Ok. So I snagged a copy of 'To End All Wars.' I wanted to be in on the latest thing at the same time as every one else. The funny thing is, nothing about this game is at all what I like. The time period, the duration, the scope, none of it. And on top of it, I tried, and failed, my only other AGEod attempt, American Civil War. "Why bother," you might ask? Because. That answer worked for me as a kid, I figure it should work for me now.
In case it doesn't, the answer to, "why," is actually several reasons. First, I really don't know much outside the broad strokes of World War I and history, more importantly, battles, was the main reason I started playing wargames. So, exploring this era will enlighten me. Second, learning different styles of play may bring me added enjoyment. Taking full advantage of a games strengths and weaknesses is a fun exercise and what I learn here can only broaden my knowledge for other games. And last, I have been in a gaming funk for a while. I love me some TBS civ building, but, I think I am going to like that this is focused largely on the war aspect.
In any event, with as much traffic as was generated in the Computer Wargaming forum for this game, I figured there might be some call for an AAR. As I hadn't seen one yet, I thought I'd write one myself.
I spent a couple of hours today reading the manual. Would much rather have a paper than a .pdf, but, you take what you can get. I have chosen to play the Central Powers for no other reason than I never play Germany in a WWII game. Just from reading the manual, some of the goals I have for my alliance are:
* Disrupting Allied shipping through sub warfare
* Trying to keep the U.S. out of the war, GB, too, if possible
* Keeping the East fluid while stalemating in the West
* Putting Russia out before turning to France
* Avoiding big ass battles that get lots of my guys dead
Having said all that, I played through the seven Turn Tannenberg scenario and realize that I haven't the faintest idea how to conduct a Grand Campaign in this game. But that's why it's called The n00b to end all wars. I'm the n00b and youse guys get to watch me fall down on my face.
Can't wait to see what you post MD. These AGEOD games are tough nuts to crack but once you get the gist of how to play you will find them rewarding. The biggest stumbling block for me when I started playing anything from AGEOD was the fact that the unit counters stand upright much like the pieces you move in Stratego. As someone who's used to visualizing the situation with counters that lie 'flat' on the board it was difficult to see things clearly at first. You get used to it though.
The other key to getting the hang of these games is that moving, producing units, sending out diplomats, etc. is all drag and drop action. There are no buttons to press to execute orders like you would see in a typical wargame.
I honestly wanted to jump right in and start screen shotting and posting, but I've spent the last two hours looking at the map, wondering what the HELL I am going to do with all those counters and HOW am I going to keep track of them! I spent the last twenty looking at the map in Terrain mode. I've checked my Generals and see some traits I want to exploit and envisioning the forces I am going to build around them. Plus, I made some moves very confidently and now that I have looked around further, it appears that I have misstepped already. And while I don't mind being pointed at and made sport of, there is a certain level of pride that says, "I'm going to try a few things out before I post anything FOR REALZ!" So, give me a bit of time and I will try to get this started sooner than later. Kind of excited though. Looks like a much bigger challenge than I expected. And I can always tell how much I like a game by how much time it occupies in my thoughts while I am away from the screen.
The game is way easier than it looks..infact it feels little lacking and I can't put my finger on it. Not a patch on WW1Gold then again no where near as complex as WW1Gold. There are aspects I like but not sure it can do static warfare properly. My obsession with WW1 helps..if I wasn't prob not stick with it. I like the combat mechanics and all the modifiers and have a casualty count on the other hand WW1Gold really got WW1 right with the way HQ's sent in reserves for their front.
Shame there isn't a campaign game where you can play as Germany or Austria only.
Also would have been cool to have some smaller campaigns and say have one for Italy when it comes into the War.
I thinking it may have been abit rushed when ti comes to features etc to make sure it was released around August for the start of the centennial.
Quote from: MetalDog on September 06, 2014, 11:05:48 PM
I honestly wanted to jump right in and start screen shotting and posting, but I've spent the last two hours looking at the map, wondering what the HELL I am going to do with all those counters and HOW am I going to keep track of them! I spent the last twenty looking at the map in Terrain mode. I've checked my Generals and see some traits I want to exploit and envisioning the forces I am going to build around them. Plus, I made some moves very confidently and now that I have looked around further, it appears that I have misstepped already. And while I don't mind being pointed at and made sport of, there is a certain level of pride that says, "I'm going to try a few things out before I post anything FOR REALZ!" So, give me a bit of time and I will try to get this started sooner than later. Kind of excited though. Looks like a much bigger challenge than I expected. And I can always tell how much I like a game by how much time it occupies in my thoughts while I am away from the screen.
