To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (Full Version)

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New York Jets -> To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (11/17/2007 11:34:39 PM)

I own Forge of Freedom but have been playing around with the AACW demo and am intrigued. Is it a better game than FoF and why/why not? I am considering buying AACW and would like some input.



Erik Rutins -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (11/17/2007 11:54:00 PM)

Chris,

There are several threads devoted to that question here in the FOF forum, at The Wargamer and at AGEOD. Some folks prefer one or the other, but most who like grand strategy and the ACW recommend both. I know that's a very simple answer, but it's pretty much what it boils down to.

Regards,

- Erik



New York Jets -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (11/18/2007 5:36:11 AM)

Well, that's no help without links to the aforementioned forum threads.

Whatever...



Reiryc -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (11/18/2007 7:13:11 AM)

Game is worth getting to be sure.

Is it a better game? Not exactly. I'd say it's just as good but for different reasons. I say just as good meaning that crown of glory and forge of freedom are a couple of my favorite games. I also say that because aacw and birth of america are also a couple of my favorite games.

When I play any of these four games, I always end up with the dreaded one more turn-itis!

Aacw has a good historical flow to the game. The way the game is designed allows one to play a relatively historical game. Clearly you won't repeat history exactly as it happened. We never do with games. The results of battles, the concerns of supply, production, and manpower are all present and give a good representation, in my opinion from what I've read, of the challenges and strengths of the union and the confederacy during the war.

The demo should give you a pretty good idea of the game, so if you like it, then the game is definitely worth getting. The company provides excellent support both technically and also in discussing issues/concerns.

In my view it was never a choice of which game, but when can I get both (fof and aacw).

Here are some links to other comparisons/discussions of aacw and/or fof:

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1525082

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1499807

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1492195

http://www.ageod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3608

Happy reading...



Erik Rutins -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (11/18/2007 1:35:32 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Chris Trog
Well, that's no help without links to the aforementioned forum threads.


Sorry, I figured you'd use the search function. [;)]



Zap -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (11/23/2007 8:44:34 PM)

Eric the search function does not work very well.



ravinhood -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/14/2007 8:23:59 PM)

Not to Buy that is the answer. Well, my answer anyways. I find the AGEOD engine boring and I don't like the text based combat window that just tells me what happened I wanna SEE it happen when I do it, not a month later. ;)



New York Jets -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/15/2007 1:54:34 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: ravinhood

Not to Buy that is the answer. Well, my answer anyways. I find the AGEOD engine boring and I don't like the text based combat window that just tells me what happened I wanna SEE it happen when I do it, not a month later. ;)


Wish I had read this earlier. They got my money.

Anyway, Empires in Arms is out and in my possession and I just started playing World of Warcraft.

So, hopefully I'll get to AACW after I retire. Hopefully by then they will have patched it enough to make it palatable.

OK thta's really dreaming.

I'm really dissatisfied with the product. I won't get bitten again.

By the way, who is that in your avatar. I can picture her in the movies but I can't remember her name? If that's your recent photo, however, I'm free this summer.



CTB123 -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/15/2007 6:11:23 AM)

What don't you like about AACW?



madgamer2 -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/16/2007 5:36:06 AM)

Yeah I used to figure it that way but I found that FoF with its endless tactical games and 200000+ on each side and having to fight all them tactical battles to have any chance to win was to much for me. That plus the economic thing was to much for me. AACW is a much better game and plays much more like the civil war. The roll your own rules approach is not for me as it gives you to much control over the situation and the economic factors.
To be fair I have not played FOF after the patch and a good friend says it fix's many of the problems but I just like the look feel and play of AAC W. This is something you have to decide for yourself as they both offer a different way to experience the Civil War...so to each there own. (or both)

Lawrence



berto -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/16/2007 2:30:56 PM)

I think that with AACW, AGEOD "got it right." And what they didn't get right, they can and will fix.

AACW covers all the important aspects of the war and leaves very little of relevance out. Nitpicks about this or that UI element aside, it's astonishing to see how well they've integrated everything.

