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RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 12:08:35 AM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

Ok I think something is wrong I downloaded the 1-19 scenarios and when I go to the game 7 9 and 9 are blank and a few others. any idea? Is this because they go from 6 right to 10 and no 16?

< Message edited by Antmf_slith -- 5/25/2019 12:10:14 AM >

(in reply to Kull)

Post #: 91

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 12:16:35 AM

jdsrae

Posts: 2716
Joined: 3/1/2010
From: Gandangara Country
Status: offline

You don't need all the add-ons and custom scenarios, this is still a great game without them.
The scenarios that come with the game will give you a few years of solid entertainment before you need to think about any player created scenarios.
The modified art looks great and probably would have taken people 100s of hours to make, but is just eye candy.
The modified maps (other than the art side of it which is more eye candy) would mean you need to relearn the changes made to the terrain in those maps, so I'd leave that until you're ready to try a custom scenario.

I'm just playing with the latest beta against the original AI scripts. The time I'd need to to get certain add-ons working on the wife's old computer I feel wouldn't be worth the game time lost.
Before I start my next AI grand campaign I'll probably try the updated AI scripts, but you don't need to worry about that until you've played a good few grand campaigns as each side against the vanilla AI, so a few years from now, or you might be playing PBEM by then instead.

_____________________________

Currently playing my first PBEM, no house rules Scenario 1 as IJ.
AAR link (no SolInvictus): https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4684655

(in reply to Kull)

Post #: 92

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 12:25:49 AM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

So the new ones I just added which ones do I play first?

(in reply to jdsrae)

Post #: 93

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 12:27:31 AM

LargeSlowTarget

Posts: 4443
Joined: 9/23/2000
From: Hessen, Germany - now living in France
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Welcome - this "time vampire of a game" has claimed another victim!

You may want to try the "Bellum Pacifica" map by MakeeLearn at http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4151200 - IMO it is even better than Chemkid's topo map.

The stock scenarios coming with the game are ok, but there are many mods out there which enhance the game. Some are aiming to be more historically accurate than stock scenarios, other are "what if" alternative history mods. Here is a list: http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3088504

< Message edited by LargeSlowTarget -- 5/25/2019 12:31:59 AM >

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Post #: 94

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 1:15:13 AM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kull

quote:

ORIGINAL: Antmf_slith

After getting the first 19 scenarios and I decide to download the harder ones will they overwrite any of the scenarios that I just updated or they are completely separate scenarios and will not overwrite any file previously downloaded?

Of the last five, #5 is a variant (probably harder) of #4. Those are Tier 3 difficulty, which means the Japanese will probably conquer the entire West Coast while you are still figuring out how to send fuel to Australia. Don't even bother with those until you are EXTREMELY experienced. Say....10 years from now.

Yea, you should probably also stay away from any of AndyMac's Ironman solitaire scenarios till you get a handle on the game as well. They are my favorites. I'm on November 11th of 1945 in Ironman Nasty Ported to Babes (scenario #40). Will be playing it out to the last day of the scenario on March 31st, 1946 which will make this the first game I have ever completed. I have been playing this since release in 2009.

_____________________________

Hans

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Post #: 95

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 1:50:08 AM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

So once I install the new scenarios how do I know have the right ones installed? There seems to be 2 different sets from 1-15.

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Post #: 96

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 3:40:27 AM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

The best way to be sure is to compare the file sizes in an update download to the corresponding scenario files in the SCEN folder. Sometimes scenarios will also indicate that they're updated in the scenario selection screen of the game, but that can be hit and miss. Even when they indicate that they're updated, they don't necessarily indicate a version number, etc.

You don't need to worry much about updating every single scenario... just take them one at a time, beginning with the one or two that you'd like to start playing right away. It's very easy to go down 'rabbit holes' with this game, thus it's easy to forget to actually play the game sometimes as well!

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Post #: 97

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 4:16:25 AM

Yaab

Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kull

quote:

ORIGINAL: Antmf_slith

After getting the first 19 scenarios and I decide to download the harder ones will they overwrite any of the scenarios that I just updated or they are completely separate scenarios and will not overwrite any file previously downloaded?

