Long, Long Road to Victory, the Megacampaigns are totally worth it?

So far, I'm having a blast and learning a lot...and all for free. I almost feel guilty to buy the MC as a matter of honor.

Yes i think thats what will happen to me, downloaded it but have too much family crud going with the holiday weekend. Hard to entertain family when your thinking of running over Hapless frenchmen in your Panzer. Have the day off tommorow so i plan to play non stop, man i cannot wait.

Thanks again for all of your advice. I find wargaming grognards always have the best gaming communities.

CANT WAIT!!!!

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Post #: 17

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/7/2005 7:03:22 AM

ibalkid

Posts: 32
Joined: 5/24/2005
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Wow! This game is ridiculous. I played through all of the tutorials and it was really a blast to take in all of the new information. Some of the tutorials i played through more then once. I am clueless at times but learning a new war game system is one of my favorite parts of a new game, discovering all of the little details of goodness crammed in these types of games.

After work i will give a go to some of the smaller scenarios.

How is the random scenario generator? Is it applicable for MP? Can you get a small game going that can be completed in less then 1-2 hours?

Thanks again. Off to relieve the red in my eyes from 11 hours of toil on the battlefield.

Also is it better for me to ask noob questions at the Depot forums? It seems more active there? Is that where all of the action is? Or is it split between a bunch of dedicated sites?

Sorry for all the questions!

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Post #: 18

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/7/2005 7:06:31 AM

Nikademus

Posts: 25684
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From: Alien spacecraft
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ibalkid

I know absolutely nothing about this game. I see that there is a downloadable version of the game for free, and then the version on this site for 69-79 bucks.

Are the mega campaigns worth the extra loot?

Yes. The Mega-campaigns provide a massively superior playing experience and challenge level over the canned generated battles or campaigns.

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Post #: 19

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/7/2005 1:40:58 PM

Goblin

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From: Erie,Pa. USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ibalkid

Also is it better for me to ask noob questions at the Depot forums? It seems more active there? Is that where all of the action is? Or is it split between a bunch of dedicated sites?

Sorry for all the questions!

Ask n00b questions wherever you like. I think alot of players frequent both forums. If you want files (scenarios/mods/campaigns/etc), then the Depot is the place for you. SZO has a great SP section also (link in Double Deuce's sig). If you are interested, The Depot does have The Academy, with courses on several different topics.

Goblin

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RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/7/2005 3:25:42 PM

FlashfyreSP

Posts: 1193
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ibalkid
Also is it better for me to ask noob questions at the Depot forums? It seems more active there? Is that where all of the action is? Or is it split between a bunch of dedicated sites?

Sorry for all the questions!

I think you'll find alot of things at The Depot that will help you with this game, especially the Academy facility. Come sign up! As a student, you'll take courses on Infantry Tactics, Armour Tactics, Recon, Combined Arms, and Artillery Management. You'll play specially-designed scenarios for these courses that reinforce the lessons you've learned in the classroom. And your Graduation exercise is to play a PBEM game against one of our Instructors; you don't even have to win it to pass!

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Post #: 21

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 2:25:32 AM

ibalkid

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Thanks for all the helpful info fellas!

Could not stop thinking about the game all day at work. I might have run over a few pedestrians and maybe drove a car or two off the road, but i got home in record time and my gaming PC is booting up SP as i type this.(Dont worry i removed my plates before leaving the work parking lot, smart i know!

)

Am going to redo a few of the tutorials and then pick my first real scenario, or mini campaign for the nights festivities.

Any suggestions?

< Message edited by ibalkid -- 9/8/2005 2:26:04 AM >

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Post #: 22

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 3:00:49 AM

KG Erwin

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From: Cross Lanes WV USA
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Who do you like, man? What theater appeals to you? For me, my life was turned around by playing Iwo Jima (big), by Bill Wilder. That one may be too complex as a start. Any of Bill's scenarios will give you a good taste of what to expect.

How about number 200- A Hungry Tiger? Scenaro 35 -- Roadblock, is good for introducing you to handling an infantry unit.

Read the scenario descriptions -- you can play with progessively larger units until you get a handle on the game's mechanics.

A suggestion -- set your preferences first . To get a feel for historical play, set reduced ammo and weapons breakdowns ON from the get-go. Command & control -- turn it OFF to start. Mines -- uggh, I hate 'em, but for scenario play, turn them ON. Unit number--ALL units. Identified enemy units display their strength.

Pick your battlefield, man, and let us know how you did. Keep your head down, and rely on the classic tactical principles of fire & movement. Pin the enemy down, and close in with another unit and kill him. Good luck.

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Post #: 23

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 3:34:18 AM

Alby

Posts: 4855
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From: Greenwood, Indiana
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and kiss the wife and kids goodbye

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RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 3:46:50 AM

Goblin

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Try Flesh and Steel for a quick mini-campaign. Very good one. (Since Irinami hasn't plugged it yet, lol)

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RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 3:51:22 AM

ibalkid

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Joined: 5/24/2005
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Well i like a multiple theaters from WWII but i am really looking for something that will be a little smaller in scope and allow me to get a handle of the game mechanics. I have been wargaming for a long time so mil basics are not the problem. Absorbing this uber gamesystem is.

I think the Roadblock scenario will be a good start. Then i would like to find a scenarrio that has a little of everything.

Thanks for the heads up on the preferences, those are the little tidbits i am looking for...i always like to play as historical as possible.

Goblin: That sounds good too, do you reccommend it as a first foray after the tutorials?

Alby: Yes the long hair general is a master of gaming interdiction. She has recently started play Crusader Kings from Paradox(She loves the middle ages), so i get a lot more slack in regards to gaming!

< Message edited by ibalkid -- 9/8/2005 3:54:12 AM >

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Post #: 26

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 4:27:30 AM

ibalkid

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Ugh, was doing one of the arty tutorials that i originally neglected and the arty barrages do not seem to produce any sound.

Are their additional sound files that need to be unpacked after the initial install? Should i take my query to the support forums?

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Post #: 27

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 4:43:11 AM

Alby

Posts: 4855
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From: Greenwood, Indiana
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In your preferences menu...turn fast arty OFF
You will then get sound..

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Post #: 28

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 4:46:18 AM

ibalkid

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Joined: 5/24/2005
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Thanks for the quick response, you guys have all been more then friendly and helpful. This seems like a really great community

Edit: Yes, now thats what i am talking about! Hoohaa!

< Message edited by ibalkid -- 9/8/2005 4:52:33 AM >

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Post #: 29

RE: Interested in this game, help please... - 9/8/2005 5:28:48 AM

KG Erwin

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ibalkid

Thanks for the quick response, you guys have all been more then friendly and helpful. This seems like a really great community

Edit: Yes, now thats what i am talking about! Hoohaa!

OMG-- the joy of hearing the artillery crashing down, especially using Alby's artillery sound mod--WAAH HOOH! Get that mod, guys.

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Steel Panthers World At War & Mega Campaigns >> Interested in this game, help please...

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