MarkEzra

Allow me to offer my thanks as well. I'm certain that future chat sessions will run smoothly and provide much needed info for we hoplessly addicted CMr's.

Actually, The Sad Violin music is just how I often Feel about War in General. Edith Pilaf will work for me, too. John Phillip Souza, save it for the Fourth of July!

I wonder if sending the Infantry CO over to an Unbuttoned Tiger would change their alert status?

I've played computer war games for several year (5-6?)...None compare with CM in reality, AI action/reaction, nor the down right tension that this game developes. I get DV as well. It's good to know that the numbers are off in the demo, 'cause it's cost me way too many KIA/WIA's for that rotten little town. I've learned to reley on Arty/ and Smoke to advance, ect. To know I've been fighting Half trained Germans and have never lost less than 2 shermans and many infantry makes me pause to consider that old WW2 phrase, "Home alive in '45". I doubt that any hard and fast judgements can be made about the AI in a BETA Demo...but CM is on the right track.

How about "American Patrol" for the Deployment phase. I play SPWW2. It's got a really oustanding music program that adds to, rather than dominates the game. It's the first time I ever DIDN'T turn off the music on a war game. I say you guys have a great idea to add music... I hope you'll give a listen to SPWW2.

Certainly an interesting thread. Your comment, "Since small battles cannot make a difference in the war...", strkes me as wrong. Small battles are exactly what makes the difference. It is when small units (Plt/Company/Battalion size) fold or hold that breakthroughs or defeats are made. Consider the soviet doctrin to massively bombard a wide front, attact on a wide front, but poor all reserve into whatever weak are they discover. It comes down to smaller units breaking in or holding out. Your idea to have a large front battle is fine with me although CM doesn't sound like the best fit. Perhaps Steel Panthers 3.

6 PM PST... plan to attend

I'm glad to hear that reinforcements can be controled by the scenario designer. Allowing us to choose % possible with a turn and following turns will create many a tense moment for players. As regards "balance" in scenarios: Sometimes fun, sometimes too predictable in war games.

May the guns stay silent for all our children. Tomrrow I'll remenber to thank a Vet and send a donation to Doctors Without Borders, a great and brave group, too.

As soon has I heard about the CM Demo I bought an E Monster 500 w/vodoo 3d, ect, ect. Took compuserve up on their Internet rebate plan...with a 17inch monitor, I've got the machine I needed to play THE GAME of games. Best money ever spent.

When Steel Panthers came out many people created "how to" manual, unit characteristic, you name it. While some were batter than others, all contributated to a better understanding of the game. I have a feeling the same will happen w/CM

I read your article today. I think you caught the excitement of this revolutionary game to a tee!

On the subject of Tank Damage I had 2 shermans shot up and could see no evidence of damage. Not sure if simply imobilized or what. The crews suffered casualties so something happened. Any thoughts?

What Great news! You know, I really think this is the greatest game format ever

I love the chance to recreate a small battle. While hard to find, there are source materials that can provide reliable info. Charles MacDonalds, Objective Schmidt provides great mapsand accurate troop dispositions, ect. So I think it is very doable at the Company,Plt, or squad level, Just have to read more! Sometimes, just trying out a tactcal move in a certain topography is just pure fun. Especially after I've been slaving over books, maps, and photos til I'm nearly Blind...LOL

I understand not wanting to make "characters"out of the units, or have core units that win the war, ect. What I WOULD like is the ability to name the leaders. I have two reasons to have control Function in place like SP: Historical Accuracy...I often want to build small scale battles using the correct names of particpants. The 2nd reason is I'ld like to insert myself into the game a bit. After all if I'm killing my guys with my awfull tactics at least I should suffer,too

I promised myself a new Computer IF a War game came out that was really different. When I heard about CM from guys I trusted I want out and bought Emonster 500. Best money I spent in years! The Beta Demo is all I'ld hoped for and more. I get a feeling your "little Company" has hit it big with your revolutionary game