Looking forward to it MD - insert popcorn smiley
Comment tracking!
Thanks gents.
I'll be following this with interest - good luck, MD O0
Ok. Got a few more things straightened out on what I should be doing. I have spent an inordinate amount of time staring at the terrain map, trying to figure routes of attack, chokepoints, defensive positions and what not. From what I can glean, it looks like a holding action in the west and south with most offensive push in the east. The maps I am going to post are NE, SE, SW and NW, in that order. I am hoping the terrain will be obvious, because there are no markers telling us where we are. It'll be description only.
First up, the NE map. East Prussia and Hunagry will be the main staging areas. A slow advance through the heavily forested western border of Russia towards Moscow will be combined with a AH push through Poland and the southern steppes north of the Black Sea. Serbia needs to be overrun as well. A tall order for Austria, but, we'll see how things go.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-07_00001_zps46e21743.jpg&hash=0f9ee65215b08f5309b1d57762bad7ef26434f29) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-07_00001_zps46e21743.jpg.html)
As you can see above, there is a LARGE swath of open land and only one river in the east and central portion of Russia for Austria to exploit. The push out of Hungary through Poland will join Germany in the forests and swamps, yes, that dark patch in the middle of the trees is the Priapet Marshes. I am hoping that I can take and hold all that open country and sap the Russian will, leaving the defense north of that, weak and lacking morale and cohesion.
I'm not sure why the Regional Decisions window is open in this screenshot, but, there it is SE Russia including the Balkans. The river system dominating the map in the center and west encompasses Serbia, which is a primary target for AH. Once I hook up with Bulgaria, there shouldn't be a great deal of problem with the small nations in the area.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-07_00002_zpsf8095467.jpg&hash=3a783b97898b79bb62d6e11327d8653d8974d75a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-07_00002_zpsf8095467.jpg.html)
The familiar form of northern Italy and southwestern and central France are on the next map. Once Italy joins the Entente, I will try to hold the line in the Alps and keep any advance down the eastern Adriatic contained. Any AH units and production that is left over (fat chance) will be used to plug holes on the Western Front.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-07_00003_zps7542e660.jpg&hash=b2ef8d6501821c11e2afefb5ab65d7518348da34) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-07_00003_zps7542e660.jpg.html)
Which leaves us the VERY familiar contours and terrain of northern and eastern France, western Germany and the island fortress of Great Britain. I really don't have much hope of holding France long enough to put Russia out of the war and then coming back for the West, but, if I can, I feel like it will be a victory all the way around. Paris, just at the edge of the right side of the mini-map, is a VERY tantalizing target, but, unless something presents itself, I will take a long time getting there.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-07_00004_zpsef1ca05a.jpg&hash=dd7baa2b8c266d8bb392ef7212ebc02ebcde5ea5) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-07_00004_zpsef1ca05a.jpg.html)
The starting forces in Belgium:
1 Army, Commanded by King Albert I in Bruxelles and a Division due south of the King
The defenders of Liege, which is under siege by:
2 German Armies &
6 Corps
I've detached one of the besieging armies to chase the lone Belgian Division away, anticipating the attack on Bruxelles that will commence once Liege is mine.
The French have 1 Army and 4 Corps in Sedan. I have the same amount in three seperate Regions of the Ardennes.
And in South Central France, Longwys contains 1 Army and 4 Corps, one of which is Colonial. My opposing force is the same, with 4 Corps in Thionville and an Army in Luxembourg.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-07_00005_zpsb51edf4b.jpg&hash=f34d0d674db7b8284758ab44d980d4528c21acca) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-07_00005_zpsb51edf4b.jpg.html)
And from Longwys to the Swiss border, the French have 1 Army and 3 Corps in St. Mihiel against my 1 Army and 2 Corps in Metz. There are several forces of mine in the area within support distance.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-07_00006_zps198b67f1.jpg&hash=05ed0565635d8f840808fa3057b3a50037802542) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-07_00006_zps198b67f1.jpg.html)
Very good start here MD. I like how you are studying the terrain in order to plan out your fight. This should be a good show.
I wish it was going to help, W8, but I don't have much hope.
