kingtiger

Eric, I would hope that you are right about LOS for locations I haven't been or for enemy positions I can see. I hope that you cannot select a position in the game and have the game show me where it's LOS is. I know some war games allow for LOS from unknown locations. For example in one game, I can select a hex and all visible hexes light up. Richard Kalajian

Herr Oberst, You hit the nail on the head about what is important in a game. I am a big fan of accurate modeling. However, at some point the degree of accuracy in things like armor piercing, hull placement, morale, command and control, bullet counting and tracking, all have diminishing returns on my satisfaction with the game. I think that CM has clearly demonstrated a top notch method for modeling these and most other aspects of combat. I think they have paid incredible attention to detailing and accuracy. Is it the best modeling? Maybe. My reasons for buying CM are simple. What do I want in a military game? Of course realism should be a part of the game, but I want to see my King Tiger rumbling down the road, stop, pivot and fire on a Sherman. I want to see both sides simultaneously duke it out in 2D or 3D. I want to see my orders carried out. I want to order my King Tiger to head down the road, stop and fire on that Sherman. I want to see those orders turn into chaos as my big super tank, chokes down in the snow and spins it's treads. I want to see the American Bazooka team open up on my tank and pop-it open like a can of tuna. Can a American Bazooka team pop-open a King Tiger? I don't know. I am sure of one thing, having spent over a year watching CM evolve, CM knows much better than I whether it can or can't happen. I am absolutely confident in CM's ability to model this stuff. And if it can happen, I wanna see it in action and then I'll whine about it. Many software developers will eventually go to the CM style of displaying the orders in 2D/3D and allowing the players to watch. How accurate they model combat is up to them. But one thing is sure beyond a shadow of a doubt, within just a few weeks, an entirely new genre of wargaming will be launched and I get to play it. I also have many war games on my shelf, and I'm sure other war games will be on the shelf in the near term. I plan on adding TacOps, Panzer Elite (even though I really don't enjoy it - I still get to drive a King Tiger), CC IV (even though i really don't like the voices, the RTS - I get really nervous doing all that stuff in real time), and possibly the HPS stuff. Sincerely, Richard Kalajian

Rock, I know that PG 3D doesn't compete with CM. I think the only comparisons I can see are WAR, Game, WWII. Outside of that it simply a new War-Chess game for a few weeks or few months of fun. I would have to say that PG2 is and probably will be more addictive than PG 3D Assault. Other stuff I found: 1) Nice Fog of war, 2) I did mention lack of playability, others have mentioned that same thing on the Club SSI board, however, after speaking with SSI, and learning some basics, the playability is fine. 3) Poorly coordinated overextended pushes are dealt with major devestation. Un ohh a similarity to CM. Actually, more of a similarity to Fionn's attack style. I have been playing the Kesserling (spelling ?) campaign all night and watching the History channel. It is interesting in that the basic force is made up of some tanks, anti-tank, fighter, bomber, etc. Prior to starting each scenario in a campaign, you can swap out equipment 1:1 with other equipment and leaders. I like tanks and picked up Elephants, Nashorn, another Panther A, Stug IIIB and some BEER. Basically created an all-tank and arty chess match *(worked in PG2). Anyways, I can't get past the first scenario of six with any combination of equipment and infantry and leaders. I have even set the advantage fully in my favor and still take a very serious pounding. I am totally unable to take either of two objective cities. I hope this is not foreshadowing my upcoming CM experience. I am glad I have the game. I wouldn't however say, "hey man...You gotta go out and buy this game". I had a void in my life that needed filling and it just so happened that this worked out. If you currently have lost interest in playing the same maps with the same scenarios for the same games (ala my experience), than I would have to say this is a good filler before CM. Again, I gotta go. I stopped playing to read CM and drink soda and because my butt hurt from repeated whoopings. Now I have German war on TV and PG 3D on cue. Man life is good. Suprisingly Pleased, Richard Kalajian

