Hey Rattler,
Probably the best idea to assess the situation! Just providing a few more details, even though I only got TacOps a month ago and so far have only tried about a quarter of the scenarios and done two CPXs:
> I play solitaire occasionally but prefer playing humans
No question that against humans the experience is much more enjoyable. However this is mainly due to the lack of AI to play as Blue or there only being two forces in the packaged scenarios (no civils/press or other force colours).Yes I do know the amount of effort that goes into it, but if as an extra, a player were able to design scenarios and give AI waypoints and SOP, it would be a start. This is probably possible but I have not looked at the map/scenario editor yet so apologies if this already exists.
> I would love to play PBEM but dont know how to do so
I know how to PBEM but am just scared of not finding a suitable opponent. Forums on battlefront or here on xtreme-gamer are created for this, but I would prefer a database with opponent location, skill and game preferences.
> I love CPX multiplayer games
No doubt about it. The adrenaline, the planning, even if it goes down the drain after the first :15 seconds, the interaction; basically the fun of them! Ironic though that it’s the human interaction and IRC chats that shape the game and TacOps is really just used for its combat engine (with click sound!) and not to its full extent.
> I have participated in CPX multiplayer games before
My first one was the 'nightmare CPX' but it did not put me off... too much! It is true it is hard to really see where the TacOps engine is flexible and where it is not, but I guess it comes with experience. For examples having to restart after loading firing mortars… would have never figured that bug out.
The 2nd CPX (last Saturday) was real fun as well, with no planning required. Despite my comments above, TacOps does shine where it matters: simulating tactical engagements. Hence there are no problems when we are just given an objective and a company.
> I would like to play CPX multiplayer but they seem to be at inconvenient times always
Unfortunately RL does get in the way and even though we are given a week's notice for some games, others happen the day after the post. Some TacOps resources have calendars but these seem to be down!
> I would like to see more multiplayer CPXes
Oh yes... even try out a WW2 one if someone is willing to host.
> I play anything that comes up
Although I really only have time on Saturdays.
> I would like to participate in a MBX (mail driven CPX)
Sounds good. I read the Brunei AAR which sounded amazing; was that an MBX?
General observation about CPX/MBX:
I do think though having read AARs and Rattler’s post (I think) on his Germany project, umpires really need to think ahead and for all the possibilities. If players have to wait and play a few, quick, non-related, CPXs so that the umpire and his team can catch the general feeling of how each team is organised and work (how long in advance they prepare (if they do at all!), delegation, team dynamics etc..), then so be it.
In conclusion: as I see it, such a small game community would benefit from a player database, as well as an up-to-date common CPX calendar so players can plan ahead. Hence OOBs and tac files can be prepared, military handbooks read, as well as network connections tested! The database and calendar should be linked to from here, Battlefront and TacOps.us.
Either that, or the AI/Solitaire mode should offer more possibilities on more maps and with more than one force colour (a 'goal' system maybe, where the enemy units are given an objective and the program would randomise the approach i.e. straight-line to objective, cautious zig-zag, smoke and shell first, send scouts etc...). Even if the Major does not agree, it could just be a community application which runs and connects ‘bots’ on two player/network games.
Finally just wanted to say what a pleasure it is playing with such a friendly and helpful community!
Cheers guys and hope I didn’t bore you,
Ben
PS: Just to apologise again if any of this is a load of hot air (especially concerning the player database, there may be one I have not found) or incorrect as I am still relatively new!
