Upgrades from TCM2?

[MrSpkr]

In termws of gameplay, what major design changes have you made to the system? For example, is it now possible to pause the game and give orders while the game is paused? Can you order units out of ammunition to fix bayonets and charge a la Chamberlain on July 2? Will movement along fence lines continue to exhaust units? If you order a brigade to hold at a stone wall, will the units stay in place behind the wall, or attempt to move out?

Just wondering what changes have been made.

Steve

[Gunfreak]

I don't see the point in giving orders while paused, just dosn't fit in with the style of the game.

There game isn't a click fest. it never moves so fast you can't keep track

[norb]

No orders while paused. I do not like that, the game does not move fast, there is plenty of time to give orders.

I'll let the testers answer the rest of your questions. I have made a ton of AI changes based on their requests and feedback, but I lose track of all the different parts.

[Little Powell]

MrSpkr wrote:

In termws of gameplay, what major design changes have you made to the system? For example, is it now possible to pause the game and give orders while the game is paused? Can you order units out of ammunition to fix bayonets and charge a la Chamberlain on July 2? Will movement along fence lines continue to exhaust units? If you order a brigade to hold at a stone wall, will the units stay in place behind the wall, or attempt to move out?

Just wondering what changes have been made.

Steve

About your second question, that's a good question. I'm pretty sure that units that have run out of ammo will retreat until you resupply them.

Movement along fence lines does not exhaust units, but it does cost them some fatigue.

Yes, a brigade will hold the wall. You can take control of them, or give them an order like "Hold to the last" and they will stay put.

[MrSpkr]

Gunfreak wrote:

I don't see the point in giving orders while paused, just dosn't fit in with the style of the game.

There game isn't a click fest. it never moves so fast you can't keep track

It can turn into a click fest if you are playing on the Corps level. Keeping track of and adjusting half a dozen or more brigades can be a pain -- as can be finding everyone you need on the maps. At least, it seems that way in TC2M. I'd rather have a second to give the orders to a large group, then watch everything unfold for a few minutes.

[MrSpkr]

Little Powell wrote:

Yes, a brigade will hold the wall. You can take control of them, or give them an order like "Hold to the last" and they will stay put.

Tremendous. I didn't see this command in TC2M.

[Mayonaise]

Well, I played TC: Bull Run and TC2M... and I'm two battles into the third installment. I'll take a stab at the difference from a high level.

1. The terrain in this game is beautiful! It looks much, much better. I feel like the units, however, are about the same. It is still the same old sprites cycling through various animations. The smoke from the guns is also a huge improvement. A+ for graphical improvements.

2. The sound is a bit muffled, although good. You will hear the dull roar of distant cannon and bugle call. You never get that real intense sense of battle though- of thousands of muskets being fired in succession.

3. The gameplay itself is very similar. A few nice additions such as moving by oblique and by flank make maneuvering less gimicky (goign in column and double quicking a few yards to your side and going back into line). Ultimately, though, it won't change the end result. You are still mostly balancing strength, fatigue, and morale and looking for tender flanks. If you enjoyed the gameplay in previous versions, you'll enjoy it here. If you didn't enjoy TCM2, you won't enjoy Gettysburg.

4. The strategic map is very cool. You see the entire battlefield and select various scenarios. There are maybe 20 scenarios, and I eagerly await the expansion that will add to this number. (hint hint) Carryover scenarios seem to have been left out. (Not a big loss imo)

5. A few minor issues from the past versions remain: Regiments will stare at eachother peacefully from 161 yards until you or the AI nudges them forward to the magic 160. Placing units on fence lines has proven tricky. AI units deliver a powerful initial attack, but tend to bunch up, and send rallied units in uncoordinated (and doomed) attacks until the units are nearly wiped out. My cavalry charged from long range to my disappointment (can we just not let the AI charge w/ cavalry? It's never a good idea).

[Shirkon]

Mayonaise wrote:

Carryover scenarios seem to have been left out. (Not a big loss imo)

Actually there are carryover scenarios. Scenario 2 has to be won to unlock scenarios 16, 17 and 18. Scenario 3 needs to be won to unlock scenario 15. Scenario 5 needs to be won to unlock scenario 14. And the biggie, scenario 7 has to be won to unlock scenario 11 which has to be won to unlock scenario 13.

[Chamberlain]

Shirkon ,

Thanks for the direction !! :ohmy:

Now I need to go back and win Scenario # 2 after getting pounded and ending with a brilliant -528 points !!!

:woohoo: :woohoo:

Chamberlain

[J Canuck]

MrSpkr wrote:

Gunfreak wrote:

I don't see the point in giving orders while paused, just dosn't fit in with the style of the game.

There game isn't a click fest. it never moves so fast you can't keep track

It can turn into a click fest if you are playing on the Corps level. Keeping track of and adjusting half a dozen or more brigades can be a pain -- as can be finding everyone you need on the maps. At least, it seems that way in TC2M. I'd rather have a second to give the orders to a large group, then watch everything unfold for a few minutes.

I'm with MrSpkr here. What I really enjoy about your games Norb (historical accuracy a given), is the variety one has in how to play the game - many, many games wrapped up in one - it keeps widening your market appeal (four thumbs up for multi-player). My choice is micro-management; I do enjoy watching the battle unfold as well and blowing the top off my scores. Many games have recognised the benefit of MrSpkr's enhancement Norb. I urge you to rethink and perhaps a future patch consideration. In the meantime, I guess I'll continue to wear out my Pause keys.

For the record - Scourge of War-Gettysburg is a beautiful, beautiful achievement for you and your phenominally hard-working team. I downloaded yesterday and so far it looks like you have dragged me and some other Grognards I see (ROSCRANS - GLAD TO SEE YOUR STILL ALIVE! ) back into the world.

I wish you and your team many many potfuls of well-deserved big bucks!!