Of the last five, #5 is a variant (probably harder) of #4. Those are Tier 3 difficulty, which means the Japanese will probably conquer the entire West Coast while you are still figuring out how to send fuel to Australia. Don't even bother with those until you are EXTREMELY experienced. Say....10 years from now.

Yea, you should probably also stay away from any of AndyMac's Ironman solitaire scenarios till you get a handle on the game as well. They are my favorites. I'm on November 11th of 1945 in Ironman Nasty Ported to Babes (scenario #40). Will be playing it out to the last day of the scenario on March 31st, 1946 which will make this the first game I have ever completed. I have been playing this since release in 2009.

New player: "How is the endgame?"
Hans: "It is ten years away from now".

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 98

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 10:13:54 AM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kull

quote:

ORIGINAL: Antmf_slith

After getting the first 19 scenarios and I decide to download the harder ones will they overwrite any of the scenarios that I just updated or they are completely separate scenarios and will not overwrite any file previously downloaded?

Of the last five, #5 is a variant (probably harder) of #4. Those are Tier 3 difficulty, which means the Japanese will probably conquer the entire West Coast while you are still figuring out how to send fuel to Australia. Don't even bother with those until you are EXTREMELY experienced. Say....10 years from now.

Yea, you should probably also stay away from any of AndyMac's Ironman solitaire scenarios till you get a handle on the game as well. They are my favorites. I'm on November 11th of 1945 in Ironman Nasty Ported to Babes (scenario #40). Will be playing it out to the last day of the scenario on March 31st, 1946 which will make this the first game I have ever completed. I have been playing this since release in 2009.

New player: "How is the endgame?"
Hans: "It is ten years away from now".

LMAO

This is actually only the second game I have made it to 44 in and the first I have ever made it to 45 in.

In most of my prior games the AI just didn't remain viable past mid '43.

The Ironman Nasty scenario series seems to have a more robust AI and certainly has lots more assets for the AI to use and lose.

_____________________________

Hans

(in reply to Yaab)

Post #: 99

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 10:36:54 AM

btd64

Posts: 9973
Joined: 1/23/2010
From: Mass. USA. now in Lancaster, OHIO
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kull

quote:

ORIGINAL: Antmf_slith

After getting the first 19 scenarios and I decide to download the harder ones will they overwrite any of the scenarios that I just updated or they are completely separate scenarios and will not overwrite any file previously downloaded?

Of the last five, #5 is a variant (probably harder) of #4. Those are Tier 3 difficulty, which means the Japanese will probably conquer the entire West Coast while you are still figuring out how to send fuel to Australia. Don't even bother with those until you are EXTREMELY experienced. Say....10 years from now.

Yea, you should probably also stay away from any of AndyMac's Ironman solitaire scenarios till you get a handle on the game as well. They are my favorites. I'm on November 11th of 1945 in Ironman Nasty Ported to Babes (scenario #40). Will be playing it out to the last day of the scenario on March 31st, 1946 which will make this the first game I have ever completed. I have been playing this since release in 2009.

New player: "How is the endgame?"
Hans: "It is ten years away from now".

LMAO

This is actually only the second game I have made it to 44 in and the first I have ever made it to 45 in.

In most of my prior games the AI just didn't remain viable past mid '43.

The Ironman Nasty scenario series seems to have a more robust AI and certainly has lots more assets for the AI to use and lose.

Congrats Hans....GP

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Post #: 100

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 10:45:04 AM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

Map mod question:
when installing the map mod I install the map files from say project RNR from Chemokids files into art folder and let it overwrite the files in there after I obviously back the original folder up correct? I am confused about where it says to overwrite with stock map files too? anyone tell me exactly how to install? Thank you

Here are what instructions say:

First unpack one of the files ending with "(X)_u1". All of those files are the extended map designated by the "(X)" at the ending. To install the stock version of this map,
you first need to install the base files for the extended map, and then overwrite them with the corresponding map-type files for the stock map in the "STOCK" folder.

