I've got more and more games in my library that I bought with every intention of learning to play, only to get discouraged by the learning curve and abandon them after only a cursory effort. In the past, I did force myself to sit down and get to grips with some and ended up quite enjoying them. Hearts of Iron III, Dangerous Waters, and Achtung Panzer/Mius Front spring to mind.
I've decided to try and tackle some of my backlog and force myself to get comfortable enough with the game mechanics that I can play the game rather than fight the interface and see if there's something there that I can get enjoyment out of.
Over the next six months, I'm going to try to become competent enough to fully play:
1) War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition
2) Terra Invicta
3) Command: Modern Operations
4) Starsector
Not sure which one I'll tackle first. Anyone else wanna chime in with some titles they want to learn?
Might be able to find some folks here who can offer up some tips.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 27, 2024, 04:59:38 AMI've got more and more games in my library that I bought with every intention of learning to play, only to get discouraged by the learning curve and abandon them after only a cursory effort. In the past, I did force myself to sit down and get to grips with some and ended up quite enjoying them. Hearts of Iron III, Dangerous Waters, and Achtung Panzer/Mius Front spring to mind.
I've decided to try and tackle some of my backlog and force myself to get comfortable enough with the game mechanics that I can play the game rather than fight the interface and see if there's something there that I can get enjoyment out of.
Over the next six months, I'm going to try to become competent enough to fully play:
1) War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition
2) Terra Invicta
3) Command: Modern Operations
4) Starsector
Not sure which one I'll tackle first. Anyone else wanna chime in with some titles they want to learn?
Might be able to find some folks here who can offer up some tips.
Aurora, dude.
All four of your games are on my list too, with Command being at the top.
Excellent post - this is exactly my current gaming MO - I've spent so much money on 'classics of their time' and played them for 20 hours until the next one comes out
Fortunately there is nothing for me on the gaming horizon and that has forced me to go back to my back log and get my moneys worth from the games
Up until 2 weeks ago I had 21 hours in xcom2 - it's now 168 thanks to long war 2 and a hankering to get into the nitty gritty of a game like you
Also on the list is command (like you) and aurora (like JH)
I have also reinstalled WitP AE this week to relearn it - if and whenever you feel the need for a grand campaign PBEM let me know
After seeing how your violated KzBp (and the south coast of Australia)? Maybe Nebulous Fleet Command?
I'd need holidays or retirement to really get into things i'd want to delve properly into and even then i'd probably get derailed.
I was thinking war in the pacific or command modern operations.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 27, 2024, 06:06:43 AMAfter seeing how your violated KzBp (and the south coast of Australia)? Maybe Nebulous Fleet Command?
sadly still a novice :buck2:
CMO is on my list, too. Isn't going too badly.
Imperator: Rome with the Invictus mod. But I am too tired these days.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 27, 2024, 04:59:38 AMI've got more and more games in my library that I bought with every intention of learning to play, only to get discouraged by the learning curve and abandon them after only a cursory effort. In the past, I did force myself to sit down and get to grips with some and ended up quite enjoying them. Hearts of Iron III, Dangerous Waters, and Achtung Panzer/Mius Front spring to mind.
I've decided to try and tackle some of my backlog and force myself to get comfortable enough with the game mechanics that I can play the game rather than fight the interface and see if there's something there that I can get enjoyment out of.
Over the next six months, I'm going to try to become competent enough to fully play:
1) War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition
2) Terra Invicta
3) Command: Modern Operations
4) Starsector
Not sure which one I'll tackle first. Anyone else wanna chime in with some titles they want to learn?
Might be able to find some folks here who can offer up some tips.
Excellent Idea for a thread. Because of my work with Fight Club, my list is (in order):
- Combat Mission
- CMO
- Flashpoint Campaign
My personal list would also include WitP:AE
Given the constraint on time and age, my achievable list is:
- Chutes and Ladders
- Checkers
- Battleship
:grin:
I've started multiple games of Terra Invicta but never finished one. Something else always ends up grabbing my attention.
I keep getting to the point where I start putting frigates and destroyers in space. Then I get into my first space combat, have zero idea what I'm doing, lose my tiny fleet, then discover I've been in a prolonged death spiral for the last 10 hours of gameplay and resign.