LL Cool J... eh humm.. I Mean Cool Col J, Interesting comment. You and I have almost the exact same computers yet total opposite views on the addictive quality of PG or PG2. PG2 is the most addictive game I have ever played. Weird hey! I have many FPS and usually play them only a short time. All high on the immersive scale and low on the addictive scale. I usually get close to the end, and stop cuz it is too hard or I'll cheat and destroy the challenge. Some people complain about the ugo-igo me being one, but it isn't nearly as frustrating as save/reload/save/reload...found in FPS's. Now for some additional findings in PG 3D Assault, 1) enemy units killed return near the final objectives in some form or another, actually kinda cool, but sorta annoying. 2) Setting the AI/setup to maximum player advantage still results in challenging campaign. Can't even win! 3) clicking on the screen while CPU side is playing will eliminate the movement and skip to next unit move. Speeds game along nicely. 4) Still can't quite figure out the leader thing and really that is an essential part of the game/campaign. 5) It is truly a challenging diversion and promises to engulf a lot of my time over the next couple months. Now I reiterate my apologies for having slammed PG 3D Assault. Gotta go again ... I must defeat the American war machine.. the time is now...Stand up and fite - the future of Germany is at stake. Sincerely, Richard Kalajian

***** VERY IMPORTANT MUST READ ***** How often does something happen in life where you say, "Wow, I am truly honored"? I had something happen today that forever has changed my attitude about war gaming software. Yesterday I left an e-mail for SSI PR explaining my disatisfaction with PG-3D Assault. Today I received a phone call from Rick White at SSI. He is the Producer of Panzer General 3D. Just the phone call was enough to alter my view towards the game and SSI forever. He actually took the time to explain the gaming system and why decisions about game playability were made. We spent some time talking about games of old, SSI of old, PG2 online, history of SSI, and I must say it was a truly rewarding experience. For the first time in many years I feel truly honored to have had the attention of someone at that level within a gaming software firm. It appears that SSI is comitted to the customer base and to providing high quality software to the mass market. Many decisions must be made to deliver a product to market, especially within the software gaming marketplace. I have made an additional attempt at PG3D Assault this evening. I must apologize to SSI and anyone on this board that likes PG 3D Assault. It is fun, challenging a nice diversion. This recent experience with SSI has been a life altering experience. One of my numerous character flaws is "loose cannon". I jump to conclusions about things, people and situations too quickly and then react, say and do things without thinking. Sorry again for bashing PG 3D Assault. I gotta go and ...well...yeah, I'm gonna play PG 3D Assault. Oh yeah, forgot to mention the artillery actually does damage (Large Damage), gotta go. Sincerely, Richard Kalajian

New news on Windows 2000. Heard today that it has been delayed indefinitely. Seems that Beta testers were complaining it was exactly like Windows 98. More Microsoft problems. Richard Kalajian

Pak 40, I liked Panzer General II because it was my first love. I still remember to this day my first game. I couldn't believe I was in control of the German Whermacht. After a short while it became much like chess. I like chess. My goal in purchasing PG-3D assault was to have a little Beer & Pretzel diversion for 15-20 hours of fun. I was hoping new campaigns would be a new and fun challenge. West Front has been burning up almost all my free time. I was really hoping that PG-3D assault would offer a diversion. It didn't happen. I really don't feel it is a worthy follow-up to PG II. Sincerely, Richard Kalajian

Apocal, I have Pentium III 450 clocked to 540 with 128 MB Ram, ATA 66, BE6, Viper 770 Ultra. It is slow by design. I would give it the award for single worst computer program I have ever owned. Richard Kalajian

WARNING! The bears lost. I was sad, so I stopped at Best Buy looking for Company. I decided to buy Panzer General 3D Assault. This is the worst software purchase I have ever made. The graphics are absolutely terrible. When completely zoomed in I can barely tell what I am looking at. I really enjoyed Panzer General II and was playing it this morning (ANZIO by Oronzo) using his equipment files. I can't win as American or German. The Panzer General 3D assault purchase has really impacted my confidence in online reviewers. The guy at CDMAG.com said that it was 4 out of 5 stars. Now I am not knocking it based on realism. I am ripping the crap out this pig due to total lack of playability. The movement is so slow it really is simply annoying. All I was looking for was a 15 hour diversion for the next 10 days. I didn't get 15 minutes. Imagine a $39 purchase and all the game is actually a step backwards in hex-based war-gaming. I also bought Delta Force 1 for $19 so I'll be OK for a while. Combat Mission save me.

