So, lets hear form someone who bought it (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [Age of Muskets] >> Horse and Musket: Volume I, Frederick the Great



Message

siRkid -> So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/17/2009 9:13:29 PM)

Short review please.



Titanwarrior89 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/17/2009 11:49:57 PM)

This is only one short battle.

1. Graphics-are not that great but you'll get use them.

2. Res- Needs improvement. Hard to see the little troopers.

3. Fun factor- is good once you understand whats going on with the basics.

4. Sound effects- Not great, but again you can live with it.

5. Losses seem a bit heavy! Could be wrong on this. Just seems the losses are high.

If you are interested in this period I would buy it, if your not put off by dated graphics. There is a game under the hood on this one.



siRkid -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/18/2009 12:07:52 AM)

Thanks.



Archinerd -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/18/2009 3:07:40 AM)

Hi.

I bought this game on June 16th. I have no experience with either of the earlier H&M games.
I've only had a chance to play 1 scenario so far, and it was designed in order to learn the game and only 4 turns.
The game seems pretty easy to learn. I've played a handful of turn based pc games in the past, but I'm by no means a grognard.
After a quick read through the manual to get the general idea, I decided to dive in and give a scenario a shot. I'm sure I missed some things, but I was able to quickly figure out how to bombard the enemy, advance the infantry and eventually managed to mount a successful assault on the enemy's position. The finer points of the command/activation mechanics still escape me, and I'm not really sure what some of the actions do exactly (Cold Steel for instance) but I plan to re-read those portions of the manual carefully.
The graphics are nothing special by todays standards, but are functional. I don't particularly like the cartoon unit portraits though... and sometimes it was hard for me to tell which way my infantry were facing.
I don't know how good the AI is yet, the scenario I was playing had me playing both sides... I'm assuming it was designed that way, but maybe I accidentally set up a hot seat game. The interface is a little clunky I think, I had several mis clicks that sent Friedrich marching off halfway across the battlefield and I had some difficulty keeping my infantry units in the battle line facing the right direction.

There were two things that seemed unrealistic to me, the first is the speed at which units moved, and the second was the number of men in each unit. The speed seemed unrealistic because my commanders were able to gallop halfway across the map in one turn, and my infantry seemed to be able to move very fast despite being deployed in line formation. In regards to the number of men in each unit, I was dissappointed to see that the units were all exactly the same number of men and all were operating at full strength... this seemed overly simplified to me and I would like to see some variation in units and some realism in regards to attrition vs. on paper strength. Both of these are determined by the scenario though, so maybe this is a problem only with the scenario I played.

This game has flaws without a doubt, and despite the recent graphic update it still isn't pretty, but it seems like a very good game and I look forward to trying some of the other scenarios. The Activation mechanic is very good and seems to be a simple but elegant solution for modeling the difficulty of commanding troops.

Thanks for the hard work on this game, I look forward to see where you take this system next.



MacDuff -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/18/2009 2:23:35 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Titanwarrior89

This is only one short battle.

1. Graphics-are not that great but you'll get use them.

2. Res- Needs improvement. Hard to see the little troopers.

3. Fun factor- is good once you understand whats going on with the basics.

4. Sound effects- Not great, but again you can live with it.

5. Losses seem a bit heavy! Could be wrong on this. Just seems the losses are high.

If you are interested in this period I would buy it, if your not put off by dated graphics. There is a game under the hood on this one.


Limited response:

1. Magnus will have to field this one.
2. Eric will have to field any res issue.
3. Agreed. Just remember to take it slow. Play through against the AI so you have the advantage of the redo button, which is not available when playing hotseat.
4. These can be changed if you want.
5. This can be changed in the editor under "Advanced Settings."



Alan Sharif -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/18/2009 9:50:48 PM)

I have the game but have only played short scenarios so far. Althrough changes have been made, IMO it has the same feel as the old H&M titles. If you liked those you will like this. If on the other hand you did not, nothing here is going to change your mind, again IMO.



Titanwarrior89 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/18/2009 10:28:38 PM)

It is hard to see which way the unit is facing(sometimes). I would go to the unit info to make sure about the facing of the unit.



Sertorius1 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/19/2009 12:42:38 AM)

Titanwarrior,

Use your up and down keys to adjust the map size. The "T" key resets the map at 1:1.

You can also use a wheel mouse. you can spin the wheel and it will adjust the size of the map.



Titanwarrior89 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/19/2009 2:41:03 AM)

Thanks for the info but Ive been using the wheel. Still hard for me to make the troops out sometimes.
quote:

ORIGINAL: Sertorius1

Titanwarrior,

Use your up and down keys to adjust the map size. The "T" key resets the map at 1:1.

