Limitations of POA-2???

[meade95]

I have only been playing POA-2 (or play-testing rather) for about 6 hours today (since my game arrived)...

Does it not seem (hope I'm wrong here)...but does it not seem with how POA-2 runs it's simulation...and with how most scenario's seem to take place generally over a hour to 3 hour time frame (a real life simulated time frame for each scenario to be completed in....meaning in a real world operation .....Operations like these would be over within a 1 to 3 hour time frame)...

Does this not limit the overall strategy needed (or limit the ability to implement a broad set of stratgies because the time frame in which to implement them, just isn't availiable)....

Along with this.....Given the vast amount of weapons and weapon systems modeled (or could be modeled) within POA-2....is this also sort of un-useful (for lack of a better term...with regard to POA-2)....in that in most operations that will be over in 1 to 3 hours....A vast realm of weapon power is usually NOT brought to bare in that short of time.....

Again, I have only been play testing for about 6 hours....so I am very certain I am only scratching the surface....but just an observation that has come to mind....It seems like I'm not "feeling" the strategy side yet of this game...As compared with others...

Also, when I open an already made scenario....where / How do I adjust the different turn options and pulse options?

[Don Maddox]

...in that in most operations that will be over in 1 to 3 hours....A vast realm of weapon power is usually NOT brought to bare in that short of time.....

Again, I have only been play testing for about 6 hours....so I am very certain I am only scratching the surface....but just an observation that has come to mind....It seems like I'm not "feeling" the strategy side yet of this game...As compared with others...


The included scenarios are, for the most part, straight forward engagements where there isn't a whole lot of tactical options presented to the player. For one thing, the maps are not that large and some of them have fairly restrictive topography. In other words, there won't be a lot of fancy manuevering.

I'm basically using these scenarios as tutorials. They really only scratch the surface of what the POA2 engine is capable of. We need some more interesting scenarios that have larger maps, and full range of both artillery and air support, and a better mix of available forces. The included scenarios are basically stand up fights between a few T72s and US tank companies. They're okay for an hour or two, but I agree that we will need some additional scenarios quick.

How about an amphibious landing, an assault with airborne forces, a helicoper air assault behind enemy lines, an NBC attack, etc. POA2 can do all these things, we just need to get an hands dirty and start working on some battles. I'm still trying to get all the basic game concepts down prior to moving on to the editor.

[meade95]

I'm basically using these scenarios as tutorials. They really only scratch the surface of what the POA2 engine is capable of. We need some more interesting scenarios that have larger maps, and full range of both artillery and air support, and a better mix of available forces.

How about an amphibious landing, an assault with airborne forces, a helicoper air assault behind enemy lines, an NBC attack, etc. POA2 can do all these things, we just need to get an hands dirty and start working on some battles. I'm still trying to get all the basic game concepts down prior to moving on to the editor.
Don, I totally agree that new scenarios are needed. I am somewhat surprised not in that there were only 7 included....but that they all show pretty much the same thing (it would have been nice had HPS given 7 scenario's that delt with all the aspects....helicopter assault, CAS missions, combined missions, etc).

But what I am also pointing out....is that I'm not sure POA-2 can handle larger type scenario's....(without proving to be way to cumbersome...not only in "time" (a major factor)...but in just simulating all these events together).

It seems as if POA-2 could find itself in a "tweener" stage (Kind of like an College DE in football who is 6'3, 265Lbs.....to big for a Linebacker in the NFL, yet to small for a DE)......I can somewhat see POA-2 falling into this state.....Meaing it can't do the job of say a small squad / platoon assault (better then other games)......yet it also can't (because of the engine and time simulation) allow for larger strategic type battles....

I am not trying to just be "negative" on the game (heck, I purchased it)...but I"m just concerned over how I can see this game getting "legs" so to speak...