Hello all,
First off I just want to comment that I am a "new" fan of CM. I just received my FULL version last Friday. I have been, however, totally blown away by this game. BTS has really made a gem of a game! The PC game mags *should* all pick this as the "Wargame of the Year."
I also have become a very big fan of this forum. This board seems to be a fantastic community and a wealth of information. I have also been *amazed* to see so many helpfull and quick responses from the BTS guys (and others...). Many of you are so willing to take time out to help (or design scenerios, new paint jobs for tanks, Mod-packs, etc.) despite the obvious time and effort.
Combat Mission itself, in addition to be the most amazing game I've played this year, has enticed me buy a few more books on WWII and has increased my overall awareness of the period by tenfold. (I'm still WAY behind the curve compared to some of you 'ole grognards...but I'm on my way.)
In any case, all this has forced me to examine one issue in particular. Why do people wargame?
I consider it an obvious point that war always carries a horrible cost in lives and property. In some sense, both sides always lose "something" in a war. That being said, why then do we "play" at war?
Is it God given male (or male/female, for all the PC people out there) aggresiveness? Tribute to the bravery of the fallen men of the past? Mental excercise? (tactics and strategy) A way to explore our common roots in history? Why do we wargame?
I, of course, have drawn my own conclusions from this little question. Now, I'm interested to "hear" what you all think...
Thanks and good gaming to you all!
Noncom