Looks to be new and not just an update of one of their older releases. http://www.strategycore.co.uk/news/closely-to-follow/
There are new new CC games listed by Matrix
Gate Way to Caen - based off the Panthers in the Fog CC game.
The Bloody First - based off a new CC game engine also known as CC 3D.
Quote from: Rayfer on March 26, 2014, 03:58:09 PM
Looks to be new and not just an update of one of their older releases. http://www.strategycore.co.uk/news/closely-to-follow/
Looks like they are recruiting beta testers. I've had good experiences beta testing for Matrix in the past and have applied. I have fond memories of the older titles. I have to be honest and say I don't know how much more innovation anyone can bring to the Close Combat series in its current form, but if players are still willing to invest in the game, then perhaps it doesn't need any. I like some of the things on the preview page, i.e. new terrain and historical commanders' names. If they have a new improved campaign system, that would be worth seeing, too.
I wonder if a turn-based ("WEGO") system - permitting much bigger battles - would be an advantage also. Or does it simply become too much like other games out there at that point.
QuoteThe Bloody First - based off a new CC game engine also known as CC 3D.
Hmm, just noticing this. Speaking of innovation. Perhaps I spoke too soon.
and sometimes good memories should remain memories.
...how are your memories of CC :PitF ...in a written form called review ;-) ;-) ;-)
Concerning the new GwtC the question is: Did the AI improved
(I have to look for older PitF threads what those main hick-ups were again ...thats the stuff beta-testers should give a glance)
PitF was a mod of a game not worthy of attention. how many times must I say it.
now back to your garden. I hear that Syrians are tunneling under your yard.
Quote from: MikeGER on March 28, 2014, 08:28:18 AM
...how are your memories of CC :PitF ...in a written form called review ;-) ;-) ;-)
Concerning the new GwtC the question is: Did the AI improved
(I have to look for older PitF threads what those main hick-ups were again ...thats the stuff beta-testers should give a glance)
No AI improvement with PitF.
They just kind of sit there
First screenshots (alpha version) from Close Combat: Bloody First.
Real 3d Unity-based engine, zoomable, tiltable camera.
http://www.pockettactics.com/news/ios-news/slitherines-new-3d-close-combat-looks-just-like-old-2d-close-combat/
Some more info at matrix forum
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3610819
Thanks PAK....certainly one to keep an eye on.
Looks nice! Wonder whats changed gameplay wise from existing CC games?
I really hope infantry is larger than those in the existing CC titles.
oh really...
I must meditate upon this.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F11fc9vasy8fou131.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2FScreenshot_CC_TBF_01.jpg&hash=80f15a05330bd37d8fde0f6602f3f9cc0a254dfc)
when i see the new CC games screen shot ... a slight fear is creeping up on me that the inside-the-blackbox game mechanics calculations, espacially the tactical AI, is ripped straight from the classic CC?
Its just: Construct a nice CC map, tanks and pixeltroops in 3D, the underlying grid for calculation maybe a litte higher then the 4m? (IIRC) resolution of clasic CC (this will help with LOS and Pathfinding even using the same calculation), but in general the same spotting, situational awareness, pathfinding, and troops AI, ....
I hope i am wrong
Quote from: MikeGER on May 21, 2014, 01:55:14 AM
when i see the new CC games screen shot ... a slight fear is creeping up on me that the inside-the-blackbox game mechanics calculations, espacially the tactical AI, is ripped straight from the classic CC?
Its just: Construct a nice CC map, tanks and pixeltroops in 3D, the underlying grid for calculation maybe a litte higher then the 4m? (IIRC) resolution of clasic CC (this will help with LOS and Pathfinding even using the same calculation), but in general the same spotting, situational awareness, pathfinding, and troops AI, ....
I hope i am wrong
Read
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=3588386
It really does sound like this really is a complete remake and not a rehash of old CC code!
Made in Unity so wont be a rehash of old code. I do hope they expand the psychological aspect and give the soldiers some personality (would make it stand out from say Graviteam tactics). Also hope they go back to CC2 levels of survivability for the Inf. Not sure they are though.