There are 5 map-types you can choose from:
"Topo Map Project Dot (X)_u1" - extended map where the hexes in ocean and water areas are replaced with transparent dots
"Topo Map Project Hex (X)_u1" - extended normal map WITH hexes.
"Topo Map Project Hexless (X)_u1 - extended normal map WITHOUT hexes.
"Topo Map Project Pure (X)_u1" - extended pure map WITHOUT hexes, and WITHOUT roads & railroads.
"Topo Map Project RnR (X)_u1" extended pure map WITHOUT hexes, but with roads & railroads

The difference between "hexless" and "RnR" is very small... Hexless has a more darker ocean, and a bit sharper railroads

If you have the extended map, installing one of the above maps is enough, but if you have stock, install the coresponding file from the "stock" folder.
Or if you want to have country borders in "extended map", install the corresponding file name from the "Extended" folder.

P.S. Do you guys recommend WiTP tracker and what does that do exactly?

< Message edited by Antmf_slith -- 5/25/2019 12:18:21 PM >

(in reply to Antmf_slith)

Post #: 101

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 12:59:38 PM

Trugrit

Posts: 947
Joined: 7/14/2014
From: North Carolina
Status: offline

I just got up and saw this. I need coffee! You need to slow down.

This whole thread is kind of a mess.
You are doing a lot of stuff you don�t need to do as a new player to get this game up and running.

You just need four steps (Done in Order) to install and set up this game:

1. You need to install the base game, as a download or from the disk.

2. You need to patch it to the latest Official Update.
You can get that by going to the product page. There is a tab that says downloads.
You want the top one. It is comprehensive. Install it.

3. Go to the Tech Forum and download the Beta and install it. It has it�s own folder.
It will create a shortcut on your desktop to run the beta.

(You can have two shortcuts on your desktop. One to run the Beta and one to run the game without the Beta.) Each one will point to a different execute file.

4. Configure your command line switches. You know about the command line switches?
I need more coffee for that!

As for the game map:
As a new player you really should not be fooling around with this stuff.
This stuff is more for senior class nerds like me.

You are going lose the terrain info with chemkid maps over the standard maps.
You need to understand terrain in the game.

But�.If you have the disk space just back up the entire art folder because you are going to want to do much more things to it in the end. Icons, art, graphics etc�..

As a review:

The game map consists of 41 map tiles. They are bmp files (Raster Graphic Image Files)

If you set the view option on your art folder to view as a list you will see them as shown below.

They need to be numbered exactly as shown to work. There are two complete sets.
WPEH00.bmp starts the hex set. The H in the name stands for Hex.
WPEN00.bmp starts the no hex set. The N stands for No (hex)

You need a complete set (all 41 files each) to get the game map as configured for base game.

There are also a few additional files for the weather map etc�.You want those.

To get another map, if you double click on a file it will open up so you can see it, and see if you like it.

If you like it you can drop the entire set into the art folder and it will overwrite the files that are there.
That is how you install them.

There is a standard map and extended map. They each have a different data set.

You need the correct data set installed depending on which map group you use.

Here is a trick for you:
I like to play with no hexes on my map. My PBEM opponent likes to play with hexes.
The game will not let you do this normally.

I go through a set of NoHex files and change the names to Hex files.
Example: Change WPEN00.bmp to WPEH00.bmp. And drop them in the art folder.

Then we set the game to play with Hexes.
My opponent can play the game with hexes and I can play without hexes.

Tracker is a stand alone program. It is very useful but not required to play the game.

Like I say�...You need to slow down some.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Trugrit -- 5/25/2019 1:03:41 PM >

(in reply to Antmf_slith)

Post #: 102

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 1:00:22 PM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

Is this spread sheet made for scenario 1 as I have the updated scenario 1?

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Post #: 103

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 1:15:05 PM

Trugrit

Posts: 947
Joined: 7/14/2014
From: North Carolina
Status: offline

The spreadsheet will cover scenario 1.

