They must know when my Matrix coupon expires as I believe that is just days after my coupon of course expires:)
https://www.matrixgames.com/news/decisive-campaigns-ardennes-offensive-developer-interview
Luckily for me it will be about a month before I get my coupon! :)
Edit - Just checked and my coupon date is December 9th. It should be 50% off. :clap:
Get mine day after Christmas! I know what one of my purchases will be!
Squee :smitten:
My coupon expired over a month ago but this one I want \m/
Looks good!
After so much time in Shadow Empire I think I'd feel right at home in this game.
The ardennes. Meeting engagements in that one that should be wego right?
Might need to add this to my xmas list to santa :)
Much as I like the Decisive Campaigns series (I've got Warsaw, Case Blue & Barbarossa) I can't help but think, meh, another Bulge game. Will probably skip this one.
I have all of them and never play them, will pass on another game. I hope it's good though for others.
Quote from: demjansk1942 on September 29, 2021, 04:22:04 PM
I have all of them and never play them, will pass on another game. I hope it's good though for others.
That's a shame, whilst complex "under the hood" they're quite easy to learn & get into. I'd definitely try Warsaw, the Polish campaign is rarely done by anyone, and after grasping a few basics the game is good, as if you do things correctly militarily, it will generally pan out well in game terms. Plus you've got France, Netherlands & Sealion - lot of bang for your buck for a modern game.
Regarding Barbarossa, whilst it uses the same system operationally/tactically (with a few caveats ref air & artillery) its really ground-breaking in its almost role play quality at the strategic level, worth a try for that aspect alone IMO.
With both games I've frequently found myself in "just one more turn" territory.
Quote from: Phantom on September 30, 2021, 01:15:06 PM
Quote from: demjansk1942 on September 29, 2021, 04:22:04 PM
I have all of them and never play them, will pass on another game. I hope it's good though for others.
That's a shame, whilst complex "under the hood" they're quite easy to learn & get into. I'd definitely try Warsaw, the Polish campaign is rarely done by anyone, and after grasping a few basics the game is good, as if you do things correctly militarily, it will generally pan out well in game terms. Plus you've got France, Netherlands & Sealion - lot of bang for your buck for a modern game.
Regarding Barbarossa, whilst it uses the same system operationally/tactically (with a few caveats ref air & artillery) its really ground-breaking in its almost role play quality at the strategic level, worth a try for that aspect alone IMO.
With both games I've frequently found myself in "just one more turn" territory.
+1, I don't have the focus or energy for eastern front games these days so I'm looking forward to this one. If this is anything like Barbarossa but on a more manageable scale, I'll be all in.
Found this YouTube video off a Matrix website link. This is going to play significantly different than the first 3 games in the series. It's less than 4 minutes long and worth the watch if you're interested in this series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7U5yV1fN5s&t=3s
I'll be getting this in December when my 50% off coupon arrives. Maybe on December 16th! ;)
Quote from: Geezer on November 03, 2021, 01:54:06 PM
I'll be getting this in December when my 50% off coupon arrives. Maybe on December 16th! ;)
Well played Geezer..... ;)
To me it looks good. Among other things they don't seem to do iconitis (instead use text labels).
It is IGOYGO, right? How is it decided how long your turn lasts?
I'll probably get interested in this title at some point, as I have bought all of Vic's other games. But right now I begrudge any time taken away from polishing Shadow Empires, which has turned into one of my favorite games. I am not interested in navies and since I play only solo the air forces are not something I use as the AI cannot handle them. But there are lots of other things Shadow Empires could have polished up plus a few bug fixes.
Is Shadow Empire an easy game to play? Thought of getting something different. Getting tired of all the war 2 games
Quote from: demjansk1942 on November 03, 2021, 04:35:06 PM
Is Shadow Empire an easy game to play? Thought of getting something different. Getting tired of all the war 2 games
There's definitely a bit of a learning curve to Shadow Empires but once you get the hang of it the game is fun.
Quote from: W8taminute on November 03, 2021, 06:03:38 PM
Quote from: demjansk1942 on November 03, 2021, 04:35:06 PM
Is Shadow Empire an easy game to play? Thought of getting something different. Getting tired of all the war 2 games
There's definitely a bit of a learning curve to Shadow Empires but once you get the hang of it the game is fun.
+1. And if you ever played hex-map board wargames then you are already 75% of the way there. It shares a lot of common characteristics with Advanced Tactics. The scope of the game can be controlled by what size planet you choose. Also, disable aircraft in the game set-up, further reducing the load. The AI cannot handle them and it gives the player an unfair advantage, at the cost of more management :) Air assets probably shine in multiplayer.
I will want a good Bulge game sometime and Vic may have made one, but I am just not focused that way right now.
Quote from: solops on November 03, 2021, 07:52:00 PM
Quote from: W8taminute on November 03, 2021, 06:03:38 PM
Quote from: demjansk1942 on November 03, 2021, 04:35:06 PM
Is Shadow Empire an easy game to play? Thought of getting something different. Getting tired of all the war 2 games
There's definitely a bit of a learning curve to Shadow Empires but once you get the hang of it the game is fun.
+1. And if you ever played hex-map board wargames then you are already 75% of the way there. It shares a lot of common characteristics with Advanced Tactics. The scope of the game can be controlled by what size planet you choose. Also, disable aircraft in the game set-up, further reducing the load. The AI cannot handle them and it gives the player an unfair advantage, at the cost of more management :) Air assets probably shine in multiplayer.
I will want a good Bulge game sometime and Vic may have made one, but I am just not focused that way right now.
For me the learning curve was quite steep....it's a great game and has some really good YouTube 'how to play' videos available to help, but it is a game that requires a big time investment.