I've been thinking along these exact same lines for a while. Looking at my, admittedly sparse, gaming of late, I find myself always going to the same handful of games with which I'm comfortable. But there are a few I'd really like to finally sit down and learn. I actually started this with Grand Tactician: Civil War a while back, but too much time has gone by so I'd have to start again.
1. Grand Tactician
2. WitP:AE (thinking of just doing the Guadalcanal scenario, maybe from both sides)
3. War on the Sea
4. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 27, 2024, 09:35:27 AMI keep getting to the point where I start putting frigates and destroyers in space. Then I get into my first space combat, have zero idea what I'm doing, lose my tiny fleet, then discover I've been in a prolonged death spiral for the last 10 hours of gameplay and resign.
I follow at least 2 YTers who have played to a successful end - I was following Perun but he started with the whole - 'I'll do some stuff behind the scenes and I'll be back' and then on restart it's 6 months later and various techs have been discovered with no understanding of why or how
I'm at the building bases on moon and mars stage
I have so many naval games, I should pick one and stick with it for a while.
Quote from: Toonces on August 27, 2024, 10:03:32 AM...but too much time has gone by so I'd have to start again.
Always my problem. I spend hours doing the tutorials, then get distracted, and when I come back to the game a year later, I can't remember how to play anymore.
I have lost count or the number of times I spent time to learn "GG's War in the East," only to forget it later on.
Quote from: ArizonaTank on August 27, 2024, 10:50:10 AMQuote from: Toonces on August 27, 2024, 10:03:32 AMget distracted, and when I come back to the game a year later, I can't remember how to play anymore.
For me that happens by the next weekend...
Civil War II
Destiny of the World
Field of Glory - Kingdoms
Humankind
Millennia
Napoleon's Eagles
SSG We the People
Victoria 3
The first one was a gift from my wife eight years ago.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 27, 2024, 04:59:38 AMI've got more and more games in my library that I bought with every intention of learning to play, only to get discouraged by the learning curve and abandon them after only a cursory effort. In the past, I did force myself to sit down and get to grips with some and ended up quite enjoying them. Hearts of Iron III, Dangerous Waters, and Achtung Panzer/Mius Front spring to mind.
I've decided to try and tackle some of my backlog and force myself to get comfortable enough with the game mechanics that I can play the game rather than fight the interface and see if there's something there that I can get enjoyment out of.
Over the next six months, I'm going to try to become competent enough to fully play:
1) War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition
2) Terra Invicta
3) Command: Modern Operations
4) Starsector
Not sure which one I'll tackle first. Anyone else wanna chime in with some titles they want to learn?
Might be able to find some folks here who can offer up some tips.
Great post. I keep setting myself the same rules ... But keep buying more. If I didn't have to work would probably get through more but no 1 on the hit list would be WiTE 2. Have forever wanted a detailed full eastern front game.
I know you can play things at a certain level but game like this I have to know how it works.
I guess that was the thing with board games when I used to play them, knowing how they worked was a necessity
Oh yes. And the graviteam games ... Lost count of how many times I have tired with that one.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 27, 2024, 04:59:38 AMI've got more and more games in my library that I bought with every intention of learning to play, only to get discouraged by the learning curve and abandon them after only a cursory effort. In the past, I did force myself to sit down and get to grips with some and ended up quite enjoying them. Hearts of Iron III, Dangerous Waters, and Achtung Panzer/Mius Front spring to mind.
I've decided to try and tackle some of my backlog and force myself to get comfortable enough with the game mechanics that I can play the game rather than fight the interface and see if there's something there that I can get enjoyment out of.
Over the next six months, I'm going to try to become competent enough to fully play:
1) War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition
2) Terra Invicta
3) Command: Modern Operations
4) Starsector
Not sure which one I'll tackle first. Anyone else wanna chime in with some titles they want to learn?
Might be able to find some folks here who can offer up some tips.
Revisiting your game list - I find it the same as mine - I didn't see starsector there first time!
Quote from: Toonces on August 27, 2024, 10:03:32 AM... I actually started this with Grand Tactician: Civil War a while back, but too much time has gone by so I'd have to start again.
