Slitherine Press Announcement
For Immediate Release
Not so quiet on the Eastern Front!
Official release date and Steam version announced for Battle Academy 2
Epsom, UK – August 12, 2014.
"The German army is a machine, and machines can be broken!" (Konstantin Rokossovsky – Marshal of the Soviet Union)
June 21, 1941 – The German army suddenly turns east and embarks on its ambitious Operation Barbarossa intended to put German troops to Moscow in a couple of weeks. This was the first move of a frightful 4-years conflict that involved millions of soldiers, tanks and weapons of all genres.
In Battle Academy 2, players will have the possibility to join both sides and re-fight some of the key operations that made the east front legendary. Building on the qualities of its predecessor, the gameplay of Battle Academy 2 will preserve both the accessibility and dynamism that built its reputation while enhancing it with brand new tactical tools and vast amounts of new content as well. There are 4 campaigns, a random map generator, multiplayer modes with cooperative and versus gameplay and a unique skirmish mode that allows to generate an infinite number of customized scenarios, players should prepare for long, tough journey on the Eastern Front!
Today we have the pleasure to unveil the official release date of the game: Battle Academy 2 will be available on both our sites and Steam on September 12th. The press has already begun previewing the game "a very playable and solidly entertaining game." (Armchair General), "hats off to Slitherine, random terrain engines of this calibre are ludicrously rare in contemporary PC wargaming" (Rock Paper Shotgun), so watch out for more coverage and get ready for the release!
Get more information on Battle Academy 2 from its official product page.
http://www.slitherine.com/games/ba2_pc
Slitherine is part of the Slitherine Group
About the Slitherine Group
The Slitherine Group is the world's leading producer and publisher of digital wargames and strategy games. Under the Slitherine (www.slitherine.com), Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Ageod (www.ageod.com) brands it has published literally hundreds of games, with many award-winning titles in its portfolio and spanning all digital platforms, from home consoles to modern Smartphone's and Tablets. Slitherine is also involved with book publishing, board gaming and works with a wide array of key licensing partners, such as HISTORY®, MILITARY HISTORY®, Games Workshop®, Horrible Histories™, Showtime, BBC, Osprey, Scholastic, Buzz Aldrin Enterprises and many others to deliver the best blend of historical accuracy in an exciting and entertaining way. Together the Group companies form the world's largest organization specializing in this important and vibrant niche. The Slitherine Group's mission over the coming years is to lead the way in innovation and growth in an ever expanding segment of the entertainment industry.
There is a "random skirmish mode." Me likey. :)
This is one series I wanted to really like, but just could never get into it......besides a different front, is there anything else drastically different with this version?
There are some pretty good differences with this new version. While yes single player campaign of the original kind of got boring quickly, that game shined in the Multiplayer arena. Playing against a remote is one thing, playing against the living is quite another. This new version promises a customisable scenario editor for use not only in single play but also for multi play as well. I'm really looking forward to engaging real life enemies on the Eastern Front with BA2.
Battle Academy is one of those games that absolutely shines on ipad / tablet (and is much less compelling on a desktop/laptop, in my view). Hope BA2 will be coming to iOS/Android at some point.
Damn my list grows longer and longer.
Quote..a random map generator..
O Rly? ???
I'm looking forward to picking this one up eventually. BA is one of my favorite wargames series.
Day one buy for me! Playing BA against W8taminute for months now and we have fun fighting through the MP scenarios, switching sides to see who can do better with each side. I'm interested to see how the coop plays in BA East :)
Really want to see a WH40K game using this engine..
Quote from: TacticalWargames on August 13, 2014, 10:55:29 AM
Really want to see a WH40K game using this engine..
Hmm...that is one excellent idea.
Quote from: Rayfer on August 13, 2014, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: TacticalWargames on August 13, 2014, 10:55:29 AM
Really want to see a WH40K game using this engine..
Hmm...that is one excellent idea.
I's the engine I'd have gone for over Panzer Corps anyway.
Actually its out today and $10 off the first week for $29.99.
Quote
Today we have the pleasure to announce that the game is finally released.In order to celebrate this important milestone, we are offering a $10 discount to the early adopters during the week of the launch! We are also going to offer a free Steam key to anyone who has a copy the game, wherever they bought it from, once the game is available on this digital platform!
http://www.matrixgames.com/products/541/details/Battle.Academy.2:.Eastern.Front
This is great news indeed!
Bought.
Dammit...I missed the first one, must get this.
Installing right now... 8)
QuoteDammit...I missed the first one, must get this.
You can still buy and play BA...no need to miss it ;)
According to Slitherine this game is coming out on Steam today. If that is true I'll get it there otherwise I'll get it from Slitherine.
