ATF/BCT questions

[dhuffjr]

I have read Mike Robel's review comparing TacOps and BCT. I am curious about what the major differences are between BCT and ATF. I think Tacops is a great game but am interested in something in the scale of ATF/BCT. How easy are the games to learn (game interface)? If I wanted to purchase one game which one should it be and why?

Dennis

[CPangracs]

Unfortunately, TacOps should never have been compared to BCT because BCT is a higher "echelon" or level, of gameplay. TacOps is mainly concerned with Battalion and Below tactical warfare, where BCT concentrates on the Brigade and higher level.

ATF and TacOps are more suited as a comparison, however even that is a problem because TacOps is turn-based, and ATF is pausable Real-Time. Also, the LOS model in TacOps is MUCH simpler than in ATF/BCT.

Anyway, the biggest differences between BCT and ATF is the level of gameplay and the flexibility/options. ATF=Battalion and below, BCT=Brigade and above.

Hope this helps. You may want to try out the demo's available at
Shrapnel Games (http://www.shrapnelgames.com) or ProSIM's Site (http://www.prosimco.com/)

[Cabron66]

Hey, just wanted to offer an opinion. I played TacOps for a while before switching to Raging Tiger a couple of weeks ago. Where is that article you mentioned? I wouldn't mind reading it.

I've never played BCT, but TacOps and ATF/RT are definitely comparable in scale. However, I think scale may be the only thing they have in common.

Actually, I won't even go down that road. You can download the demo and see for yourself. I will say, however, that a game like ATF/RT has a lot to offer to the kind of gamer that plays TacOps and other products like it.

In terms of the interface, ATF uses a basic windows style screen utilizing drop down menus not unlike TacOps. It's fairly easy to use and offers plenty of options to the player. In other words, the options are easy to find and use, but not so easy to know when and how to use. After maybe an hour you will be far more concerned with formations, scouting and setting up fire missions than with learning the interface.

Cheers

Paul

[dhuffjr]

Strategypage.com under wargame reviews. I enjoy playing all kinds of wargames. For me a classic but goodie is Red Lightning. I like the flexibility of TacOps and while it is geared towards smaller unit actions, I think it can manage larger formations, with more time involved of course.

How are rear area units/supply handled in these games?

Dennis

[CPangracs]

Strategypage.com under wargame reviews. I enjoy playing all kinds of wargames. For me a classic but goodie is Red Lightning. I like the flexibility of TacOps and while it is geared towards smaller unit actions, I think it can manage larger formations, with more time involved of course.

How are rear area units/supply handled in these games?

Dennis

As far as "rear area" and supply, etc., in ATF, you are basically limited by your creativity. There are no real "support" units, however there ARE ammo carriers (in ATF), personnel carriers, and vehicle carriers, as well as amphibious vehicles(in Raging Tiger, anyway).

You can create support units such as transports for tanks and such, and supply units, but they are limited to ammo only, as the other classes are not modeled, and this is mainly due to the relatively short duration of combat at the Battalion and below level.