1. Grand Tactician
2. WitP:AE (thinking of just doing the Guadalcanal scenario, maybe from both sides)
3. War on the Sea
4. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
I completely forgot I have Grand Tactician
One more added to my list.
I'm pretty dialled in with Destroyer. Happy to help with any questions if I can.
Oh This is a topic that I totally resonate with. I have the same sort of feelings when it comes to games. I have several that I would love to play and get good at but, for whatever reason. I never get to them. It's frustrating. I'm all for something that nudges me into something that helps me towards playing some of the games I've always wanted to get into. Mine happen to be:
Dominions x
Distant Worlds II
Old World
Second Front
Imperiums: Greek Wars
I find that I will 'get into them' for a night but then the next day my Gaming ADHD kicks in and I'm Doug from Up and "SQUIRREL!" And I'm off to another thing. Sigh. These posts have inspired me to attempt to stick to one of those games and 'see it through'. Thanks for the nudge. For the next 6 months I'm going to focus . . . until something else is release . . . I mean, I'm going to focus, yes, focus on those games! :idiot2:
^Old World for sure. Fascinating game but so much is always happening I can never keep tabs on it all.
I'm not bad at Second Front, I hope it gets MP so I can see how I fair against the better players.
I'm getting better at FP: Southern Storm, it has MP, so I have no excuse for not playing a human from time to time.
I'm enjoying Radio Commander, interesting co-ordinating the radio and map. The battle of Dak-To had a nasty surprise that blind sided me.
Will try and master Combat Mission:Red Sea and btw Slitherine just acquired Battlefront. https://www.matrixgames.com/news/slitherine-acquires-battlefront-elevating-the-combat-mission-series-to-new-heights
The ultimate will be learning to play, let alone mastering CMO. I have the absolute minimum exposure to naval combat, I'll guess I'll have to reread Captain Hughes Fleet Tactics and Coastal Combat, then understand the platforms, systems, weapon envelopes and all that jazz. I'll have the game mastered in time for the release of MP.
The story of my life :embarrassed:
I always try to schedule games from my library and check the games i have played the least. Not having much time with the kids, i usually end-up playing games i am already familiar with (even though i still have plenty to discover with these, like Civilization 5).
My top list of games i want to learn to play:
- Fields of Glory: Empire (it's a tough one for me for some reason).
- Old World
- Distant Worlds 2
- Knights of Honor 2 (haven't played it as much as i would have liked).
- Total War: Shogun 2
These are all fairly recent games. Top list of older games i want to learn to play
- Storm over the pacific
- Anno 1701
- Age of Empires 3
- The Settlers 5
- Hearts of Iron 2
And that's just the top of the iceberg!
I have to say, this thread may well be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in a long time. At 73 years old I find myself slipping more and more into less complicated games even though I still long to master many of those you guys have posted here.
Quote from: Rayfer on August 28, 2024, 07:15:51 AMI have to say, this thread may well be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in a long time. At 73 years old I find myself slipping more and more into less complicated games even though I still long to master many of those you guys have posted here.
Is that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Quote from: Destraex on August 28, 2024, 10:53:56 PMQuote from: Rayfer on August 28, 2024, 07:15:51 AMI have to say, this thread may well be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in a long time. At 73 years old I find myself slipping more and more into less complicated games even though I still long to master many of those you guys have posted here.
Is that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
I just turned 71 recently, but still like to master a game or rwo. The longest time I've spent currently has been Command Modern Operations, there is so much going on under the hood of this sim they may make this into a prerequisite for a military degree. I like taking war thunder to by most fun game I think I know where I need to be depend on my silent teemmates. They tend direction on occasion.
Anyway you don't need to be an expert but just need so understand cover and movement. I find CMO to impart the most knowledge.
Quote from: Destraex on August 28, 2024, 10:53:56 PMQuote from: Rayfer on August 28, 2024, 07:15:51 AMI have to say, this thread may well be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in a long time. At 73 years old I find myself slipping more and more into less complicated games even though I still long to master many of those you guys have posted here.
Is that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Des...my mind/attention span is still ok and I certainly have the time. I blame it (I have to blame something other than myself... :undecided: ) on the glut of cheap, sale priced games on Steam that keep me wandering off into something new by setting aside the more complicated game I wanted to get into.
