Lobo

*Ok, required SPoiler alert!** I read in a recent thread comments from Steve regarding the play balance and the fact that we are enjoying this game even with the fact that most of us are beating the game. Taking a chance on over-praising this game (can it be done?), I think, from the GDemo anyway, they have reached a good "compomise" with the AI. I have won all of my games, but not without sweat and tears. I know I could have lost a few at least, with some wrong moves and some were close. I have played games where the AI is "too good" (aka: cheating) and it just gets me frustrated with the game and I stop playing it. Let's face it, we all want to win! We feel better when we win. We just need a good challenge to make us think we won by tactical genious I think this game does a good job of supporting this concept (Possibly prescribed by our psyco-annalysts?) Before the GDemo and even now, I have been placing my units in disadvangateous and unique positions, to try out different scenarios, getting out of jams, etc.. On the Chance Encounter, I let 10 turns roll by before I moved my men, to let the Germs move up. Those types of things have extended the demo.. luckily, with the retail game, we will have random battles (by the way, do you guys find your selves clicking on that button on the GDemo, even knowing it won't do anything? hehe... time for another visit to the shrink.). One question, and this is the spoiler.. There have been a lot of post regarding the Panther taking out the four Shermans.. This happened to me too. I know Tiger tanks were powerfull, but don't know much about Panthers. Would this be within the realm of reason or unique to this game? By the way, I love watching my other Shermans pop smoke and back up when they see their brothers getting waisted [This message has been edited by Lobo (edited 05-13-2000).]

Thanks for the quick reply Steve. I totally agree with your decision to not let people "jump out and jump in". While not realistic, I too think it would cause all sorts of unrealistic play by some. I hope to see the "Abandon" command included with a possible rule of "only when vehicle disabled" (can they be permanantly bogged?). Not sure this is needed for crew served weapons. In General and to Big Time I am 38 years old and have been playing strategy and war games since I was 16. I first fell in love with "Computer Ambush" on the Apple Computer somewhere around 1979? or so. Since then, I have been hoping and waiting for someone to make a "war" game to take it's place. None has, until now (Close Combat came close). If you ever played Computer Ambush, it was slower than molasis and used an "X's" and "O's" type of graphics system with a printed map to assist you in commands. But it sure was engrossing in it's time. Nice to finally have someone, comparitively, exceed the value of that game.. Whew, long post, with not much said. [This message has been edited by Lobo (edited 05-13-2000).]

Oh, and how do I get that "junior" off my "member" name (I feel so new, hehe)

First, just to save some of you the hunting. The back "splash" screen for the GD can be found in the bmp folder and is labeled "11002.bmp". I have it as the backdrop on my comp now Second, for Big Time, will there be anyway to have vehicle crews exit their vehicles at your command? I know they can't re-aquire abandoned vehicles. On the old demo, one of my German vehicles was disabled (couldn't move) and the men stayed in it. It was in a position where it was of absolutely no use and it would have been nice to have been able to order the crew to abandon it. Not sure why they didn't (Scared I guess ) (Also, for mother's day, you could let a new scenario slip out to us for the GDemo , for our mothers of course) hehe

Sara, I'm not in one of those games with your husband, but I wanted to tell you that I'm impressed by your willingness to type that message for him And, wish him a speedy recovery from all of us Combat Mission fans.

I have played the Valley scenario. I would like to play email with someone and I would like to be US, but either is ok. Can do about a turn-a-day. Have only played by mail one other partial game (old demo). I'm not sure this is the place to post, if we should "flood" this site with those of us desperately wanting to test our mettle I will get email notice if there is a reply.. thanks

That damn Panther took out four of my Shermans too ! eek

This may not be new for most of you, but thought I'd post anyway. I have a Riva TNT and a Voodoo 2 as my second card (I know, but geez, they were state of the art only 6 months ago ). Anyway, when I first played the GDemo, it came up with the "can you see" this, "click here" screen, so I did. The game was then played with the Voodoo card, the first one it chose. I wanted to use the RIVA so I deleted the file they told me to. Then I just waited through many "can you see this" screens, without clicking. Until finally, the RIVA TNT 1024x768 screen came up and I clicked it. Boy! what a difference in the resolutions, colors, clarity, etc. Very nice.