Starting in the East at the northern most troop deployment and moving south-ish along the shared border. GHQ East will jump off from here and move slowly east towards Moscow.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-10_00003_zpsa6c2d094.jpg&hash=df3597010306d556a471fb55c42f0e927ad7b49f) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-10_00003_zpsa6c2d094.jpg.html)
It appears that Austria Hungary will move from several points along the border. This is the northernmost and closest to my border.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-10_00005_zps9441e15e.jpg&hash=e09c7368521fac71d91dc5f43893a9f0c21e64d7) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-10_00005_zps9441e15e.jpg.html)
It looks like this will be the start of the army moving across the plains.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-10_00006_zpsaf9278ad.jpg&hash=1a46bbdb6a6192e0cba66a6d6e82fa650637c57d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-10_00006_zpsaf9278ad.jpg.html)
And finally, the forces in place to take Serbia.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-10_00007_zpsf06a600b.jpg&hash=d72054e8681046a3b20dff6309bdd8f6da36aa5a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-10_00007_zpsf06a600b.jpg.html)
As it stands in the West, it looks as if I am going to forgo an attack in to France and concentrate on the defense. If they are going to afford me the protection of trenches for not moving, then I will take advantage of that. In the East, I want to take Serbia as quickly as I am able. Unless I can flank him, it looks like a hard fight to capture Belgrade. I've already moved all my troops for that area. A Corps is going to move around the left, and try to get on Serbia's rear. There are two veteran Divisions, currently locked, that have Mountaineer buffs. I will send one to follow the Corps on the left, and use the other to flank around the right. The rest of my troops, two Armies and two Corps, will be busy trying to surround Belgrade.
I will do my best to get the rest of the troop dispositions/movements for the rest of the maps in the next posts.
Nice.
Are there Russian forces A-H needs to be worried about while going after Serbia? Or is the Czar concerned almost entirely with Germany at this point?
There have been Russian troops in three places and single stacks at that. I am assuming, and not going very far out on a limb, that there are armies I cannot see. I'll most likely know better after the first turn is processed.
First, a word about supply. I am fairly certain I have seen this quote, or one very similar, somewhere and don't know who to attribute it to, but it seems pretty smart. Amateurs study tactics, professionals study logistics. Seeing as Ii am neither, I expect I will screw this up royally. But in hopes that I have a slim grasp on the game mechanics, the next two screenshots show areas under supply in Green and out of supply as orange. You may also be able to discern the movements of the troops pictured as straight lines in white, black or blue.
First, the Germans in East Prussia:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00001_zps6710edf6.jpg&hash=2e5ee672e468fd50a51c4a622c7e73154eb22116) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00001_zps6710edf6.jpg.html)
Now the Austrians outside Belgrade:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00002_zpsd106c661.jpg&hash=a24dbc8db34d52fde94470ac581991ffe1564fb4) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00002_zpsd106c661.jpg.html)
Rather abruptly deciding I have done all I can to make ready, I flip the turn. There's a lot of calculating and loading of files and background stuff going on, until, the first notification I get is a Central Powers defeat. Rats! Thankfully, it appears to be a single naval unit I had stationed in the South Atlantic.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00003_zps416d413d.jpg&hash=34f77cc14bf24d8a791378c3d36748822886add7) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00003_zps416d413d.jpg.html)
The next notification is the French have assaulted Metz! Quick note, I do not know what determines if/when I get to choose Battle Plans, I thought it was before every battle, but it may just be before those that have a general involved, but I like it! ;) Bevause the enemy commander is more skilled than my commander, I do not gain any insight into his plans or deployment. So, haveing the numbers, and the defense of the fort, I choose to deploy with a strong center and mass my fire.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00005_zps25bc18da.jpg&hash=0d3601ad43ee63f2c2a1e1a00ebb34d3eb61223b) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00005_zps25bc18da.jpg.html)
A full third of the French are casualties! A great Alliance victory!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00006_zps148afb52.jpg&hash=538033a245137a2efe28522c4db5693ae6fe4cfa) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00006_zps148afb52.jpg.html)
And you can see at the bottom, that my deployment worked in the first and third rounds and the enemy lost the third round (the vertical rectangles along the bottom contain the type of deployment and a green background means success and orange, failure).