There are definitely more games available to us all now than ever.
I am selfishly so happy to see Old World popping up for others. I really thought it was just me.
Quote from: Destraex on August 28, 2024, 10:53:56 PMQuote from: Rayfer on August 28, 2024, 07:15:51 AMI have to say, this thread may well be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in a long time. At 73 years old I find myself slipping more and more into less complicated games even though I still long to master many of those you guys have posted here.
Is that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Well I'm 72 years old and I've had no problem getting into:
Command Modern Operations (smaller scenarios only though)
Grand Tactician (best CW game ever)
War in the Pacific AE (again, smaller scenarios only although I did edit the Saipan scenario to give me a couple more weeks)
I learned those games when I was younger and I have noticed that I've since then leaned toward simpler games (currently deep into Ageod's Wars of Napoleon while reading Roberts'"Napoleon-a life".
I do think age is a factor although having learned WITPAE years and years ago I have no problem going back to it and seemingly retaining the rules for the most part. I would never do the campaign game cuz I would literally not live long enough to finish it, which is quite depressing.
So while I'll fire up the Grigsby games occasionally I can't imagine learning them from scratch at this point.
I do have way too many games in my Steam library. For example I have all of the Assassin's Creed games which look amazing but I don't have the hand/eye like I used to and therefore really struggle with those games.
*learned Grand Tactician by watching You Tube videos
Is that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Dont retire. It sucks !! Bored out of my mind and weird thing is I dont want to work again either. Catch 22 huh ? Of course Im an alcoholic and suffer from depression. Go figure
This is an interesting topic. My 68 year-old addled brain still loves complex games like War In The East 1, ACW 2, and even the DEI version of Rome 2 TW which can be quite complex. However my OCD side won't let me play these games unless I have the time to go over them with a fine-tooth comb to check every unit, weapon, and Supply Line less I make a mistake that'll cost me big time (same thing goes for the Combat Mission games). So I only play them when I have plenty of time and that is very limited unfortunately. Later, when I'm waiting on Mr. Sandman to call my name, I like to play something less complex and more relaxing. Second Front works quite well for this, or a good Hack & Slash like Baldur's Gate 2 or Solasta. Lately I've been going to John Tiller's Campaign Series, East Front, West Front, and Rising Sun for my late-night wind-down needs. It's surprising how well this old dinosaur holds-up to modern standards. The graphics and interface are ancient, but the gameplay and AI opponent are still first rate.
For those who are interested in improving their gameplay in Combat Mission, Matrix games is running a 3 game CMBN tournament: https://www.matrixgames.com/tournaments. It looks like signups will close on 4 September. Details here: https://www.matrixgames.com/tournaments/scores/1146
Quote from: bruce205 on August 29, 2024, 07:00:15 PMIs that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Dont retire. It sucks !! Bored out of my mind and weird thing is I dont want to work again either. Catch 22 huh ? Of course Im an alcoholic and suffer from depression. Go figure
Quote from: bruce205 on August 29, 2024, 07:00:15 PMIs that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Dont retire. It sucks !! Bored out of my mind and weird thing is I dont want to work again either. Catch 22 huh ? Of course Im an alcoholic and suffer from depression. Go figure
Dang, I freaking love retirement. Are you kidding? No more useless meetings, no more dealing with idiots. I'm having a great time. And I use the time from when my wife goes to bed (generally 9pm) until my bedtime (1-2am depending on how much I'm into the game) for gaming. It's fantastic. No interruptions, lotsa time etc.
Do something for yourself man. See a professional. I dealt with depression after a family tragedy. If I can get through that, anybody can. There are a lot of new/better treatments that actually can help you good sir. Think about it. If you want to email me privately gregb41352@gmail.com. Seeya.