It helps that they re-use modular code across their gaming lineup. So that, for instance, recent improvements to their newly released Napoleon's Campaigns game (e.g., Rules of Engagement tabs, AI improvements) they can easily retrofit into their earlier titles, such as AACW.

Now, you may hunger for tactical control over battles, in which case AACW may not be to your taste.

But in my estimation, AACW is the Real Deal. An excellent operational and strategic simulation, and very fine game, of the American Civil War indeed.



Yank -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/17/2007 9:48:54 PM)

I have recently started playing this game a lot after really struggling with the graphics/interface which at first I found ugly and hard to use (I still hate dragging those placard things around), but I am starting to adjust quickly. Underneath the unhappy graphics/interface is a really deep and playable game with sensible and realistic rules and just enough detail to keep a grognard like me hooked. I don't think there's anything more realistic out there that gets it this close to perfect at the operational and strategic level. Now that I've become a little more used to the game mecahnics and interface, it's got that "just one more turn" addictive aspect.

I'd love a tactical module, but I'm more than satisfied with what's there. You guys should give it another shot. As an aside, I found FOF unplayable and a lot less realistic compared to this.



Skeleton -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/18/2007 3:37:22 AM)

In my very small humble opinion, this game has provided me the most enjoyable, satisfying wargame experience I have ever had in a current PBEM game I have going with Widell. I have issues with some aspects and would really like to see the combat resolution re-vamped, but aside from that, I think it is brilliant.



Joe D. -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (12/27/2007 4:54:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chris Trog

... By the way, who is that in your avatar. I can picture her in the movies but I can't remember her name? If that's your recent photo, however, I'm free this summer.


I'm not sure he even knows, but she's Veronica Lake; her hallmark was wearing her hair over her left eye.

There's a much clearer headshot of her on ravinhood's member page.

For the record I own AGEOD's BoA and have greatly enjoyed it, but recently I ordered FoF because of it's historical approach and 3rd party recommendations. However, you won't go wrong w/AACW; it's a good engine and AGEOD is constantly patching and improving its games.



ColdSteel -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (1/11/2008 1:36:08 AM)

Could someone who has purchased this game tell me about how long it took to receive it? I live in Missouri and ordered it about 2 weeks ago. . . just wondering how much longer I should expect to wait. . . .thanks!

Steve



bigus -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (1/11/2008 6:14:51 AM)

I enjoy both games. i've been waiting for an operational\strategic game since Frank Hunters` Civil War .....Their both good.

I tend to lean a bit to AGEod though since they have battle and theater scenarios. If I need to play a quick game ...I can.


bigus



Widell -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (1/11/2008 7:58:01 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ColdSteel
Could someone who has purchased this game tell me about how long it took to receive it? I live in Missouri and ordered it about 2 weeks ago. . . just wondering how much longer I should expect to wait. . . .thanks!


Digital download. About 10 minutes between starting to d/l until it's installed, including the latest patch.... No idea how long snail mail will take?

As for the game, I have to agree with Marcus the Leper: This is a truly great game, and our PBEM is a nailbiter. Unfortunately I fried the motherboard of the computer I hace ACW installed on, so we have a standstill of about a week until I get the computer fixed. Anyways, the new patch is a blockbuster and greatly improve an already great game!



Skeleton -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (1/12/2008 6:03:38 AM)

ARGGHHH, as if our game was not nerve wrecking enough! Hurry Widell, dying of anticipation here!!!



Mike Scholl -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/25/2008 10:06:17 PM)

I've never played it..., but to judge from the "ghost town" lack of activity on this forum I'd have to guess it wasn't very good.[>:][>:][>:][>:][>:]



Widell -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/25/2008 10:34:30 PM)

Not sure what you mean, but that's the wrong conclusion as the main forum for ACW is not here at Matrix, but at AGEOD: http://www.ageod.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=78

IMHO it's a great game even if the game Marcus refer to seems to have died due to RL issues. Several good AAR's over at AGEOD, plus the Modders are really active as well. Since my game with Marcus seems dead, I'm kind of looking for someone to fight out the PBEM mod with....



berto -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/25/2008 11:56:09 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Scholl

I've never played it..., but to judge from the "ghost town" lack of activity on this forum I'd have to guess it wasn't very good.