Quote from: W8taminute on September 12, 2014, 12:43:52 PM
According to Slitherine this game is coming out on Steam today. If that is true I'll get it there otherwise I'll get it from Slitherine.
It's the truth! :)
Quote from: Gusington on September 12, 2014, 07:12:22 AM
Dammit...I missed the first one, must get this.
The first one isn't out of print or stock. You can still get it and play as a manly American commander.
I am an Eastern Front strumpet. For both WWI and WWII. If I like this new one, I'll work my way backwards Unless it sucks, of.course.
Quote from: Gusington on September 12, 2014, 02:18:15 PM
I am an Eastern Front strumpet. For both WWI and WWII. If I like this new one, I'll work my way backwards Unless it sucks, of.course.
It doesn't suck..... O0
That took less than 30 seconds :)
Go get it!
Now!
I have to get home first!
Steam also has to unlock the game so that one can purchase it on that media. Why do they say release date such and such and then don't unlock the game until the day is nearly over? Do they need to release the game when the people in Fiji wake up or something?
Why not just by from Slitherine and get both the Slitherine download or Steam download option?
Steam had it on a release timer earlier today and now it just says "Coming Soon".
DL'ing now. Steam did this on the release of 'To End All Wars' as well. But it's unlocked now so go ahead and buy on Steam. :)
The BA series is a little too "Wargaming Lite" for my tastes, but I will buy it for my tablet if they ever release an Android version.
Quote from: W8taminute on September 12, 2014, 12:43:52 PM
According to Slitherine this game is coming out on Steam today. If that is true I'll get it there otherwise I'll get it from Slitherine.
Why not get it from Matrix/Slitherine? Then you could have both a Steam version and a standalone copy you can backup and use separately? Best of both worlds!
Also... does the release version of BA2 come with the randomized missions? Or was that something they planned on adding later?
Quote from: Nefaro on September 12, 2014, 07:32:45 PM
Also... does the release version of BA2 come with the randomized missions? Or was that something they planned on adding later?
There's a skirmish mode where you get to setup yer own engagements.
Does it still have the cartoony graphics? That's what really turned me off to the first one.
Well the graphics are still a little cartoony.... but the colours are much more muted and the voice acting is a little more serious.
It is aimed at being an intro wargame after all.
Next weekend I'll tell and show you more. ;)
Link to my historical skirmish list mod. It includes over eighty historical army lists from 1941-1945 and is usable in skirmish and multiplayer.
Some Examples of what is included:
Fallschirmjager Company
Panzer Aufklarungs Company
SS Armored Panzergrenadier Company
StuG Batterie
Panzergrenadier Kampfgruppe 1945
Fuehrer Panzer Company
Rifle Battalion
Partisan Brigade
Assault Sapper Battalion
Forward Detachment
Guards Heavy Tank Battalion
Medium Self Propelled Artillery Regiment
http://slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=221&t=48872
Trey
Very cool! Thanks for all that hard work Trey. O0
^^Thanks Trey. O0
I Picked this up from the Slitherine site - so I could get both downloads.
So far I'm really digging it. I like the coop and the skirmish modes
Quote from: Great Ajax on September 14, 2014, 12:54:41 PM
Link to my historical skirmish list mod. It includes over eighty historical army lists from 1941-1945 and is usable in skirmish and multiplayer.
Some Examples of what is included:
Fallschirmjager Company
Panzer Aufklarungs Company
SS Armored Panzergrenadier Company
StuG Batterie
Panzergrenadier Kampfgruppe 1945
Fuehrer Panzer Company
Rifle Battalion
Partisan Brigade
Assault Sapper Battalion
Forward Detachment
Guards Heavy Tank Battalion
Medium Self Propelled Artillery Regiment
http://slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=221&t=48872
Trey
That's great!
I just figured out how to add units from the first Battle Academy so looks like I need to add some Western Front lists now.
Trey
Quote from: jomni on September 14, 2014, 06:21:04 PM
Quote from: Great Ajax on September 14, 2014, 12:54:41 PM
Link to my historical skirmish list mod. It includes over eighty historical army lists from 1941-1945 and is usable in skirmish and multiplayer.
Some Examples of what is included:
Fallschirmjager Company
Panzer Aufklarungs Company
SS Armored Panzergrenadier Company
StuG Batterie
Panzergrenadier Kampfgruppe 1945
Fuehrer Panzer Company
Rifle Battalion
Partisan Brigade
Assault Sapper Battalion
Forward Detachment
Guards Heavy Tank Battalion
Medium Self Propelled Artillery Regiment
http://slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=221&t=48872
Trey
That's great!
Started the Barbarossa campaign yesterday. So far so good. Two missions done. Missions feel better than the first BA. Less of a puzzle and a bit more forgiving (so far).