Quote from: Sir Slash on August 30, 2024, 10:52:47 AMThis is an interesting topic. My 68 year-old addled brain still loves complex games like War In The East 1, ACW 2, and even the DEI version of Rome 2 TW which can be quite complex. However my OCD side won't let me play these games unless I have the time to go over them with a fine-tooth comb to check every unit, weapon, and Supply Line less I make a mistake that'll cost me big time (same thing goes for the Combat Mission games). So I only play them when I have plenty of time and that is very limited unfortunately. Later, when I'm waiting on Mr. Sandman to call my name, I like to play something less complex and more relaxing. Second Front works quite well for this, or a good Hack & Slash like Baldur's Gate 2 or Solasta. Lately I've been going to John Tiller's Campaign Series, East Front, West Front, and Rising Sun for my late-night wind-down needs. It's surprising how well this old dinosaur holds-up to modern standards. The graphics and interface are ancient, but the gameplay and AI opponent are still first rate.
I'm loving the Tiller WWI series. Agree with you on the Campaign Series.
I've been retired for over four and a half years, and it still seems like it was just last week. The time has flown by.
I absolutely love it, and haven't been bored one bit. Somehow it still seems like there is not enough time to do all the things I want to do.
I've been meaning to write a reply to this thread, but somehow haven't been able to knuckle down to it...
Quote from: undercovergeek on August 27, 2024, 06:02:16 AMUp until 2 weeks ago I had 21 hours in xcom2 - it's now 168 thanks to long war 2 and a hankering to get into the nitty gritty of a game like you
I have nearly 10X the time in this game and still have never gotten as far as you have. I start off strong but eventually realize I've done something wrong because I'm suddenly way over matched in every mission...then I start over...and make the same mistakes. :idiot2:
Quote from: KyzBP on August 31, 2024, 07:41:20 AMQuote from: undercovergeek on August 27, 2024, 06:02:16 AMUp until 2 weeks ago I had 21 hours in xcom2 - it's now 168 thanks to long war 2 and a hankering to get into the nitty gritty of a game like you
I have nearly 10X the time in this game and still have never gotten as far as you have. I start off strong but eventually realize I've done something wrong because I'm suddenly way over matched in every mission...then I start over...and make the same mistakes. :idiot2:
Ditto for just about every game I play. :embarrassed:
Quote from: Sigwolf on August 30, 2024, 03:02:21 PMI've been retired for over four and a half years, and it still seems like it was just last week. The time has flown by.
I absolutely love it, and haven't been bored one bit. Somehow it still seems like there is not enough time to do all the things I want to do.
I love retirement. I should have majored in it back in college.
I'd love to really dig into something crunchy and stay there, but my mind is just too flighty anymore. I'm okay with shooters and the like, so I guess that is where I'm going to plateau in terms of "mastering," anything.
Oh well. :ThumbsUp:
I get the flighty thing. I used to love playing long, story driven games like The Witcher, Knights of the Old Republic, etc.
I just can't get into them any more. I think old age and YouTube has given me ADD. I bought Red Dead Redemption 2 a while back when it was on sale and I don't think I even finished the tutorial. Same with Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. I still haven't even bothered to get Cyberpunk even though I would've jumped all over it 10 years ago.
I'm usually listening to a podcast or somesuch in the background explaining trivial historical minutiae or strident political talk on current events explaining how everything's going to hell this week and I just can't focus on the dialogue. The incessant cutscenes in Red Dead were really getting on my nerves. "Stop talking cowboy guy! I'm trying to hear the guy talk about the effect Wanganui target marking had on bombing efficacy!" *Pounds escape key*.
I trying to get through Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader. I'm enjoying it for the most part, but man there's a tonne of written material. 6 pages of expository text appears. Brain says "ugh...words!". Finger clicks NEXT button 20 times in 2 seconds. Move on to next fight having no idea who I'm fighting or why but happy to get the XP and loot.
^I'm just the opposite. Just started playing Banishers, with a lot of written content and damn is it really scratching that itch.
Do you think sometimes we just outgrow or shift appetite and gaming isn't our thing anymore yet one clings on to it for familiarity and habit
I'm sure the day will come when I'd rather listen to a podcast instead of play but accept that for what it is - grab a cuppa and some biscuits and listen to the podcast - sometimes, eventually just let pc gaming go if it isn't doing anything for you
^I fear that very much. It's just so easy to sit back and listen, watch or read sometimes compared to playing :embarrassed:
Quote from: Gusington on August 31, 2024, 10:01:27 PM^I fear that very much. It's just so easy to sit back and listen, watch or read sometimes compared to playing :embarrassed:
I suppose it comes down to enjoyment - are we actually enjoying pc gaming or going through the motions all the time wishing we weren't and should be catching up on that Netflix series or whatever - I find myself doing the opposite - watching something but constantly thinking if I put XXX here and XXX there can I rescue the rebels?