Very difficult to play computer games while waiting for Combat Mission. Although I download every new game available, play a little and then delete them, it's just not the same anymore. A recent trip to Electronic Boutique left me empty handed. NOW, I tend my reef tank more closely. The car is cleaner. I have even taken up drinking as of late. And actually went on a few benders (6+ drinks in a night - used to be 18 drinks when I was younger) for the first time in 18 months. I must say the drinking was enjoyable, but I am certain that it won't compare to Combat Mission. You know drinking leads to smoking and smoking leads to trouble and trouble leads to girls. Booze/Beer, women, cigars, parties & trouble, Combat Mission save me. Rescue me from this bender. Oops, Gotta go, Bears game - tailgate party = More beer, girls, cigars,trouble.......... Help! Richard Kalajian

BTS, Looks like the big boys are taking your lead and focusing on releasing more solid code even before BETA. Here is an e-mail from Diablo II regarding decision to delay the BETA: ____________________________________________ Shortly after Tony's email, Max Schaefer posted a message in the Diablo II Battle.net forum, adding some more explanation to this: "The announcement is true. And Diablo II will be better for the delay. As we finished up the beta, we realized that with all the hoopla and excitement of running the actual beta test, we ran the risk of compromising our efforts at finishing and refining the parts of the game that were not in the beta. This would result in unnecessary delays that might push the final product past the end of the year. Believe me, we really look forward to the beta test, since it will be the first time so many people get to experience and play Diablo II. The decision to delay it was not easy. We've put an incredible amount of time and effort into this product. The Diablo II team has been working seven days a week, into the wee hours of the morning for many, many months, and we're as ready to be finished as all of our valued customers are. After serious consideration and deliberation, we're very confident that delaying the beta will result in the game coming out sooner. Thank you all for your patience, and continued support. Knowing that there is such a great community eagerly anticipating our game is what keeps us going during the long hours. Sincerely, Max Schaefer VP, Blizzard North." _____________________________________________ Richard Kalajian

"Get your stinkin paws off me you, you damn dirty ape"

Fionn, Duhh. The partroopers can be called in during middle of game, because the axis and allied airfields are within 100 yards of every city. Elephants are supposed to be in towns don't ya know. I would put an elpephant smack dab in the middle of town for maximum effectiveness, taking full advantage of the elephant's superior mobility. I would also surround the elephant with flak guns to eliminate immediately any threat from foot soldiers and paratroopers and bombers. Richard Kalajian

BTS Where did you get all the models? Who provided them? Richard Kalajian

What about "Major Major" Richard Kalajian

Here is the game Panzer Elite: http://www.3dfiles.com/games/indexp.shtml Here are the patches for the Demo (Ha ha): http://www.wingssimulations.com/ Here is a link to WAREZ copy of CM: http://www.buythedamngame.com/cm Richard Kalajian

Fionn, You can't put me in the German army, as far as I know the not a single Armenian fought for Germany during WWII. Thanks for doing it though. It really does look out of place. Thanks, Richard Kalajian (Armenian, Polish & Jewish)

Marko, I would buy another copy of CM if it had a Naked women on the cover. Richard Kalajian

Moon, I think Fionn is exempt, the above only applies to American Docs. However, Germany has WalMart coming soon, so he has that to look forward to, that is if he lives in Germany. Richard