You can also use a wheel mouse. you can spin the wheel and it will adjust the size of the map.





Sertorius1 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (6/19/2009 3:37:13 AM)

You're welcome, TW.

I thought of one other thing, but it works only with infantry and artillery. In your reports menu on the lower right you can also access a field of fire button. Anyway, you have matters well in hand.



Captain57 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (11/11/2009 6:05:29 PM)

Bought it, wish I hadn't. Saw the 2009 release and thought the graphics would be better. Save your money.



PrinzHenrich -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (11/11/2009 6:30:34 PM)

Did you see editor?
That is great stuff.



Captain57 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (11/11/2009 7:21:34 PM)

I own lots of Matrix games. But in this day and age, there is no excuse for these graphics. Yes, I am grognard, but come on. PS: And how does one take it back? I'd try one of Matrix other games. Many good ones here.



Magnus -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (11/13/2009 9:20:38 PM)

Whatīs so bad about the graphics, itīs a hexbased wargame, compare it to the HPS Sims series 3D graphics. There is no need for any flashy 3D graphics for a hex based wargame at this graphical scale.



Captain57 -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (11/14/2009 5:55:20 PM)

I'd actually prefer a hex and marker approach to this pixelated stuff. Again, I own many fine games from Matrix and am not talking about fancy 3d fps. Just some clean, hex level graphics. Just my opinion.

PS: WitP AE absolutely rocks.



Magnus -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (11/15/2009 2:59:02 AM)

Yes I see what you mean a 2D view with markers? Would have been good if the game had both views I agree with that.



Sarge -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/6/2009 3:38:50 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Magnus

Whatīs so bad about the graphics, itīs a hexbased wargame, compare it to the HPS Sims series 3D graphics. There is no need for any flashy 3D graphics for a hex based wargame at this graphical scale.



LOL, I always get a kick out of this argument.




Turnbase needs to be 2D and ugly.................[8|]








Magnus -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/6/2009 10:48:20 PM)

Yes why the need for 3D models and 3D terrain in turn based wargame, when you get a clear view of isometric view or top down view?



PrinzHenrich -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/7/2009 5:55:39 PM)

Or it was ironic?!



badhairday -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/7/2009 8:59:33 PM)

Just downloaded the game and to b honest first impressions are,
its just plain ugly.
You have no idea what your units are let alone which way they face its a shame cos i really liked the idea of 7 years war.
Its 2009 and there are no graphic options in this game just basic smudge how can anybody explain that in this day and age.
The screen shots look a lot better than the game does on my desktop and if id have known then i wouldnt have bought it.
For Ģ25 i expect a well presented package,this reminds me of Microproses Fields of Glory and you can buy that for Ģ3.99.
Very dissapointed and feeling robbed.

Sean



Magnus -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/7/2009 10:10:48 PM)

badhairday, do you run it at full screen? Since the resolution is locked at 1024x768 but it can be played in windowedmode which makes everything much clearer.

Look for HorseNMusket.ini in your install folder.

Add this line at the bottom of the file:

WindowedMode=1



Sarge -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/12/2009 2:01:23 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Magnus

Yes why the need for 3D models and 3D terrain in turn based wargame, when you get a clear view of isometric view or top down view?


I can make quite a valid point why 3D terrian is preferable in a tactical setting as H&M is, your argument is purely personal preference hardley debatable.



TR -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/12/2009 7:42:03 PM)

Sarge sure I'd like 3D graphics for a SYW era game, but other than ETW there isn't one. And from the complaints I've been reading on the blogs ETW seems to have missed the mark (you can correct me on this if you want, I don't have a copy of ETW and my opinion is based on what I've read).

The designers for HnMv1 are a very small group with limited resources, full time jobs, and I think they've done a good job despite limitations and life constantly creeping in (Tim Coakley had 2 or more deployments to Iraq during this project).

You can criticise this or that about the game and pick it apart all you want, but it's a good game for what it does. If in the end, you still don't like it you can always purchase one of the many 3D SYW games that are currently out there (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself - Bad Santa!).



Sarge -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/12/2009 11:13:00 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TR

Sarge sure I'd like 3D graphics for a SYW era game, but other than ETW there isn't one. And from the complaints I've been reading on the blogs ETW seems to have missed the mark (you can correct me on this if you want, I don't have a copy of ETW and my opinion is based on what I've read).

The designers for HnMv1 are a very small group with limited resources, full time jobs, and I think they've done a good job despite limitations and life constantly creeping in (Tim Coakley had 2 or more deployments to Iraq during this project).