Another day, another great German victory! This time at the siege of Liege.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00008_zps6e1f7184.jpg&hash=efb69371bb4f4d03b4aaee685575b9100ad1ccd9) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00008_zps6e1f7184.jpg.html)
The last battle notification for the turn is outside Uzice, which is an area in Serbia on my right flank. Truthfully, I had no idea where Uzice was when the screen popped up, even though they show you in the bullseye at center. This time, I can see the enemy's deployment. He has picked strong flanks as a deployment. I again pick strong center for deployment and massed fire as my tactic.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00009_zpsd16b30b8.jpg&hash=14f8cc9eff80313b4fb47f2b019bea6e61a788ec) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00009_zpsd16b30b8.jpg.html)
Whilst I knew that crossing a river brought with it a severe penalty, I had no idea I would pay the price I did. I lost almost half my forces and will need more than one turn to get back to full strength. Meanwhile, the plan to encircle Belgrade is in serious jeopardy. Side note: from the screenies showing the original line of march I took in planning the Serbian invasion, I believe that two corps got drawn to the sound of the guns when the main army became engaged in battle. I did not plan for this and as a result, I am out of position. Then again, I may be hallucinating and I planned this more poorly than I thought. Either way, it's a bad beat.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-09-13_00010_zps19681302.jpg&hash=f1b15ee526496a804ee046f101c7f28b65a3e03c) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-09-13_00010_zps19681302.jpg.html)
This is the mess I am left with outside Belgrade. There is a Serb Army in Belgrade and three Corps guarding their left flank. There is a division each of Cavalry and Infantry on the Serb right flank. The forces I have are hurt or their general failed their activation check.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00003_zps80f63c23.jpg&hash=f33c601a5e6871259cbc9f8a71764dffef41bf9c) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00003_zps80f63c23.jpg.html)
These are the advances I am going to make along the Russian border. All I see on the map is a Russian Army at the east edge of the map. I have an Army and three Corps there.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00004_zpsb3cf48b7.jpg&hash=75e0fa7d18da83d5fedcd00d7ce6a00f406d3307) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00004_zpsb3cf48b7.jpg.html)
There is a large Russian Army on the northern edge and one at the southeast edge. I am moving two Corps to suss out the southeast Russian Army while moving an Army and Corps out of Koenigsberg to join the Corps facing the northern Russian Army.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00005_zpsbe9c2fa0.jpg&hash=0c72daa3649839b87c9a67d9683c1f73e63fe84e) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00005_zpsbe9c2fa0.jpg.html)
On the Western Front, everything is static except for Belgium. I started with a lot of offensive firepower in that area and it behooves me to use it. I don't want to extend myself too far, otherwise, I risk my defensive trenches in the center and south becoming useless.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00001_zpsf7db692a.jpg&hash=766d03704ba6506f8fab37734ba1386cff8d3f23) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00001_zpsf7db692a.jpg.html)
There are at least four French Armies on this map along with numerous Corps. I number almost the same in Armies and Corps. If I can tie up French power in futile assaults, I can advance before the offensives in the East are complete.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00002_zps7168737f.jpg&hash=9bad722a82686780f82d9c474f904ef39167f047) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00002_zps7168737f.jpg.html)
Looks like you've got the West under control but have your hands full with Serbia and the Russian armies threatening Prussia. Good stuff here MD, keep it up! O0
I played a Munitions Decision Card for a munitions factory in Budapest. I also put in orders for a Medium Artillery unit, an Infantry unit and a Supply Train in Budapest and environs. I put in orders for two Infantry Divisions in Prussia. With my moves complete, I flipped my turn.
The first battle was another French attack on Festung Metz. Their commander is still better than mine, so, I choose my Battle Plans blindly, using Balanced Deployment for both deployment and tactic.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00006_zps8a1f785d.jpg&hash=a8aec80722c9399803ca95b552d9a0d074329512) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00006_zps8a1f785d.jpg.html)
And to the same result! I had close to 400,000 men in the battle against his 135,000, nearly three time his numbers. And it was a slaughter. 56,000 + French casualties litter the field. A couple more results like this, and I may have no choice but to break cover and move forward.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00007_zps3d28ebda.jpg&hash=16dbc3d7e7f811e40c5993adc9076290b463476f) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00007_zps3d28ebda.jpg.html)
Gumbinnen is next. I had a Corps and a Division there, opposite the large Russian Army on the northern Prussian border. It was also where I was sending my Army and Corps to reinforce. Again my general is outclassed and I have to blindly pick my Deployment.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00009_zps58600cba.jpg&hash=1dcb447095f8dfcba2d18b8924bab9917e637866) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00009_zps58600cba.jpg.html)
Looks like I did alright. I was outnumbered, but not outclassed. I lost the battle but took out 10,000 more troops than I lost.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00010_zps46173f72.jpg&hash=6d150aef40daeb448cea9ccdf7a12e3e60b5bc42) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00010_zps46173f72.jpg.html)
There were several smaller battles this turn, including a victory in Africa:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00012_zps3746ac39.jpg&hash=a4dcffe41d3bb7f85b6f96fbc8ad20087df70547) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00012_zps3746ac39.jpg.html)
And crushing the defenders of Bruxelles:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00011_zps9b75d9b8.jpg&hash=6ead6d05fa7f1ee7d5cb44624f0fba9e4e6c81af) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00011_zps9b75d9b8.jpg.html)
A costly Corps versus Army battle for the Austrians. An unseen Russian Army was met by my lone Corps. I lost more than a quarter of my force. Luckily, there are reinforcements in the area.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00013_zpscb43aeee.jpg&hash=e6ddcfe82549caca4c954dc9dda53a749d323953) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00013_zpscb43aeee.jpg.html)
Makes for great reading so far, MD. Good stuff indeed.