Quote from: undercovergeek on August 31, 2024, 09:21:48 PMDo you think sometimes we just outgrow or shift appetite and gaming isn't our thing anymore yet one clings on to it for familiarity and habit
I'm sure the day will come when I'd rather listen to a podcast instead of play but accept that for what it is - grab a cuppa and some biscuits and listen to the podcast - sometimes, eventually just let pc gaming go if it isn't doing anything for you
I still enjoy playing games, but I tend to multitask and have a podcast going at the same time so I find myself playing a lot more strategy/sim/management type games where I don't have to listen to or read through a lot of exposition.
Very easy for me to sail around in my PT boat and lob a few torpedoes at a cruiser in War Thunder or move my tanks and infantry around in The Troop while listening to something in the background.
Not that you mentioned both, I actually think that cutscenes with recorded audio versus written text for story play a role here.
I can't easily follow people's rambling at their natural pace - cutscenes are the worst. The same information provided as a text bubble is fine.
Quote from: Old TImer on August 30, 2024, 02:54:27 PMDang, I freaking love retirement. Are you kidding? No more useless meetings, no more dealing with idiots. I'm having a great time. And I use the time from when my wife goes to bed (generally 9pm) until my bedtime (1-2am depending on how much I'm into the game) for gaming. It's fantastic. No interruptions, lotsa time etc.
I'm the same. I have the absolute best of all worlds. I retired from a 'real job' in 2018, and was very, very fortunate to be one of the partners to buy John Tiller Software as Wargame Design Studio in 2021.
I now have a dream job where I am in the industry we all love with an amazing catalogue and a chance to build games I want to play. All while working from home in Australia with a globally distributed team.
That said, this thread was about games we want to master. My goto currently is Ultimate Admirals: Dreadnoughts. If you haven't played the campaign, it's well worth your time. I am on my third play through as Japan and the attention to detail, the fact the ships look like Japanese ships and that you can play at multiple levels due to its sandbox approach is fantastic.
Quote from: Strela on September 01, 2024, 04:53:20 AMI'm the same. I have the absolute best of all worlds. I retired from a 'real job' in 2018, and was very, very fortunate to be one of the partners to buy John Tiller Software as Wargame Design Studio in 2021.
I now have a dream job where I am in the industry we all love with an amazing catalogue and a chance to build games I want to play. All while working from home in Australia with a globally distributed team.
In case you're hiring an executive assistant, I make a very good cup of coffee, take dictation and look great in heels.
Quote from: Strela on September 01, 2024, 04:53:20 AMThat said, this thread was about games we want to master. My goto currently is Ultimate Admirals: Dreadnoughts. If you haven't played the campaign, it's well worth your time. I am on my third play through as Japan and the attention to detail, the fact the ships look like Japanese ships and that you can play at multiple levels due to its sandbox approach is fantastic.
I appreciate seeing posts like this because all the negative reviews on Steam hold me back from investing the time.
Quote from: Strela on September 01, 2024, 04:53:20 AMI'm the same. I have the absolute best of all worlds. I retired from a 'real job' in 2018, and was very, very fortunate to be one of the partners to buy John Tiller Software as Wargame Design Studio in 2021.
I now have a dream job where I am in the industry we all love with an amazing catalogue and a chance to build games I want to play. All while working from home in Australia with a globally distributed team.
....
Your journey is similar to mine, in that I'm finding my post-retirement work with Fight Club is keeping me doing something I believe in with the gaming community.
Quote from: undercovergeek on August 31, 2024, 10:51:08 PMQuote from: Gusington on August 31, 2024, 10:01:27 PM^I fear that very much. It's just so easy to sit back and listen, watch or read sometimes compared to playing :embarrassed:
I suppose it comes down to enjoyment - are we actually enjoying pc gaming or going through the motions all the time wishing we weren't and should be catching up on that Netflix series or whatever - I find myself doing the opposite - watching something but constantly thinking if I put XXX here and XXX there can I rescue the rebels?
