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Morgan60 -> First Impressions (1/7/2008 6:43:22 AM)
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First Impressions on this game are simply - woo hoo. This is going to be great!
I never did play the AH version and I know that this game is based on that so there are differences in game mechanics over what I am used to however, a couple of odd things occur which may be a computer issue or equally may be rules differences to the ADG version I played (lets not get into the failing memory of the middle aged gamer ... [:)].
The heavy, light and transport fleets divisions is not a welcome one. I definately prefer the older system. I know somebody will say realism, but really how many of us take off heavy units when there are some frigates to write off instead (and the game does this itself)? Frigates whilst often called 6th rate or sometimes 5th's did not belong in the main line of battle so why should they take the hits. I think in this case the more abstract provides more realism.
The AI is not the best but as far as I'm concerned it is really only there to teach you how to get the best out of the UI and to learn the game mechanics before taking on the real world.
First query I have is with breaking a third party blockade. Russia is blockading the Swedish Fleet in Stockholm (Sweden is a French controlled Free State and Britain is at war with both France and Russia). Nelson with the RN in tow arrives and attacks the Russian Fleet in the blockade box. The British win the battle annihilating the Russian Fleet. the blockade is lifted but the British Fleet is thrown back to Amsterdam (the nearest British controlled port). This also happened in the Mediteranean against the Turks and Spaniards. Interesting but a bit annoying.
Another wrinkle is were Britain declares war on Egypt (uncontrolled neutral minor) at the same time as Turkey. An overland race for Cairo ensues. Turkey wins the race, assaults and wins the siege. The English Corp is repatriated to Malta (nearest English controlled territory) but the factors (5 inf) left in garrison in Alexandria were not returned. Is this a bug or a rules thing ... not a big problem ... a good excuse to declare war on Turkey and pick up a few cheap PP's).
The crossing arrows in the channel is a pain when you leave Kent unguarded ... still you only make that mistake once.
The game does freeze on occasion but I'm operating with Vista ... so I suspect that this is the cause ... at least the game runs not like some of my older games.
Looking forward to some more practice before joining the PBEM fraterinty.
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