You gentlemen are too kind. I am going to try to jazz it up with proper unit designations rather than just, 'Austrian Corps,' 'German Army,' etc. We'll see how that works out.
Zamosc is the next site for a battle. My commander is better than the Russian, so, I see that he selected Harrass Deployment. I chose Balanced Deployment. Let's go to the tape.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00015_zps66d780a8.jpg&hash=d3d35a8fb111f74be926ccff574ce5568fe4ebc9) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00015_zps66d780a8.jpg.html)
Another Austrian defeat. This is getting tiring. A moral victory, I was outnumbered 5 to 1 and inflicted twice as many casualties as I took, but, I can't sustain that.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00016_zps6501b169.jpg&hash=383e6bf6b745dca99623032a894898931b6965e0) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00016_zps6501b169.jpg.html)
I also lost the fort at Loetzen to the southeastern Russian Army in Prussia.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00017_zpsb77a4ff2.jpg&hash=febf73ca7000cc62e4f3742ab5f56851ec7eaa6a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00017_zpsb77a4ff2.jpg.html)
The English and Japanese reaffirm they Alliance the signed in 1902. I expect the Japs will start attacking my Pacific holdings.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00019_zps381eeb27.jpg&hash=15613974cb7949cdf79cc2a9db5eeef472781824) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00019_zps381eeb27.jpg.html)
Some good news, finally! Paul von Hindenburg has arrived in Prussia to take command. GHQ is formed and now the Russkies are in trouble!!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00021_zps7b65075d.jpg&hash=b25bda07cdc6c0c07868135a592344249627e688) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00021_zps7b65075d.jpg.html)
Very nice MD! I've been sitting on this one while I play other stuff. Nice to see how it plays.
Very cool work, MD!
I got a key for the game for my silly haiku in the Contest Thread. I installed it earlier but didn't look at the page. After reading this I thought I'd better check out the manual before even attempting to play it...and holy crap, 168 pages? Whew...can't wait to spend some time with this title though it'll be a while before I get to it.
Looking forward to meanwhile living vicariously through your efforts here, MD. O0
Gentlemen, very kind words. Hope I can live up to them and welcome aboard.
@B_C: I read the entire PDF through, once. I have referred back to it a couple of times and am still fuzzy on a few concepts. I'll keep going to back to it. It appears not to be written by a native English speaker. Not a problem, but an odd turn of phrase or slightly different emphasis makes me focus more to get what they are saying.
Just wanted to add my voice to those expressing their enjoyment of your AAR,
MD. This is some good reading. O0
Quote from: MetalDog on September 14, 2014, 05:04:40 PM
Some good news, finally! Paul von Hindenburg has arrived in Prussia to take command. GHQ is formed and now the Russkies are in trouble!!
Paul has good stats, I take it?
Good stuff MD. Don't let the Austrian defeats get you down on the Eastern Front. In that last battle you were heavily outnumbered and even though you lost the battle you killed more of his men then he did of yours. Spend some cash recruiting more Austrian infantry for the next few turns so that you can shore up your defenses whilst trying to knock out Serbia. Get some more German infantry as well to continue putting pressure on the Russians.
You have an excellent opportunity to use Hindenburg to crush Rennenkampf's and Samsonov's armies in Prussia. Check your special events there is one for doing some nasty cohesion damage to Russian forces on Prussian soil. Use the rail system to shuttle Hindenburg between crushing Rennenkampf then Samsonov's armies and that should buy you some breathing room. I messed this totally up in my game and I'm in early 1915 dealing with the Russian menace who has captured Königsberg from me, a key Prussian port and fortress.
