TeAcH

Well, a lot of intelligent and accurate posts have been made here over the last few days dealing with CC and all of its iterations. I, like so many of you here, bought and fell in love with CC1. At that time, I sent off many thoughts and requests fir improvements or modifications to the game to Atmoic in emails while eagerly awaiting CC2. Heck, alot of people engaged in discussion on the CC forums asking for this and that. But, when it came out, I have to admit, I enjoyed it even though very few of the posts on CC forums had been implemented. For that matter, I enjoyed CC3 even though it felt inaccurate. Now, I just finished playing the CC4 demo a few times and am really let down. What a joke it is. Whoever said it was a WW2 Command and Conquer hit the nail on the head. People here have said how Atomic never listened to their fans when it came to realism and how they botched 2,3 (and now 4). I agree with them. It's very true that Atomic never released any patches that weren't more or less bug fixes. Here is my understanding for why that happened. To some degree, a big reason that Atomic did NOT released major facelifts adding customer-given feedback in the form of patches was because of a contract with Microsoft. Apparently, MS had (and still has) tight control over games that it publishes and puts its name on. From what I gathered in email to Atomic staff, K. Zab to name one, they couldn't dramatically alter the game while under the control of MS. The bottom line is, for me anyway, that they just dont want to make the game too realistic so they can appeal to a mass market. Or, perhaps, maybe they just dont get it. I truly was blown away by this game (CM). I even preorded. As great as it is though, I truly think that if there is anything that may keep Combat Mission from being a barn burner in sales, it is the graphics (dont flame please). Even though I think they are very good. People want to see "Saving Private Ryan on their computer". They want to see tanks that explode differently or show a multitude of damage, they want each soldier represented and then their dead bodies littering the field of battle, they want buildings that react realistically to damage (walls blown out and crumble, etc). Heck, I want that too..who doesn't? But there are quite a few people out there that will look at it and not buy it without even playing it and that will be there loss. CC sells largely because it is pretty. TeAcH [This message has been edited by TeAcH (edited 11-20-99).]

Someone out there please do either CM in either the Pacific Theater or covering the Korean War.

Some very interesting and informative posts above. I read every word. You guys are well versed. As a gamer, I feel like I am in good hands in buying this game. I would like to throw in my two cents though. I am a nut when it comes to realism over gameplay. I vote for realism every time. I say put it in the game and let us deal with it. Okay..now the real 2 cents part. Please model the tanks' turning abilities (differential steering - neutral steering) accurately per tank. But save it for CM2 if it means delaying this version. Thanks TeAcH

Good point yak!

Thanks for the prompt reply Big Time, Though I am a little bummed out about the lack of graphics for damaged/destroyed vehicles and tanks, I can understand and appreciate the philosophy behind limiting the tank graphics right now. I think everyone would agree that it would make a realistic game even more so, but limits are limits and that's too bad. I certainly don't want the game delayed so that graphics can be added. I'll take those improvemnts in CM2 though please!! (or in a patch). Let's get the game out the door (I preordered). Question: Is the game's code maxed out right now which precludes any help in that department for adding on tank damage as opposed to buying new graphic cards? --also-- Im with Ken B. I'd gladly upgrade my computer to play a CM2 if need be. Get all the goodies in 2 and kick the competition's butt!!

First off, I LOVE this game. I knew nothing about it until I downloaded the demo off of Adrenaline Vault and I was hooked. I loved all of the Close COmbat games (still do) but this is better. What a great great job!! Now my question--- Are they any plans, or has it been implemented, for tanks and other vehicles to show different types of damage? It appears in the demo at least that tanks either have the blazing wreck or the non-smoking, turrent ajar wreck. Id like to see more please, if that's all we get. Whatever is realisitic. If you guys (the WWII masters) say that it isnt realistic..then enough said. Thanks Doug

I wholeheartedly agree! This game is truly remarkable. I have been a gamer since the days of the apple //+ and have seen a lot come and go. This game is truly a wargamers delight. If I had anything to add, Id like to see the dead soldiers remain on the battlefield, each platoon represented by a man per count rather than three. Thanks TeAcH