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#21

Current Events / Re: Russia's War Against Ukrai...

Last post by ArizonaTank - Yesterday at 02:59:13 PM

I thought Ukrainian military officials said they needed the F-16s in 2023 and that employing them in 2024 wouldn't be the "right time"?

https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-f16s-russia-air-defenses-1886769

I guess we shall see. You would think the Ukrainians would want to deploy initially as part of some greater effort. But if it is true that Russian CAS is currently hammering the Ukrainians...maybe 'the truth has changed.' I don't hear the Ukrainians talking about an offensive anymore...they seem to be just trying to hang on.

#22

Computer Gaming / Re: Steam Refund Policy Change...

Last post by ArizonaTank - Yesterday at 02:53:50 PM

Honestly, I was always surprised that the refund policy was as generous as it was. I think I have only used it twice. 

#23

Computer Gaming / Re: The Best "Alternate Histor...

Last post by ArizonaTank - Yesterday at 02:52:09 PM

Paradox sandbox games are actually pretty good in this respect. For example, in HOI IV, the Japanese can oust the authoritarians and become more democratic.

These games generally give semi-realistic alternatives to history. The games I am thinking of are:

Hearts of Iron IV
Victoria 3
Europa Universalis IV
Crusader Kings III

Honorable mention to the "Making History" games by Factus (formerly Muzzy Lane). These games can be a wild ride historically sometimes. But I always felt they were a little too far out there. In one game I played, the AI Nationalist Chinese joined Germany and helped the Germans invade France. Sorry, I lost all suspension of disbelief in that one. 

#24

Computer Gaming / Re: The Best "Alternate Histor...

Last post by Phantom - Yesterday at 01:18:21 PM

I guess one of the problems is that to be generally considered a good historical game, it needs to be able to generate a realistically historical outcome "on average". I guess this somewhat straightjackets the designer as to what options he can implement in the game, to avoid giving it unrealistic outcomes. Therefore I've tended to gravitate towards games on the PC such as the Decisive Campaign series, which broadly follow the historical path, but allow the player to grade himself against the historical outcome.
On the other hand, one of the reasons I find myself playing more board games is that I find they generally have a more sandbox feel to them, and whilst they try & conform to history, their more abstract approach lends itself to non-historical outcomes as well. A case in point is Fleet Commander Nimitz - its a great game but has attracted some flak due to the potential ahistorical behaviour of the Japanese. However, the fact that the Japanese behaviour is to a degree random IMO adds to the enjoyment of the game and in some respects makes the game feel more realistic because, as the actual Allied commander, not knowing what the Japanese were planning was part of the challenge.
Sorry I can't point to any games to scratch your particular itch, but that's my two-pennyworth.

#25

Dominions III LFG and Strategy Discussion / Re: [Dominions 6] Three Grogsk...

Last post by al_infierno - Yesterday at 01:16:02 PM

Maybe I'll go with Atlantis then?   

#26

Computer Gaming / Re: The Best "Alternate Histor...

Last post by Tripoli - Yesterday at 12:56:37 PM

I used to always enjoy Avalon Hill's "3rd Reich" because it allowed for deviations in the historical narrative that were interesting, even if not historically accurate or plausible, but were interesting "what ifs", and thought that this characteristic made it an entertaining game, with lots of replayability.  Germany could invade Spain and try to take Gibraltar, while the USSR could go after Turkey in 1940.  Not necessarily realistic, but it made for a interesting and fun game.

#27

Computer Gaming / Re: Groghead Game Donation Thr...

Last post by Jarhead0331 - Yesterday at 12:56:07 PM

Anyone interested in a code for Victoria 3?

#28

Computer Gaming / Re: Steam Refund Policy Change...

Last post by Father Ted - Yesterday at 12:49:41 PM

Sounds fine to me. I also think 2hrs is enough time time as a general rule. There is just so much to draw on in the media before pressing the buy button that all you should really be testing is whether it works on your computer before refunding.

Faulty games with crash issues is a different kettle of fish.

I agree entirely. You wouldn't expect to be able to return a book or a downloaded film because you didn't like it.  I confess I have taken advantage of Valve's generosity a few times, but usually I only do it if a game doesn't play nice with my PC - which is something I couldn't find out from a review or Let's Play vid.

#29

Dominions III LFG and Strategy Discussion / Re: [Dominions 6] 2 Grogs 2 Fu...

Last post by Tanaka - Yesterday at 12:45:28 PM

Unfortunately Ash had to drop out, I've set Man to AI and taken over as Mari.  I've got an absolute ton of toys to play with here and I can see why she was having a bit of analysis paralysis there at the end!

Anyway, I don't fancy my chances of winning against Bandar Log even if I take the time to micro the hell out of everything Mari has. BL is entrenched with several underwater thrones that I'd need to win which are inaccessible to me, and I reckon I'd have to play a hell of a game to get TMIT into a surrender state.

I'm not conceding by any means, but my goal now is to set off as much fireworks as possible, as quickly as possible!

Dang everytime there is about to be a big battle someone drops out. Was looking forward to the show...

#30

Computer Gaming / Re: DCS Discussion

Last post by Jarhead0331 - Yesterday at 12:35:03 PM

So OH-58 Kiowa is due for release in May or June. I'm looking forward to this more than the Phantom. It looks awesome and heck of a lot of fun to fly.

In the meantime, someone released an OH-6 mod. Looks pretty damn good!