I'm really enjoying the games...wouldn't play them if I didn't.
To my mind nothing beats combining a really good book like say a Vietnam history or a Victorian era the foreign policy of Britain....and playing Campaign Series Vietnam or Victoria 3. I learn stuff too :))
I like retirement so well that it should've been my first job. Never been late. Never been held-over. Never gotten a bad review. And they can't fire me. :grin:
I think I've "liked" more posts in this thread than any other thread in the history of Grogheads! Given the 10,000+ posts in the Ukraine War thread over in Current Events, that's saying something!
With an 11-year old and a 14-year old, extended periods of gaming only come at the cost of sleep for me. Plus, I'm temporarily retired (i.e., "unemployed") and the job search is no fun. So I really have to stay away from deeply immersive games lest I fall into that trap when I need to be looking for work.
I generally play games until I master the whole system and then I move on. Replay value for me comes from having to really explore different mechanics to win as different factions (best exemplified in
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri). In no particular order, here are the list of game-things I'm looking to master:
- Fully understand the logistics logic in Shadow Empire (I've won the games multiple times, and watched 10+ hours of video tutorials on logistics, but I still usually just throw stuff at a logistics problem, see if it disappears, then go back and play around in the logistics interface for 30 minutes trying to figure out what changed, before I ultimately just go back to playing the rest of the game, which is more comprehensible)
- Hex of Steel campaign game
- Against the Storm
looking through the steam space exploration fest that started today i saw kerbal space program. that is a game i would like to master but i never get far into it.
Quote from: Old TImer on August 29, 2024, 01:07:05 PMQuote from: Destraex on August 28, 2024, 10:53:56 PMQuote from: Rayfer on August 28, 2024, 07:15:51 AMI have to say, this thread may well be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in a long time. At 73 years old I find myself slipping more and more into less complicated games even though I still long to master many of those you guys have posted here.
Is that because of lack of time or age causing attention span issues? Because the great thing I think a lot would look forward to is retiring and having the time to enjoy gaming. But that is slipping away as newer generations are forced to retire later and later.
Well I'm 72 years old and I've had no problem getting into:
Command Modern Operations (smaller scenarios only though)
Grand Tactician (best CW game ever)
War in the Pacific AE (again, smaller scenarios only although I did edit the Saipan scenario to give me a couple more weeks)
I learned those games when I was younger and I have noticed that I've since then leaned toward simpler games (currently deep into Ageod's Wars of Napoleon while reading Roberts'"Napoleon-a life".
I do think age is a factor although having learned WITPAE years and years ago I have no problem going back to it and seemingly retaining the rules for the most part. I would never do the campaign game cuz I would literally not live long enough to finish it, which is quite depressing.
So while I'll fire up the Grigsby games occasionally I can't imagine learning them from scratch at this point.
I do have way too many games in my Steam library. For example I have all of the Assassin's Creed games which look amazing but I don't have the hand/eye like I used to and therefore really struggle with those games.
*learned Grand Tactician by watching You Tube videos
I see a lot of WITPAE posts here. I suggest hooking up with Jochen Heiden he loves teaching new players how to play:
https://discord.com/channels/967804647500808262/967805349279182928
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on September 02, 2024, 01:46:16 PMI think I've "liked" more posts in this thread than any other thread in the history of Grogheads! Given the 10,000+ posts in the Ukraine War thread over in Current Events, that's saying something!
With an 11-year old and a 14-year old, extended periods of gaming only come at the cost of sleep for me. Plus, I'm temporarily retired (i.e., "unemployed") and the job search is no fun. So I really have to stay away from deeply immersive games lest I fall into that trap when I need to be looking for work.