But you don't need a spreadsheet to play.

Just start playing, you are going to screw up anyway its part of the learning process.

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Post #: 104

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 1:16:53 PM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

Thank you. I know I need to slow down just excited about learning the game lol. Thanks for the info and I did all of those steps I also did the scenario update but scenarios 7,8,9 and 16 are blank but the others are there up to 19. Is this normal or did I do something wrong?

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Post #: 105

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 1:29:44 PM

Trugrit

Posts: 947
Joined: 7/14/2014
From: North Carolina
Status: offline

This game is old.

There is a lot of stuff out there. Some of it is wrong or missing.
Normal is not a standard that really applies to all this stuff.

What is important for you to know is that you can't do anything wrong.
Or...You can't do anything wrong that can't be fixed.

All of us who play this game have screwed the pooch many times.

Welcome to the mad house.

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Post #: 106

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 2:59:49 PM

RangerJoe

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From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
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Don't worry, just play the game. Start with the scenarios to get used to giving orders to your units. There are some long time players who have been playing this game since it first came out that are still learning things about the game. Yet they still have fun beating up on their opponents.

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Post #: 107

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 4:51:53 PM

Kull

Posts: 2625
Joined: 7/3/2007
From: El Paso, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trugrit

I just got up and saw this. I need coffee! You need to slow down.

This whole thread is kind of a mess.
You are doing a lot of stuff you don�t need to do as a new player to get this game up and running.

++++1

1) As a new player, only update the scenario you are going to play. And even that is optional. You need to understand the MECHANICS of the game before the nuances of a better AI will even be noticeable.

2) Please do NOT use any map mods. The standard map is perfectly fine for learning, and that should be your PRIMARY focus. In particular, the chemkid maps - though beautiful - are a HORRIBLE idea for a new player. It impossible to tell many of the terrain elements apart, and that will impede your learning process.

Do not focus on the peripherals.

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Post #: 108

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 6:04:56 PM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kull

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trugrit

I just got up and saw this. I need coffee! You need to slow down.

This whole thread is kind of a mess.
You are doing a lot of stuff you don�t need to do as a new player to get this game up and running.

++++1

1) As a new player, only update the scenario you are going to play. And even that is optional. You need to understand the MECHANICS of the game before the nuances of a better AI will even be noticeable.

2) Please do NOT use any map mods. The standard map is perfectly fine for learning, and that should be your PRIMARY focus. In particular, the chemkid maps - though beautiful - are a HORRIBLE idea for a new player. It impossible to tell many of the terrain elements apart, and that will impede your learning process.

Do not focus on the peripherals.

+1000
This is why I don't use map mods.
None have any visual clue of terrain type.
This is crucial for a newb in learning and appreciating terrain effects on movement and combat.
Don't get sucked into the sexy graphics of the map mods.

_____________________________

Hans

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Post #: 109

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 7:32:36 PM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trugrit

As for the game map:
As a new player you really should not be fooling around with this stuff.
This stuff is more for senior class nerds like me.

You are going lose the terrain info with chemkid maps over the standard maps.
You need to understand terrain in the game.

I saw this too and thought to comment thusly at the time, but didn't get around to it. I agree with Trugrit.

Take it easy on the betas, patches, optional artwork, this-and-that mods and new maps until you get a solid grasp on the fundamentals of the game itself. Spoiler alert: if you've had the game less than a week, you don't have a grasp on the fundamentals of the game. Calm down.

Us knuckleheads that are 'plankowners' on the game system have seen many, many enthusiastic new players come and do what you're doing and get burned out or fed up with the 'slow pace' of learning. They then step away from the game indefinitely or rage quit.

Learning in this game is like no other. You can't force it. Start from the basics and go from there. IMO, mods are something that you shouldn't even think about until you've gone through the basic 01 scenario for a year or so.

_____________________________

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Post #: 110

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 10:34:45 PM

mind_messing

Posts: 3393
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via Imgflip Meme Generator

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Post #: 111

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 10:41:03 PM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

I'm guessing mind_messing is the one in the front row with that square hat and ridiculous moustache?

