Decided not to buy

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

Decided not to buy

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> WarPlan >> Decided not to buy

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 2:49:22 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

2 week turns. I just hate that time scale for games like this. I have the same issue with SC: World at War. Hubert (the designer) made a mod to make it weekly turns which made the game much better inho.

SC: War in Europe had variable turns which took some getting used to but really thought it worked well once I did. Weekly turns in the 'good' weather turns, longer in the rest.

I know this has to come from Marketing since it seems like game design has to be "we want people to complete a game in X time so how long should a turn be?"

The real war lasted about 240 weeks so apparently 240 turns is too long for a game.

I know the editor can make the turns weekly, but you have to do much more than that. You need to:
- half the op points for every unit
- half the resource gains, including research
- double the production time of all the units
- half the strategic move range or keep the range and double the cost

So changing the time scale is not an easy task to accomplish. I actually did most of this for WaW but stopped at reducing the AP points as that would have been more work than what I wanted to put into it.

Since I already bought one game with a two week time scale and really hated it, I see no reason to do so again.

I'm glad the game is doing well and people are enjoying it. But it is just not for me.

Now if someone does a good mod that does the work needed above with weekly turn, I may change my mind. Even better if it is the designer that does it

But until then I will pass.

Post #: 1

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 3:09:47 PM

lecrop

Posts: 412
Joined: 4/14/2009
Status: offline

I am really interested in knowing why you hate two-week turns. Do you have any important reason for this?

I believe that if everything is proportionally correct in relation to the length of the turn (production, action points, research, etc.), there should be no objection to the duration of the turn other than an arbitrary personal preference. Just curious.

That said, I prefer one week turns too because I like the scenarios with more number of turns, and because it would look even more like my beloved SPI WiE. But that doesn't stop me from enjoying this great Warplan.

< Message edited by lecrop -- 10/31/2019 3:11:27 PM >

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 2

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 3:25:19 PM

Flaviusx

Posts: 7750
Joined: 9/9/2009
From: Southern California
Status: offline

This seems like a particularly weird and nitpicky reason to skip an amazing game, but hey, tastes vary.

Half the op points on all units might well turn this into a WW1 game given the various movement costs.

_____________________________

WitE Alpha Tester

(in reply to lecrop)

Post #: 3

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 4:40:20 PM

Fintilgin

Posts: 196
Joined: 4/14/2005
Status: offline

SC - WAW two weeks turns are different. I believe how that works is:
January 1 - 14th German Turn
January 15 - 30th Allied Turn

So really a 'turn' is closer to a month. 12 turns per player per year

Warplan is more like
January 1 - 14th German Turn
January 1 - 14th Allied Turn

24 turns per player per year, so twice as many as SC WAW. I suppose it would be fairly easy for the designer to change it so that it was like the Germans get Jan 1-7 and the Allies 8-14, but that's just cosmetic.

Honestly the turn pace seems just about right for the game.

(in reply to Flaviusx)

Post #: 4

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 5:38:33 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Fintilgin

SC - WAW two weeks turns are different. I believe how that works is:
January 1 - 14th German Turn
January 15 - 30th Allied Turn

So really a 'turn' is closer to a month. 12 turns per player per year

Warplan is more like
January 1 - 14th German Turn
January 1 - 14th Allied Turn

24 turns per player per year, so twice as many as SC WAW. I suppose it would be fairly easy for the designer to change it so that it was like the Germans get Jan 1-7 and the Allies 8-14, but that's just cosmetic.

Honestly the turn pace seems just about right for the game.

Fair point. I made the assumption that it was more like WaW versus a 'standard' turn based system. That actually might help quite a bit. I still would have preferred one week turns as I feel it provides a better granularity to these games.

Now if it was on Steam :), I'd definitely buy it, play it up to the refund limit and then make a decision on to keep or not. Too bad Matrix does not have a policy like that, but I understand it is a lot of work to do something like that.

(in reply to Fintilgin)

Post #: 5

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 5:49:53 PM

Duck Doc

Posts: 693
Joined: 6/9/2004
Status: offline

[/quote]
Now if it was on Steam :), I'd definitely buy it, play it up to the refund limit and then make a decision on to keep or not. Too bad Matrix does not have a policy like that, but I understand it is a lot of work to do something like that.
[/quote]

There is plenty of info about the game here and on YouTube which allows one to make an informed decision about a purchase also which, in the end, is a personal decision. The question then becomes does it really matter if you decide to purchase or not?