...lust for this game... increasing... :D
I have the next turn played, but not posted. Will try to get it out today. And thanks for the encouragement gentlemen.
Ok. Photobucket was having a spasm Sunday when I tried to post these originally. Here we go.
Belgium is certainly a bright spot. I am going through them like a hot knife through cheese. Antwerp will be mine shortly.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-14_00020_zps7c0650be.jpg&hash=38c7c284e996301e8190ee74b3471365185a7a6a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-14_00020_zps7c0650be.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-20_00002_zpsb5ee4f20.jpg&hash=d23223fe70d92cec005a2056c723adb39780a897) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-20_00002_zpsb5ee4f20.jpg.html)
Hindenburg's first battle in Prussia is at Gumbinnen. I am outnumbered, but our forces are fairly even in power. I see Rennenkampf is deploying a strong center deployment. I choose to envelop his flank.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-20_00003_zpsacb5243e.jpg&hash=64ddc63378ee8338fa1227588cac57570219dc44) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-20_00003_zpsacb5243e.jpg.html)
A victory, but I lost more men than him and I was behind 30,000 BEFORE the battle!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-20_00004_zps01fbe7ef.jpg&hash=ab88a6da117d9092edaf9a54194bfd222d56f242) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-20_00004_zps01fbe7ef.jpg.html)
Rennenkampf counterattacks and we are defeated. The way to Koenigsburg lays open.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-21_00003_zps35152f81.jpg&hash=e291f84c3c3299977893e691191731ee52667a38) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-21_00003_zps35152f81.jpg.html)
The news is much better in the West. A slow advance is occurring along the front with France. I can't allow my gains in Belgium to get too far ahead. Otherwise, the French can counterattack and push me against the Netherlands.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-21_00006_zpse62816e8.jpg&hash=f1662a2c44094946ea32e3a6e15485e3ff25ae60) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-21_00006_zpse62816e8.jpg.html)
On the Serbian Front, at Novi Sad, I have the advantage of General, von Frank, and power, over twice as strong.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FTo%2520End%2520All%2520Wars%2520AAR%2F2014-09-21_00010_zps96a7f5d9.jpg&hash=be640d4d5ff213cc76cfc891649a11f0e3ce5c77) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/To%20End%20All%20Wars%20AAR/2014-09-21_00010_zps96a7f5d9.jpg.html)
Well, gentlemen, as you may have guessed, I am not going to continue this. I loaded up the game today in an effort to reinvigorate my interest and I failed. Neither the time period nor the conflict hold any interest for me. I want to like it, because so many people here that I hold in esteem adore both conflict and period, but, alas, I just can't. Had I more familiarity with the AGE engine, it might have made this better, but, that engine and it's execution seem difficult for no other reason than to be difficult. I thank all of you for the encouragement, but I just can't continue.
Does anyone else have the game and would like to take over your position?
Quote from: MetalDog on October 23, 2014, 03:14:50 PM
Well, gentlemen, as you may have guessed, I am not going to continue this. I loaded up the game today in an effort to reinvigorate my interest and I failed. Neither the time period nor the conflict hold any interest for me. I want to like it, because so many people here that I hold in esteem adore both conflict and period, but, alas, I just can't. Had I more familiarity with the AGE engine, it might have made this better, but, that engine and it's execution seem difficult for no other reason than to be difficult. I thank all of you for the encouragement, but I just can't continue.
Hey, I'm just grateful for the effort you *did* put into it. I know the difficulties of trying to get into a game covering a period/conflict in which one has little interest, so I applaud you for getting as far as you did.
If you'll pardon the phrase (I refuse to consider it a pun!), "there ain't no shame in your game". O0
I totally understand your pain MD. I mentioned this to Banzai_Cat in his B-29 thread and I'll say it again here. Life is too short to waste on something you're not having fun with. The style of gameplay from AGEOD does take a while to get used to and even when one does understand it still isn't everyone's cup of tea. Good for you though on giving it an honest effort! O0
I still have to continue my campaign but am distracted by too many other games atm.
Thank you again for all your kind words, gentlemen. It encourages me to try my hand at something else in the future.
^^ Like WW1Gold!
:D
Great work on this, MD. I still want to try it and your gameplay keeps my interest in it piqued.