Will you be getting Cross of Iron from Matrix Games?

[Don Maddox]

How many people are planning to get the new Close Combat version from Matrix Games?

[Aries]

Broke, I am sooooooo broke.

Bought Battlefront, and that likely was dumb (wallet wise) and today I broke down and bought my Nintendo DS (my plastic hates me now).

It's not really relevant if I want it (and won't be for a few months).

But my early opinion, is the add ons might not fly with the old guard that might have expected more. The graphics seem to be the focus of disappointment.

I don't think it's going to be a bad purchase for a new comer, it's just not as much of an improvement the way TOAW COW to TOAW3 was.

[Vas FURY]

Yes. Will buy. Even though I got the previous one.

Hopefully they wont retail it at full game price, but rather make it cheaper. Like 5 Pounds :D

[Aries]

Yes. Will buy. Even though I got the previous one.

Hopefully they wont retail it at full game price, but rather make it cheaper. Like 5 Pounds :D

I guess he hasn't gone to see the price yet :)

[Boonierat]

Yes. Will buy. Even though I got the previous one.

Hopefully they wont retail it at full game price, but rather make it cheaper. Like 5 Pounds :D

Some people are already complaining about the price on the Matrix board, gotta admit I can understand what they mean (40$, 31€, 21£).

[Aries]

What I think needs to be asked, is would a first time never played Close Combat before buyer consider it a good purchase?

If the only people whining, are the people that have already got a copy of the older CC3, is it just they are whining because all they perceive themselves getting, is a slightly modified game to their perspective.

[Blackcloud6]

I doubt I'll get it. I'll read about it and consider it but it has a hill to climb.

[Vas FURY]

Aries, youre right to some extent. But also, which of the new players do you think will be interested in getting a game that looks like something that could be played on a mobile phone?

I think the biggest fanbase for this game will be from existing players, not from new ones. Boy, even retails stores arent selling that game, only specialist websites.

[Aries]

If they made decent wargames for hand helds, I likely would stop buying PC games entirely.

Hell I already have too many PC games now.

I all have is Age of Empires Age of Kings for the DS.

When they release Panzer Tactics I will have precisely two wargames for my hand held. Oh joy oh bliss. What's so friggin hard about making a few decent wargames for hand helds? Not everyone wants to play the usual thing all the time.

[Arno]

As far as I can see, all you guys have played the previous installements of close combat...

I never played any of the Close Combat titles so far and was wondering if it's worth getting it. Do you think €30 are expensive for the game itself, or only if you already own one of the previous ones?!

How realistic is Close Combat?! I really like RTS but I'm not a particular fan of Command and Conquer :D

Thanks for any info
Cheerio
Arno

[Aries]

Well fort starters, both are computer games, and that is about where the similarities end :)

In CC, you don't build units from resources.

Additionally, if you don't use proper sound military tactics, your opponent hands you your butt on a platter each time :)

As for dollar value, I can assume it is definitely a sound purchase for the "have not played it before" gamer.

[Arno]

Ok, thanks :)

So I gather that the main problems with Close Combat are that it doesn't offer anything (or much) new and that the graphics are not exactly up-to-date... seems I can live with both :D

I'll look into it, but it sounds quite interesting.

Cheers
Arno

[Blackcloud6]

Has anyone got CoI yet and can tell us anything about it?

[z1812]

Hi All,

In my view the game is well worth while for first time buyers and the price is very fair. For wargamers interested in small scale, sqaud based actions it is a must.

The interface is a lot like CM's. Left click on a unit and a pop up gives you options such as move, sneak, move fast, fire ect. Movement is achieved by dragging a set of waypoints over terrain. Houses can be entered and are destructible. All aspects such as moral, disipline, fatigue ect. are cleverly modeled. Pathing is quite good as well.

There are linked operations and campaigns that track fatigue and casualties. Re-inforcement points are usually available to replenish points or buy new units.

Multiplayer accomodates 2 players only. People can meet at Battle HQ to compete. It installs with the game.

I feel the A.I. is improved. As an example I am playing a campaign using one of the Modifications and finding the maps are not so easily won.

Speaking of modifications, there are many and they are easily installed using the Mod Swap utility that also installs with the game and by the way is easy to use. Some mods are, The West Front, Grossdeusthland, Der Ost Front. The modifications usually change data ,graphics, add maps and come with at least one campaign.

The game graphics are beautiful and would stand up compared to most wargames.. I don't understand why some people describe them as dated. Any game that looked this good and played as well would be well recieved today.

There is a very easy to use scenario maker through which one can make Campaigns, Operations and Battles.

One of my favourite things about the game is its brevity. Each battle is usually no more than 30 minutes and is often 15. For those who do not have a lot of time for wargaming you really only need a half hour to play the A.I. You cannot save during the battle but you can save inbetween them if you are in the midst of an operation or campaign.

A few people have had problems with the "super grand campaign" that can only be played on the net. Others have had some install problems. No more so than most other games.

Look at the following site for more info. There is also a CC3 demo there that can give you a limited idea of CoI.

http://www.closecombat.org/

I hope this helps.

Regards John