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 6

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 5:58:18 PM

AlbertN

Posts: 3693
Joined: 10/5/2010
From: Italy
Status: offline

In general no amount of videos will give the same vibe as playing a game.
I am personally fond of the old fashioned demos, that by now are non existant.

(in reply to Duck Doc)

Post #: 7

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 6:23:12 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Duck Doc

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar

Now if it was on Steam :), I'd definitely buy it, play it up to the refund limit and then make a decision on to keep or not. Too bad Matrix does not have a policy like that, but I understand it is a lot of work to do something like that.

There is plenty of info about the game here and on YouTube which allows one to make an informed decision about a purchase also which, in the end, is a personal decision. The question then becomes does it really matter if you decide to purchase or not?

It actually could matter since Matrix would not be getting my money and by proxy the developer would not either.

But It should not matter to anyone else if I buy or not. Just expressing my thoughts and opinions as you are.

I have watched videos, read reviews, obviously following this forum :), etc. but those just not do it for me. Very rarely have I bought anything from just watching a video.

So I will just wait and see how the game evolves.

< Message edited by Numdydar -- 10/31/2019 6:25:41 PM >

(in reply to Duck Doc)

Post #: 8

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 6:33:28 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

Personally, what I like in a WW2 game (strategic or operational) is to compare my pace to the historical pace of operations. I have seen that some players have succeeded to do Poland in one turn i.e. two weeks. But in any case two turns, as historical, seems to be the norm.

Now, the "strange defeat" that is always hard to do at the same pace than historically. Fall Gelb has started on May 10th 1940. The sea was reached by German 19th corps on May 20th 1940. So in term of game turns, this is one turn. Anyone was able to do this in one single turn? I bet none was able to do it.

The main reason from my point of view: no stacking. Design decision, understood.

The French strategy was an 'all or nothing' gamble that leds the allies armies to rush for the Germans in Belgium. As such, there was no strategic reserve behind the front line. Funny enough, this cannot occur within this game since the Belgium army prevents the French and the BEF to enter in Belgium. So, the strategic reserve is intact. The AI is safe.

In order for one player to achieve this pace in this game, does one week turn instead of two would have done the trick?

It's an open question, do not see any criticism of the game.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 9

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 7:47:44 PM

Duck Doc

Posts: 693
Joined: 6/9/2004
Status: offline

I have bought a lot of games from Matrix/ Slitherine and I don't recall any instance of a demo available before purchase but I could be wrong about this. My understanding has been that Matrix does not do demos or offer refunds. Steam does allow a short time to try out a game but the decision to put a game on Steam is Slitherine's to make and may not make financial sense for this game, compared to, for example, Command (CMANO).

I buy all my games now from Matrix and get the Steam key to use.

This is my point: I doubt there will be any change in policy here about demos and refunds and it has already been said that the game is not coming out on Steam anytime in the foreseeable future. We all know this and most of us accept this reality.

I am going to purchase tomorrow (Nov 1st = new budget cycle for games - too many games and so few cycles- just sayin'...), warts and all. Got to love the game concept and implementation. I am getting very excited! This may indeed turn out to be the strategy game I have wanted someone to conjure up, lo these many years.

< Message edited by Duck Doc -- 10/31/2019 8:16:49 PM >

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 10

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 8:22:36 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

Well Steam's Halloween sale busted my budget lol. So another reason to wait awhile.

(in reply to Duck Doc)

Post #: 11

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 8:23:27 PM

Zovs

Posts: 6668
Joined: 2/23/2009
From: United States
Status: offline

Its very addictive it has that "just one more turn" feel.

_____________________________

Beta Tester for:
Flashpoint Campaigns: Sudden Storm
War in the East 1 & 2
WarPlan & WarPlan Pacific
Valor & Victory
DG CWIE 2
SPWW2 & SPMBT scenario creator

(in reply to Duck Doc)

Post #: 12

RE: Decided not to buy - 10/31/2019 8:54:44 PM

Fintilgin

Posts: 196
Joined: 4/14/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zovs

Its very addictive it has that "just one more turn" feel.

Yeah, this is VERY true. Despite the current AI flaws it kept me up past midnight two nights in a row so I could just pull off whatever I had planned 'next turn' again and again.

(in reply to Zovs)

Post #: 13

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 6:55:52 AM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

Now, the "strange defeat" that is always hard to do at the same pace than historically. Fall Gelb has started on May 10th 1940. The sea was reached by German 19th corps on May 20th 1940. So in term of game turns, this is one turn. Anyone was able to do this in one single turn? I bet none was able to do it.

No one? I still wonder if this is achievable or not?