Quote from: Bison on September 12, 2014, 01:51:27 PM
Quote from: Gusington on September 12, 2014, 07:12:22 AM
Dammit...I missed the first one, must get this.
The first one isn't out of print or stock. You can still get it and play as a manly American commander.
...and its currently Matrixgames Deal of the Week (http://www.matrixgames.com/products/387/details/Battle.Academy) for $20.
On day 1 of playing I put in 5 hours.
Something about BA 2's combat mechanics are much improved, but I cant put my finger on it.
I've been really enjoying the coop skirmish mode.
I need some coop partners.
Yes. I don't know what changed or maybe it is the scenario design. But results and tactics are now more realistic (despite the simplicity) and less of a trial and error puzzle like before as mentioned earlier.
For coop, I haven't tried, just set up a game and I'll join you.
I just bought BA2 the other day and so far I'm impressed by this fantastic sophomore effort.
Obviously because it is the first in the series, BA1 has its own refreshing--sometimes quirky--originality. There is something about BA2 where every element of the game design really comes together and shines. BA2 feels more cohesive, refined, and gritty.
Big thumbs up to the new 'skirmish mode'.
Groggy
Quote from: GroggyGrognard on September 16, 2014, 10:49:02 PM
I just bought BA2 the other day and so far I'm impressed by this fantastic sophomore effort.
Obviously because it is the first in the series, BA1 has its own refreshing--sometimes quirky--originality. There is something about BA2 where every element of the game design really comes together and shines. BA2 feels more cohesive, refined, and gritty.
Absolutely!
I have 3 coop skirmishes ongoing right now. Let me know if you're up for a 4th
I'm game for some co-op. Send me the details via PM.
I just uploaded the details on the BA1 port over to BA2. You can now play with Market Garden units in BA2 in skirmish with custom army lists.
http://slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=221&t=52707
Trey
How does the co-op work? Are you both online at the same time, trading turns and the AI moves third, ...?
If I buy from Matrix, and get the Steam code, are both copies active as a 2 for 1? (I assume not....)
(My son adores BA1, and BA2 is a strong XMas contender, and if the co-op works well then I'll need a second copy.... :) )
Quote from: James Sterrett on September 20, 2014, 02:49:18 PM
How does the co-op work? Are you both online at the same time, trading turns and the AI moves third, ...?
If I buy from Matrix, and get the Steam code, are both copies active as a 2 for 1? (I assume not....)
(My son adores BA1, and BA2 is a strong XMas contender, and if the co-op works well then I'll need a second copy.... :) )
You never need both be on at the same time. You play your turn, send it back to the server, and the second player plays their turn, then they see the AI turn. You then get that turn back, and you watch the other player, followed by the AI, and then it is your turn again. Hope that makes sense!
Cheers
Pip
Pip, I gotta tellya...the decision not to support LAN play drives me absolutely INSANE.
Validate my install all day long, I won't complain, but making me sit around between turns waiting for the server to catch up is tedious.
Of course I bought it, how could I not, but it feels gimped and I was really looking forward to true LAN co-op.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Quote from: PipFromSlitherine on September 20, 2014, 03:51:47 PM
Quote from: James Sterrett on September 20, 2014, 02:49:18 PM
How does the co-op work? Are you both online at the same time, trading turns and the AI moves third, ...?
If I buy from Matrix, and get the Steam code, are both copies active as a 2 for 1? (I assume not....)
(My son adores BA1, and BA2 is a strong XMas contender, and if the co-op works well then I'll need a second copy.... :) )
You never need both be on at the same time. You play your turn, send it back to the server, and the second player plays their turn, then they see the AI turn. You then get that turn back, and you watch the other player, followed by the AI, and then it is your turn again. Hope that makes sense!
Thank you!
Quote from: Cyrano on September 20, 2014, 04:09:50 PM
Pip, I gotta tellya...the decision not to support LAN play drives me absolutely INSANE.
Validate my install all day long, I won't complain, but making me sit around between turns waiting for the server to catch up is tedious.
Of course I bought it, how could I not, but it feels gimped and I was really looking forward to true LAN co-op.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
It only takes a few seconds to up- the down- load the turn. Doing a direct LAN connection would basically require us to duplicate the server behavior locally, and only really help a tiny % of a % of players (those with a LAN, with multiple machines, with people wanting to play/with each other). So it's simply a question of where to spend our limited development time.
Cheers
Pip
QuoteIt only takes a few seconds to up- the down- load the turn
Indeed, if both players are online you can play like in a LAN session :)
I'm having a blast with the coop. Currently have 8 coop games going. COOP skirmish really adds endless fun. Glad Slitherine finally went in this direction. Hopefully the new Close combat will also have coop skirmish, and will be similar to BA2
Can the the players use the chat window in coop matches to discuss tactics?
You have a chat screen at the end of each turn . But one message at a time