Geez.. all of you poor ASDL/Cable people.. I'm barely out of my crawling stage in life.. Getting 4.6 kb per second.. wahhhh.. Oh well, who needs sleppp (sleep-yawn).

thanks

LOL Dr. I think that sums up my abilities to wait for things too. I always snuck in and opened my Christmas presents early too. (Whoops, don't tell my parents... even at this stage of my life,,aka: Old,, it might dissapoint them )

I guess I'll add my 2 cents to the "hysteria" First, let's keep this a "fantasy" game related hysteria and not corolate (spelling?) it with real life tragedies. Now, having said that... I need the gold demo.. it's not a matter of want. CM has become one of life's necessities like Air, water, food, wome... well, you get the idea Ok, ok, so maybe I've overrated the need (did I?). I've said it before, thanks to all involved in making this war/strategy masterpiece! Looking foward to the Gold Demo and my retail copy when it comes out.

OB&G, I know that, Historically, the Eastern Front was very important and contained some of the largest tank battles. When Close Combat put out their third game (Eastern front) I didn't buy it and only recently did. I immediately applied the Western Front patch to it. I just like to feel a "part" of the game and some "ownership" for the "men". I know it's just a game, but a good war game can bring history that much closer for me. I have never enjoyed playing the Germans or Russians, even though their toys were generally bigger and better Now, having said that.. I have found myself playing the Germans many times in the CM demo (for variety). Also I don't "attach" myself to them as much, I do still use it to try out my tactical abilities. So, (sigh) I will probably get CM2 when it comes out and who knows, since I find my self playing the Germans in the demo, maybe you can teach an "old dog new tricks"

For what it's worth, I would dearly like to see Big Time continue making games where we can play US or British soldiers. I just can't get "involved" with playing the Russians vs Germans full time. I know many won't agree, but just had to voice myself I think a nice North African or similar battle area would do nicely. Or, Anzio, Italy, etc...

I was reading the thread on the dead body being put in. First; I think it's a great idea. Seeing the general advances or positions of men is great to figure out what went right/wrong. Second; I would assume a lot of the comments made are just to stir up conversation. Some say they were close to canceling their orders because of the bodies. Give me a break!! No one, I mean no one, that reads this board regularly and has already pre-ordered the game would cancel their orders for ANY REASON. Lol, I would purchase this game for the same price based strictly on the demo version, in it's state of development, with just more scenarios and a randomizer. The rest is just bonus stuff!! And last; I've already thanked the developer, on line, for making what is going to be the best Wargame ever. I would further like to thank Big Time for doing such a good job of looking at this board and supporting their fans (along with Battlefront). PS; Big Time, if you'd like to send me out the game now, unfinished, you can have my money : ) [This message has been edited by Lobo (edited 05-02-2000).]

I have order the game (how could I not?!) and have played the demo to death (well, the death of simulated guys anyway). I read where you mentioned the "Eastern Front". Please, please don't tell me your next installment will be Russian/German only!! Call me weird (or better yet, don't , but I throroughly enjoy playing either the US or British when playing "war games". Some other lesser country, say like Australia would be ok too. I do not enjoy playing Russia or Germany, although I do play with them occasionaly, just for a break and to use their advantages and disadvantages. But, the "meat" of the simulation, what really draws me into "feeling" for my men, is playing the US or British. I didn't buy Close Combat 3 because it was Eastern front war. I only purchased it (bargain bin) when the West Front conversion came out. Please keep the US or British involved...There are so many areas of that conflict to simulate with them. Anyway, just my "2 cents" worth.. Thanks.. : )

I don't recall which shot it was, but one of the "8" screenshots has what looks like a large black "N" in the background. I may have missed this as a new addition. Is there an option to display compass directions on the 3D view in the final game? or was it placed there by an alien? [This message has been edited by Lobo (edited 04-16-2000).] [This message has been edited by Lobo (edited 04-16-2000).]

Thanks for the reply's. I don't necessarily have a problem with it being direct order, just wanted to know.. Not like I have a choice on whether or not I buy it. Has to be the BEST (by demo and other info anyway) wargame to date.. bar none. I want to thank the designers/developers for bringing me closest to a game I used to play way back when....on the Apple.. Computer Ambush!.. A great game in it's day, although slower than heck Well, gotta go put in my order..thanks. [This message has been edited by Lobo (edited 04-16-2000).]

Will this game only be available for purchase through the internet (via Big Time) or will it be sold in stores? It seems like I've seen it will be direct order only, but couldn't relocate that information.