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 14

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 7:17:44 AM

bcgames

Posts: 2527
Joined: 6/2/2010
From: Bramble Rose Farm, KS
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e
I still wonder if this is achievable or not?

Maybe. If the variables of resources, capabilities, intentions, time, space, and purpose all align as they did in 1940--for both sides...maybe it's achievable in WarPlan. Dunno. I'm about to see what happens in my first adventure into France 1940. I do know in advance that I have set a different table than the historical one.

_____________________________

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 15

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 7:25:20 AM

Worg64

Posts: 86
Joined: 1/19/2019
Status: offline

It is really hard to make a exact historical outcome of a WWII game where the player or the AI very seldom makes so big mistakes that took place hiostorical for various reason.
Mostly because of the far better overview and control a game gives a player and AI,

That said for fun I decided to try it out and make objective was Calais the port at sea. I did manage to do this in one turn by allocating all my bombers and tanks with the main objective towards getting to the sea,
I even managed to get the BEF forther into the land due to this. But then after this action I would not been able to get Paris at end june I think.

It is harder to defeat France in this game but then it is also by far easier to be prepared for it as Axis when it comes to unit bought and using during the attack so I reckon it is balanced in those terms.
For me it is not really important to make a game historical either. After all I want to change the "history" and a game of this magnitude will never be historical in any sense since it is just not possible to make it so.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 16

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 8:20:42 AM

basilstaghare

Posts: 173
Joined: 7/5/2015
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zovs

Its very addictive it has that "just one more turn" feel.

This...agreed that this is an amazing game

(in reply to Zovs)

Post #: 17

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 8:51:52 AM

Radagy

Posts: 333
Joined: 5/22/2004
From: Italy
Status: offline

If you enjoy playing PBEM, you might wait for an upcoming patch just to have a more polished product, but in the long term it is a must buy.

(in reply to basilstaghare)

Post #: 18

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 1:13:08 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bcgames

Maybe. If the variables of resources, capabilities, intentions, time, space, and purpose all align as they did in 1940--for both sides...maybe it's achievable in WarPlan. Dunno. I'm about to see what happens in my first adventure into France 1940. I do know in advance that I have set a different table than the historical one.

Please let me know how it goes.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to bcgames)

Post #: 19

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 1:19:43 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Worg64

It is really hard to make a exact historical outcome of a WWII game where the player or the AI very seldom makes so big mistakes that took place hiostorical for various reason.
Mostly because of the far better overview and control a game gives a player and AI,

That said for fun I decided to try it out and make objective was Calais the port at sea. I did manage to do this in one turn by allocating all my bombers and tanks with the main objective towards getting to the sea,
I even managed to get the BEF forther into the land due to this. But then after this action I would not been able to get Paris at end june I think.

It is harder to defeat France in this game but then it is also by far easier to be prepared for it as Axis when it comes to unit bought and using during the attack so I reckon it is balanced in those terms.
For me it is not really important to make a game historical either. After all I want to change the "history" and a game of this magnitude will never be historical in any sense since it is just not possible to make it so.

I know this is hard for such strategic game to keep the historical pace.

I have tried with:
. CEAW Gold - never been able to keep the race to the sea pace
. Strategic Command WWII War in Europe - never been able to keep the race to the sea pace

For the first time, I am seeing a game that may achieve the historical pace.
Why are you not able to take Paris end of June? Too much attrition?

Thanks

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to Worg64)

Post #: 20

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 1:25:04 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

And to complete, would someone mind to start a scenario "Europe 1940" (I have seen it starts May 10th) and play the first turn trying to reach for the sea? I just want to see if this is possible.
Sorry but I like so much this battle, it is really a case I like to study. Been able to complete it at strategic level is really a dream for me.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 21

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 2:46:41 PM

incbob

Posts: 727
Joined: 6/23/2004
From: Columbia, Missouri
Status: offline

I do understand that this game has problems due to it being a new item just recently released. I have even posted a thread of things that could perhaps should be changed.

This being said if you like WWII and pass up this game you have chosen.........poorly.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 22

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 3:20:44 PM

lecrop

Posts: 412
Joined: 4/14/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: incbob

This being said if you like WWII and pass up this game you have chosen.........poorly.

Weeeeeeeell said!

(in reply to incbob)

Post #: 23

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 3:46:39 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

I am very glad others are enjoying the game. But I am still not jumping into the pool for these additional reasons since my issue with the 2 week turns was not like it was in SC:WaW. For the record, I too loved Third Reich

- Cutoff cites providing supply to units. I had major issues with this in SC:WiE and it looks like this game has the same problem. No interest until this is resolved.
- From threads I have read it looks like Oil needs to be adjusted.
- Surrender of USSR/UK. Should be some process for this to occur. It does not have to be easy

, but there should be some way to do this.