The main thing making look forward to this is the improvements like recon and change to battalion scale, which is much more up my tactical game preference versus the strategic scale of earlier WW2 DC titles. My anniversary coupon won't arrive until April so will try to stay patient, but I like what I've seen in YT videos so far.
Definitely on the fence here,
Despite being a fan of the previous games the map seems very cluttered and I am not sure I really like the smaller scale on such a large map.
Maybe it's just me.
Released : https://www.slitherine.com/game/decisive-campaigns-ardennes-offensive
$ 39.99
Watching the You Tube presentations this one is winning me over.
It is presented beautifully and seems to have an excellent UI.
Is it safe to assume it comes without a Steam code but will get onto Steam some time later?
Quote from: Rayfer on November 18, 2021, 12:32:47 PM
Is it safe to assume it comes without a Steam code but will get onto Steam some time later?
Have the other Decisive Campaign games made it to steam?
Will buy day after Christmas when my Anniversary Coupon arrives!
Day one purchase for me!
Looks a lot like TOAW.
Not a bad thing.
Have to say - stunning game. Absolutely recommend purchase.
If people get to work in the editor that seems a fully featured tool.
Will pick up next week. just saving my coupon until holiday sale so I can use for other games at same time:)
Quote from: bobarossa on November 18, 2021, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: Rayfer on November 18, 2021, 12:32:47 PM
Is it safe to assume it comes without a Steam code but will get onto Steam some time later?
Have the other Decisive Campaign games made it to steam?
Will buy day after Christmas when my Anniversary Coupon arrives!
Yes, all the other games are on Steam. There's a nice bundle of all the DC games if you haven't bought any of them https://www.matrixgames.com/bundle/decisive-campaigns-collection
Just over $68 for all 4 games. There all good, but Warsaw to Paris may still be my favorite.
First impressive detail that jumps out to me is the sheer number of scenarios and editors available. Wow. On the offset I'm even more impressed than I was with DC: Barbarossa, which remains one of my all time favorites.
(https://i.imgur.com/A9H5jtO.png)
Can somebody describe how it compares to playing TOAW on a similar scale?
Quote from: Redwolf on November 19, 2021, 12:08:36 PM
Can somebody describe how it compares to playing TOAW on a similar scale?
Much better imho. Rivers at hexsides for a start.
One thing to note is that for some reason the excellent PBEM++ multiplayer system which was implemented for Barbarossa is not integrated here so in Multiplayer where the game will truly shine, it will require the old style file exchange which has put me off and made the difference in deciding not to buy.
A strange decision given Shadow Empire also has this implemented.
To be honest, I'm just plain happy I finally get to play as the good ol' Stars and Stripes in a Decisive Campaigns title. :knuppel2: :cowboy:
A couple random improvements I've noted while fiddling with a small scenario:
- The UI in general is slicker and less cluttered, and it's more obvious how to control things. For example, it's easier to adjust between movement modes and you can simply switch back to inspecting units by pressing Escape.
- Infantry companies can use their company mortars to take part in bombardments of adjacent tiles (pretty sure this is a first for the engine as mortars usually just add to a unit's defense)
- You can set units to "Intercept" (aka Overwatch) and open fire on units that enter adjacent tiles.
- When you commit to an attack, you have more detailed options: "Probe", "Recon In Force", "Attack", and "All-Out Attack", where you can effectively sacrifice attack power for hitpoints and vise versa, in addition to retreating at different levels of losses
- Cards seem more streamlined that Barbarossa but still impactful for reinforcements and supply
Glowing review from Strategy and Wargaming:
https://strategyandwargaming.com/2021/11/20/decisive-campaigns-ardennes-offensive-review-new-golden-standard/
QuoteVerdict - Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive is the best operational-level wargame I've ever played, period. The decision to stay away from the more abstract aspects of other operational level wargames and to bravely implement novel features should serve as a textbook example of how a genre, considered by many to be stale and long past its prime that, with the right knowledge, passion, and inspiration, you can always reach new heights. For going above and beyond the call of duty, Decisive Campaigns is hereby granted the first, Golden Strategy and Wargaming Seal of Approval.
Quote from: al_infierno on November 21, 2021, 03:38:24 AM
Glowing review from Strategy and Wargaming:
https://strategyandwargaming.com/2021/11/20/decisive-campaigns-ardennes-offensive-review-new-golden-standard/
QuoteVerdict - Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive is the best operational-level wargame I've ever played, period. The decision to stay away from the more abstract aspects of other operational level wargames and to bravely implement novel features should serve as a textbook example of how a genre, considered by many to be stale and long past its prime that, with the right knowledge, passion, and inspiration, you can always reach new heights. For going above and beyond the call of duty, Decisive Campaigns is hereby granted the first, Golden Strategy and Wargaming Seal of Approval.
Nice link have not seen this site before thanks!
Quote from: al_infierno on November 21, 2021, 03:38:24 AM
Glowing review from Strategy and Wargaming:
https://strategyandwargaming.com/2021/11/20/decisive-campaigns-ardennes-offensive-review-new-golden-standard/
QuoteVerdict - Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive is the best operational-level wargame I've ever played, period. The decision to stay away from the more abstract aspects of other operational level wargames and to bravely implement novel features should serve as a textbook example of how a genre, considered by many to be stale and long past its prime that, with the right knowledge, passion, and inspiration, you can always reach new heights. For going above and beyond the call of duty, Decisive Campaigns is hereby granted the first, Golden Strategy and Wargaming Seal of Approval.
Yep, I agree; this game is stunningly well done. And I mostly don't like Battle of the Bulge games -- but this one is great!