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Post #: 112

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 10:49:23 PM

mind_messing

Posts: 3393
Joined: 10/28/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

I'm guessing mind_messing is the one in the front row with that square hat and ridiculous moustache?

Nah, I'm absolutely one of the Russians, just dying to turn up late to someone else's party and hammer the vodka

(in reply to Chickenboy)

Post #: 113

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 11:13:41 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

I'm guessing mind_messing is the one in the front row with that square hat and ridiculous moustache?

Nah, I'm absolutely one of the Russians, just dying to turn up late to someone else's party and hammer the vodka

So you're the guy in the black tunic with the shoulderboards for lining up successive glasses of vodka?

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Post #: 114

RE: How is this game? - 5/25/2019 11:14:57 PM

mind_messing

Posts: 3393
Joined: 10/28/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

I'm guessing mind_messing is the one in the front row with that square hat and ridiculous moustache?

Nah, I'm absolutely one of the Russians, just dying to turn up late to someone else's party and hammer the vodka

So you're the guy in the black tunic with the shoulderboards for lining up successive glasses of vodka?

Carrying those big shoulder boards around all day is thirsty work!

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 115

RE: How is this game? - 5/26/2019 1:00:38 AM

Antmf_slith

Posts: 188
Joined: 11/30/2012
Status: offline

Hysterical. My wife is going to kill me. Lmao.

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 116

RE: How is this game? - 5/26/2019 3:16:51 AM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

mind_messing's meme is brutally true

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Post #: 117

RE: How is this game? - 5/27/2019 4:10:06 AM

Yaab

Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

via Imgflip Meme Generator

"Yaab, enthralled by the Chemkid map, forgets to load the CONUSA LCUs on ships."

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Post #: 118

RE: How is this game? - 5/27/2019 1:55:37 PM

MakeeLearn

Posts: 4278
Joined: 9/11/2016
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kull

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trugrit

I just got up and saw this. I need coffee! You need to slow down.

This whole thread is kind of a mess.
You are doing a lot of stuff you don�t need to do as a new player to get this game up and running.

++++1

1) As a new player, only update the scenario you are going to play. And even that is optional. You need to understand the MECHANICS of the game before the nuances of a better AI will even be noticeable.

2) Please do NOT use any map mods. The standard map is perfectly fine for learning, and that should be your PRIMARY focus. In particular, the chemkid maps - though beautiful - are a HORRIBLE idea for a new player. It impossible to tell many of the terrain elements apart, and that will impede your learning process.

Do not focus on the peripherals.

+1000
This is why I don't use map mods.
None have any visual clue of terrain type.
This is crucial for a newb in learning and appreciating terrain effects on movement and combat.
Don't get sucked into the sexy graphics of the map mods.

There may be a couple that have them.

_____________________________

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 119

RE: How is this game? - 5/27/2019 2:34:47 PM

Uncivil Engineer

Posts: 1014
Joined: 2/22/2012
From: Florida, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trugrit

As for the game map:
As a new player you really should not be fooling around with this stuff.
This stuff is more for senior class nerds like me.

You are going lose the terrain info with chemkid maps over the standard maps.
You need to understand terrain in the game.

I saw this too and thought to comment thusly at the time, but didn't get around to it. I agree with Trugrit.

Take it easy on the betas, patches, optional artwork, this-and-that mods and new maps until you get a solid grasp on the fundamentals of the game itself. Spoiler alert: if you've had the game less than a week, you don't have a grasp on the fundamentals of the game. Calm down.

Us knuckleheads that are 'plankowners' on the game system have seen many, many enthusiastic new players come and do what you're doing and get burned out or fed up with the 'slow pace' of learning. They then step away from the game indefinitely or rage quit.

Learning in this game is like no other. You can't force it. Start from the basics and go from there. IMO, mods are something that you shouldn't even think about until you've gone through the basic 01 scenario for a year or so.