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Hertston -> RE: Best Matrix Game for Intro to wargaming? (12/6/2009 2:36:35 AM)
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ORIGINAL: rowech
As a general rule -- are the operational games more difficiult than the tactical level games? I ask only because it would seem to be the case because of the production aspects of an operational type game. As a follow up question are there bigger scope type games where the various units come into the game without you having to manage the production, etc? Or, is that a major aspect of all wargames?
No it isn't; just strategic level ones. Note strategic, not 'operational'; there are more refined definitions but essentially 'operational' is somewhere between strategic and tactical. Many of the best games here such as The Operational Art of War, Conquest of the Aegean and the Decisive Battles series are operational level and none are concerned with research or production (be prepared to manage supplies, though).
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I download the War in Russia download and was unable to get it to work with my computer. The other two looked blah compared to some of the paying options available
Not a good sign, this is not a hobby for eye-candy fans! However, those games are pretty ancient and I must admit that, despite it's merits, I wouldn't recommend SP:WaW as I find it pretty hard on the eyes these days.
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Another piece of this would be games that have good AI
When you need to start worrying about that in the selections made to date, you will no longer be a 'beginner'! Be aware, though, that programming a wargame AI is much, much harder than for a game with far more limited possibilities, such as chess. An experienced human player will usually beat the AI in evenly matched scenarios whatever game you are playing, although one advantage of PC wargames over something like chess is that they rarely are matched unless for tournament play. Pick the underdog against the AI so, for example, in a Civil War strategic game the CSA is (and should be) more of a challenge than the North.
I'd recommend John Tiller's Campaign Series as maybe the best first game, that can also 'grow with you', as it were. It does look it's age a little (the Matrix release is a reworking of late 90's games) but it's still graphically passable, runs well in 'modern' resolutions and provides a huge amount of bang for your buck. It's easy to learn and play, has enough scenarios to keep you going for years and is as good an introduction as you'll find here. As a tactical game there is no production to worry about either.
If you get on with that, maybe try other games representing different eras (like Field of Glory's ancients) or scales (the strategic level WW2: Time of Wrath), or step up a little to something like Battles in Normandy, Highway to the Reich or The Operational Art of War. Just avoid War in the Pacific for the time being; if that does appeal dip your toes in the water with Uncommon Valor first.
Good luck and enjoy. Take advantage of the sale!
PS. Another 'path' if you are already a 'classic' RTS gamer; you might want to try the Close Combat series. Very different in some ways, but close enough in others to help you find your feet. If you get on with those, then try CotA or the upcoming Bulge game for the perfect blend of operational wargaming, historical accuracy and continuous time.
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