Widell is correct. At any given moment, there are typically 10 to 30 persons or more (as high as 40 yesterday) on-line at the AGEOD AACW Forum. And far from peaking, those forum numbers continue to grow.



Joe D. -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/27/2008 1:48:10 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ravinhood

Not to Buy that is the answer. Well, my answer anyways ...


Don't you mean "my answer always"?



Joe D. -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/27/2008 1:58:13 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chris Trog

quote:

ORIGINAL: ravinhood

Not to Buy that is the answer. Well, my answer anyways. I find the AGEOD engine boring and I don't like the text based combat window that just tells me what happened I wanna SEE it happen when I do it, not a month later. ;)


Wish I had read this earlier. They got my money ...

So, hopefully I'll get to AACW after I retire. Hopefully by then they will have patched it enough to make it palatable ...


Do you have the latest AACW patch? There will be another out by year's end.

I now have both AACW and FoF, but I don't regret buying AACW; although I'm really enjoying FoF, AACW seemed to do a better job in recreating the behavior of certain CW generals. However, the AACW Battle Meter can't even compare w/Quick Combat.

I enjoy the short AACW scenarios more than its campaigns, but I still have to work on its method of supply; I promised the FoF people I'd do a comparison of both games after I have more experience w/them.



geozero -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/30/2008 5:46:26 AM)

For me it would come down to cost.  When Fry's electronics has the game on their shelf for $29.99, I can't justify forking over twice that much.  Downloading it is a weak argument.  I could be at Fry's and back in under half hour.  It'll take longer to download. 



Widell -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/30/2008 11:50:19 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: geozero
For me it would come down to cost. When Fry's electronics has the game on their shelf for $29.99, I can't justify forking over twice that much. Downloading it is a weak argument. I could be at Fry's and back in under half hour. It'll take longer to download.


Sounds like a good deal, although it seems a little distant to the original subject of "To Buy Or Not To Buy?". In your case it sounds like "To Buy!", then if it's download or not, is, just as you say, a cost and convenience issue.



Joe D. -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/30/2008 3:01:00 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: geozero

For me it would come down to cost.  When Fry's electronics has the game on their shelf for $29.99, I can't justify forking over twice that much ... 


If by "the game" you mean AACW, which I bought at a local Electronics Boutique for that price plus tax, I agree; I had FoF on order -- which still cost me around $60 plus S&H -- but I couldn't resist picking-up AACW while I waited.

Although AACW was the better bargain, I'd say FoF is still the better game, but w/AGEOD retro-engineering its "old" games, you never know what will happen to AACW w/the next patch.



Dadaan -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/31/2008 5:05:28 AM)

I have both of them (ACW for a few weeks now) and would definatly say ACW over FOF anyday.



Joe D. -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/31/2008 1:37:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dadaan

I have both of them (ACW for a few weeks now) and would definatly say ACW over FOF anyday.


Aren't you going to at least tell us "why" you prefer AACW?



Arsan -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/31/2008 4:37:03 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Joe D.

Although AACW was the better bargain, I'd say FoF is still the better game, but w/AGEOD retro-engineering its "old" games, you never know what will happen to AACW w/the next patch.



Hey! you did not say why either! [;)][:'(]



Joe D. -> RE: To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question... (3/31/2008 6:34:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Arsan

quote:

ORIGINAL: Joe D.

Although AACW was the better bargain, I'd say FoF is still the better game, but w/AGEOD retro-engineering its "old" games, you never know what will happen to AACW w/the next patch.


Hey! you did not say why either! [;)][:'(]


OK, I made a few critques in the earlier posts of this thread, but to sum up: it's easier to form armies and get new units in FoF, which also does a better job w/its (larger scale) map than AACW. FoF's sound effects and graphics are also better, and even Quick Battle beats AGEOD's Battle Meter.

But AACW does a better job w/its smaller scenarios and seems to model officer/unit behavior better; it's also much cheaper, which is a plus if your on a budget: FoF is tres cher.

I'm going to do a more exhaustive comparison when I get a better handle on both games. For the record, I've been an AGEOD fan since BoA, which is now at v. 1.13a.



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