I generally play games until I master the whole system and then I move on. Replay value for me comes from having to really explore different mechanics to win as different factions (best exemplified in Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri). In no particular order, here are the list of game-things I'm looking to master:
- Fully understand the logistics logic in Shadow Empire (I've won the games multiple times, and watched 10+ hours of video tutorials on logistics, but I still usually just throw stuff at a logistics problem, see if it disappears, then go back and play around in the logistics interface for 30 minutes trying to figure out what changed, before I ultimately just go back to playing the rest of the game, which is more comprehensible)
- Hex of Steel campaign game
- Against the Storm
I'm in the same boat - 2 13 year olds who keep me more than busy (especially since one has special needs) cuts deeply into my gaming time. I have had to let go the dream of having my kids want to game with me as they have no interest in any of the games that I like. I dream of being retired every day I have so many things I want to but one of my biggest worries is my wife has very few hobbies her biggest one seems to be making sure there are chores for me to do if she catches me gaming.
CMNO Shifting Sands with youtube videos gives you a real appreciation of mission planning and the way tech evolved and influenced strategy.
Also one that I put a lot of time into was command ops
Lastly I love WitE2 but I only play smaller scenarios since its so massive and I just like diving deeply into games and not investing 200+ turns top find out some decision I didnt understand in turn 2 comes back to haunt you and make the game unwinnable.
For all that though there is something to be said about simpler games I just recently installed Stronghold Definitive Edition and its sucked me in deeply - its satisfying to just have it be obvious.
Quote from: Con on September 03, 2024, 02:41:12 PMFor all that though there is something to be said about simpler games I just recently installed Stronghold Definitive Edition and its sucked me in deeply - its satisfying to just have it be obvious.
I agree. A good combination of games easy to get into and games to learn is key to have fun when you don't have much time to play.
Quote from: Con on September 03, 2024, 02:41:12 PMi just like diving deeply into games and not investing 200+ turns top find out some decision I didnt understand in turn 2 comes back to haunt you and make the game unwinnable.
Here lies the rise of the YT streamer - many gaming hours have been lost because I didn't build the golden sword of doom in time or the right spearmen - I fear it now in xcom 2 and although I'd like to remember those days fondly of trying again and again and again I don't have the time or the patience to get 80% into a game to find out I failed hours ago - I'm assuming this is an age thing - and so I watch a couple of let's plays before embarking on a full campaign of anything but I wonder if this takes away from the excitement, learning and mystery of a new game that we had when it was just magazines and tip letters to the editor
My fondest gaming memory is beating civ 2 by trial and error after months and months - the rule book was immense and I didn't take the time to read it all - but when you find out the pyramids wonder counts as a granary in every city and the Great Wall of china counts as a wall in every city and you can disband the ones you'd built and now your maintenance costs are halved and you can afford the army do go pillaging the AI - gaming joy
So? Has anyone made any progress?
I had to put my plans on hold as life got in the way. Few months of stress, misery, and harshly worded emails but I think that's all dealt with now.
I really want to jump into Terra Invicta but Sea Power is coming out soon so.....
I put some serious time into learning HOI IV. I posted about a good tutorial series that I was running through and making good progress with. However, as so often is the case, I've been sidetracked...by life and other games...including, yes, Sea Power!
Nice to hear all you retired folk are singing its praises but to me retirement sucks !! I am bored outta my friggin mind. Every day is the exact same and I see no way it would get better. I love reading gaming forums but to actually play any is beyond me. I get bored not long after the loading screen. Maybe I'm just an enigma. Thanks for listening :)
I call it Retirees ADD, or RADD. There's so many things I can spend time on that something else always looks better than what I'm currently doing. I have managed to spend lots of time on Civ5, Shadow Empire and Hex of Steel. Those three seem to draw me in and make me forget the other stuff that is calling to me.
Quote from: bruce205 on November 04, 2024, 07:38:34 PMNice to hear all you retired folk are singing its praises but to me retirement sucks !! I am bored outta my friggin mind. Every day is the exact same and I see no way it would get better. I love reading gaming forums but to actually play any is beyond me. I get bored not long after the loading screen. Maybe I'm just an enigma. Thanks for listening :)
Maybe you just need the right game? 2D wargames are not for everybody.
Thanks Red and everyone who replied to me. I love reading gaming forums but to actually play a game for more than 30 minutes drains me and I lose interest.
I know this is not a mental health forum so I apologize. I suffer from alcoholism and depression and I love to self sabotage myself. And yes I am going through therapy with the VA.
Hang in there Bruce. Every dark tunnel has a way out of it. You just have to keep looking until you find it Brother.