I sell Information Systems to the healthcare community for billing, scheduling and clinical records for a $4 billion behemoth. The amazing thing is how many of these absolute frickin moron doctors are buying right now. Believe it or not, highly educated doctors in general make rather poor business decisions. Many are beginning to look for new systems now. God how stupid. I had a meeting Tuesday and another meeting next Tuesday with a practice that needs to get a new system installed, converted, trained all by year end. In the meeting Tuesday, a smokin red-hot babe office manager said, "what is your time frame?" I replied, "giggle..giggle... well I can give you the official BS, which is November 10 cutoff for new purchases or I can tell you the truth and the truth is you have waited way, way, way to long and you stand a good chance of not being live by the year end if you buy today". I could go on and on about how backlogged our company is, how grim the healthcare industry looks and litter the board with gobs and gobs of horror stories, but it would waste precious board space. OK, one more. 2 Doctors/ 2 Nurses /2 Smokin red-hot office staff / 1 doctor-wife / 1 old computer software system. Doctor brings wife in to run office. Fires staff. Hires staff and opts to buy my system. The fired red-hot staff calls me to party and tells me what happened. I call doctor and tell him no deal (i can't afford the headaches). All in the last 10 days. Moral of story - Y2K will suck huge for many people and "the only person I have seen consistently make worse business decisions than doctors are doctors wives". And on average installs take 6 months to a year to complete. Oh yeah, I rarely see babes in these offices, very rare. Low pay and extremely hard work for office staff. If I have offended any doctors I apologize. Richard Kalajian

1) Panzer Commander 2) The Forgotten Soldier 3) Frontsoldaten 4) Soldat Richard Kalajian

Captain Rock, The link works. First two files didn't work on the page, the file from Microprose worked. However, the DEMO didn't work for me. Richard

On the subject of morality: Was deciding to push back the bulge vs. cutting it off moral or immoral. Consider that 70% of casualities were made up of rifle platoons. (I will provide reference upon request - Either whole war or just Bulge, can't remember). Young boys drafted, moved up to the front and gunned down like farm animal as they attacked heavily fortified enemy positions. Gunned down before the commanding officer even new their name. That decision and battle action is in mind as immoral as mass murdering the enemy. Just food for thought. Richard Kalajian

Thanks for the quick replies. Well Monday sucked huge (worst in four years). BTS SAID: Scenarios that require additional (i.e. not in v 1.0) vehicles will not be playable without the version that introduced them. If you uninstall v 1.0 (why would you ever do such a thing?!?! ) you will have to update the game again. Absolutely no way around this. Response: I thought you were supposed to uninstall once a week to keep the game running stable..............................................................just kidding. I am thinking of a recent situation with System Shock 2 required me to uninstall and then reinstall and situations where my registry corrupts and I must restore an old registry (usually prior to installing the key games I am using). Two fold question: 1) Will the scenarios, save games etc., and such added after the install be present after uninstall. 2) Will the update need a fresh install? I know the second half of the question is really difficult to answer now, but I thought I'd ask anyways. Richard Kalajian

BTS, Q: Will the software have a reliable installation and update program (unlike a very detailed war game I use that had recent frequent updates and W98 problems and the initials WF)? CONCERN: Program installer requests like: Copy the update to the program directory and do a hand stand. Make sure to have a second person place a beach ball on your feet. Now execute the update. Now spin the beech ball till it hits 15 rotations per second. Then, turn the computer on and off quickly. Twice. Don't forget the Beer. Q: Many users on this board will provide scenarios. Will it be an easy process to load these scenarios. CONCERN: People's user-created scenarios rarely worked. West Front forces me to put them into the program directory (I'll never find it again if I don't want it). PG2 had maps in one directory, scenarios in another and user scenarios in a third (I have screwed PG2 up with everything from equipment files to scenarios and forced to reinstall several times, because I can't remember where to put what when). Q: Will vehicles be easily added? Once added, can I uninstall game and reinstall with the added vehicles still in place? etc. etc., Q: If I head into a weekend and have a dozen important tasks to perform prior to Monday, and I spend 37 hours playing computer games, will Monday suck or not suck? NOTE: If these topics have been covered, I apologize and please bad-mouth me publicly for being lazy and not searching the board. As for being lazy, I have CM to blame. I just sit and read and sit and look and read. If I have upset anyone with my comments on other games, I am sorry. But working for a software developer as a salesman for the last decade has made me intolerant of coding problems and difficult updates. Richard Kalajian