You can criticise this or that about the game and pick it apart all you want, but it's a good game for what it does. If in the end, you still don't like it you can always purchase one of the many 3D SYW games that are currently out there (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself - Bad Santa!).



What.................. ?

So how is my debate with Magnus that 3D terrian in a tactical setting instead of top down 2D is insulting to you or anyone for that matter.



PS/BTW: dropping Tim's military commitment in order to discount another community member's "opinion's" is quit the a$$hole move............... you sure he is ok with that ?

There are members in this thread stating the game is a wast of their money but you pull my comments as offensive...........?

nice..............[8|]



TR -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/13/2009 8:48:28 PM)

No. I didn't take offense. I was adding my 2 cents worth in support of the game. Admittedly, my comments were poorly worded. I apologize.

Personally, I don't think the game is waste of money.

In the meantime, please excuse me while pry my foot out of mouth.



Tim Coakley -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/13/2009 9:29:41 PM)

All playing nice :)

Sarge,
good points on 3d...all comes down to time and money. Mike Cooney from Boku (the programmer) has the talent, but it would take being able to work at this full time to get a game out.

HnM is an update of the old releases...with a face lift, expanded editor, and most importantly a new lease on life.

Two new games are in the works using the engine, with more planned after another round of updates.

I don't see being able to go 3D unless I can get the funds to pay Mike for two years (he would love that)!

Tim



Sarge -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/14/2009 12:24:16 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Tim Coakley

All playing nice :)

Sarge,
good points on 3d...all comes down to time and money. Mike Cooney from Boku (the programmer) has the talent, but it would take being able to work at this full time to get a game out.

HnM is an update of the old releases...with a face lift, expanded editor, and most importantly a new lease on life.

Two new games are in the works using the engine, with more planned after another round of updates.

I don't see being able to go 3D unless I can get the funds to pay Mike for two years (he would love that)!

Tim



That was the nice Sarge...? [sm=sterb003.gif].................................[:D]


Anyway, that was not my point "the old 2D v's 3D debate" was out of context and not directed.
All I ask is see what you guys can do with the higher resolutions with out reinventing the wheel and kick around expanding the engine to cover the colonial wars but to be honest anything with a flontlock in it has me sold.




Sumter -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/16/2009 3:30:42 AM)

I have not really played the scenarios that came with the game and have spent most of my time working in the editor to draw maps of battlefields from the American Revolution.  The improvements in the editor are significant.  I agree with those who have observed that it is difficult to see units and their facing, but this seems more prominent in the editor than in the game itself.  I do hope that future versions of the game system will permit the transfer of maps drawn in this editor to the new game.



Tim Coakley -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/17/2009 1:38:57 PM)

Sumter,
future games will be able to load maps/scenarios from this game.

I am looking at AWI as one of the next games...I think you will like it.



Zaratoughda -> RE: So, lets hear form someone who bought it (12/20/2009 7:30:09 AM)

Sarge..... get a load of this.

I have the HPS games F&IW, C1776 and W1812, and they have 3D graphics and top down wargame counters and you can go with either one but, their 3D graphics are ragged to the point where I always used the counters. However, the HnM 3D graphics (better in PWM) were better, much more uniform, so in HnM the 3D graphics were fine.

And, someone made this point in this thread but.... lol... they seemed to miss the point entirely here and started thinking they needed to develop a new 3D model (what??).

Also, I REFUSED to purchase this game because they have essentially the same AI from PWM that is a mess. But, I found the graphics there to be fine, and seeing all the complaints about how the game looks here, was kind of surprising.

And then I remembered.... they increased the pixel size of the hexes by a factor of 2x while keeping the size of the units the same, effectively decreasing the number of pixels that the troops take (in a given hex by hex area) by a factor of 4x. When they started talking about doing this I warned them not to go that route.... and instead to continue with the 'a bit' oversized units they had already because they would be losing the impact of Magnus' artwork and that was about all they had as far as graphical impact but... they wouldn't listen and went down their merry route and.... are now getting the complaints about the artwork.

Ug... I had hoped things would not come out like this but... looks like they have taken a big step backwards with that 2x hex size increase and, unless they correct it, probably a step backwards into oblivion.

If you have not seen many comments from me around here... a matter of not wasting by breath.

Zaratoughda

P.S. Magnus did make the unit figurines a bit bigger so they didn't quite lose 4x but it is probably more than 2x and in any case, my original point sticks out like a sore thumb, IMO.



Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>

Valid CSS!




Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI
1.092773