There are some other more minor things as well but these are the big ones for me. I'm sure that they will be addressed in some manner. At that time I will re-evaluate and decide.

< Message edited by Numdydar -- 11/2/2019 3:47:03 PM >

(in reply to lecrop)

Post #: 24

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 4:02:37 PM

mroyer

Posts: 914
Joined: 3/6/2016
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cutoff cites providing supply to units.

Yeah, I hear 'ya on this. I always liked the idea of a city being a supply source if, and only if, it is connected to another city by a friendly rail line. I first saw this in the old GDW Europa series and thought it worked very well. Isolated cities might, at best, be a "limited" supply source for a short time or small force.

-Mark R.

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 25

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 4:32:20 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: incbob

I do understand that this game has problems due to it being a new item just recently released. I have even posted a thread of things that could perhaps should be changed.

This being said if you like WWII and pass up this game you have chosen.........poorly.

Well, no game is perfect since everyone has their own perception. That been said, I like it more and more seeing some videos.
I am just asking a basic question regarding the invasion of France. Still hoping someone would answer if this is possible.

As Numdydar, I know this is possible to change the turn length in the editor but will it impact the rest of the gameplay.
That's the question.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to incbob)

Post #: 26

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 5:08:33 PM

AlvaroSousa

Posts: 9927
Joined: 7/29/2013
Status: offline

You can load the editor, change the 1939 scenario any way you like, and play your own game.

That is how I started in SC2.

_____________________________

Creator Kraken Studios
- WarPlan
- WarPlan Pacific

Designer Strategic Command
- Brute Force (mod) SC2
- Assault on Communism SC2
- Assault on Democracy SC2
- Map Image Importer SC3

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 27

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 5:15:27 PM

Worg64

Posts: 86
Joined: 1/19/2019
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

quote:

ORIGINAL: Worg64

It is really hard to make a exact historical outcome of a WWII game where the player or the AI very seldom makes so big mistakes that took place hiostorical for various reason.
Mostly because of the far better overview and control a game gives a player and AI,

That said for fun I decided to try it out and make objective was Calais the port at sea. I did manage to do this in one turn by allocating all my bombers and tanks with the main objective towards getting to the sea,
I even managed to get the BEF forther into the land due to this. But then after this action I would not been able to get Paris at end june I think.

It is harder to defeat France in this game but then it is also by far easier to be prepared for it as Axis when it comes to unit bought and using during the attack so I reckon it is balanced in those terms.
For me it is not really important to make a game historical either. After all I want to change the "history" and a game of this magnitude will never be historical in any sense since it is just not possible to make it so.

I know this is hard for such strategic game to keep the historical pace.

I have tried with:
. CEAW Gold - never been able to keep the race to the sea pace
. Strategic Command WWII War in Europe - never been able to keep the race to the sea pace

For the first time, I am seeing a game that may achieve the historical pace.
Why are you not able to take Paris end of June? Too much attrition?

Thanks

The reason you can manage to the sea in one turn in this game is in the great combat system with multiple moves and combats. But then to get to Paris as well in the time line is very difficult mainly because how the AI defend and how a player would as well in the game compared to a historical defense. In the game the AI and players make several rings around Paris and defend in depth while historical they didnt defend but instead pushed into Belgium and attacked. The AXIS can be a lot better prepared in this game so I guess that makes it possible. I dont say its impossible but to make both the sea and Paris in the historical timeline will be a hard nut to crack for sure.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 28

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 6:11:26 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alvaro Sousa

You can load the editor, change the 1939 scenario any way you like, and play your own game.

That is how I started in SC2.

If you mean I will end up doing my own video game,

yes sure that is one goal.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to AlvaroSousa)

Post #: 29

RE: Decided not to buy - 11/2/2019 6:12:15 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
Joined: 10/29/2013
From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Worg64

The reason you can manage to the sea in one turn in this game is in the great combat system with multiple moves and combats. But then to get to Paris as well in the time line is very difficult mainly because how the AI defend and how a player would as well in the game compared to a historical defense. In the game the AI and players make several rings around Paris and defend in depth while historical they didnt defend but instead pushed into Belgium and attacked. The AXIS can be a lot better prepared in this game so I guess that makes it possible. I dont say its impossible but to make both the sea and Paris in the historical timeline will be a hard nut to crack for sure.

Thanks Worg64. I will surely buy soon.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to Worg64)

Post #: 30