Mike, knowing what I do of the old CC code, there is no way that the old can be brought into the new.
that isnt to say they wont be able to find new and "fun" ways to muck it up.
but it will be a whole new set of problems! :2funny:
This looks a lot like Blitzkrieg. I love that game. Hopefully we keep the same, realistic engagement ranges, too for this new Close Combat.
20 years and we finally get coop
for all the whiz bang of an ALB theres something to be said for a no time limit to the death game of CC.
The biggest change seems to be the focus on smaller tactical battles.
from Steve the developer
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=3588386
QuoteYou will be leading a rifle company (plus attachments) through several major campaigns, rather than fighting a single operation, ordering large units around at the strategic level. So the new game will be much more focused on the tactical combat.
I just hope the campaign isn't too linear.
the hope is then, if its a rifle company that actual pixeltruppen will last long enough to make a difference and you can grow some attachment to the little fellas
That poor bloody infantry is dying too fast to grow any attachment. >:D
Quote from: undercovergeek on May 22, 2014, 12:39:28 PM
the hope is then, if its a rifle company that actual pixeltruppen will last long enough to make a difference and you can grow some attachment to the little fellas
Here, here..
CC2 was the best CC 2 game for Inf survivability. If the new game is the same as the recent games in this regard I wont be interested.
We had a quick flick through this at Home of Wargamers. Main points arising were:
Fully 3-D - but can flick between 3-D, and traditional top down.
Houses and Buildings are fully destructable
Due late 2014, but Iain McNeil also mentioned early 2015 at HOW14, so I read Q4 2014 as an optimistic estimate.
Will be released on a multi platform basis.
3 Campaigns - Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy
Equipment upgrades (read replacement of kit) for each new campaign, reflecting historical changes
Ongoing experience for core troops
Dynamic operations - as with other CC games
Integrated Map editor to make your own scenarios
It all looked very pretty. I don't know that the game will be massively different in terms of mechanics, although new line of sight rules were mentioned to improve things. If you like CC, it looks different to traditional CC, and it seems there will be a lot of content (3 campaigns) that you rarely see with CC (save perhaps the Russian campaign one - Cross of Iron [IIRC?]).
As it's being written for a multi platform release I think there's scope to put in a variety of new stuff, although the chances are that will be a question of improved gameplay routines, as I recall the interface looked very similar to the older style at the conference. To be fair to Iain, and his team we were only looking at a pre-alpha game, so it really is far too early to comment with any certainty. All I can say is that Iain was enthusiastic about it, and it will be worth watching developments over the year before we get a clearer idea of what we will finally see.
The idea of following the progress of a famous Division throughout the war was discussed, and depending on how the Bloody First is received, you may be seeing one or more games focusing on the German experience, like the Gross Deutschland Division - or similar, and possibly even a foray into the Pacific! Practically, Slitherine will need to have an idea of demand for such extensions of the game system. I personally find the thought of these quite fun. But remember these are still early days, and plans can change depending on how enthusiastic the community is about such games.
Quote from: TacticalWargames on May 23, 2014, 10:35:09 AM
Quote from: undercovergeek on May 22, 2014, 12:39:28 PM
the hope is then, if its a rifle company that actual pixeltruppen will last long enough to make a difference and you can grow some attachment to the little fellas
Here, here..
CC2 was the best CC 2 game for Inf survivability. If the new game is the same as the recent games in this regard I wont be interested.
I formed the distinct impression that with the "feature" emphasis on carried over/ongoing core unit experience through the campaigns, that there has to be some chance of survivability, as well as with with some of the less wounded returning to the ranks, otherwise, like you I can't see it working that well in practice. Of course, if it is your MO to frontally charge mg positions, or just you have bad luck during an artillery stonk, then I'd be disappointed to see too much survivability if "realism" were sacrificed for it. I think if you are a competant player, you should have a reasonable chance of survivability, with your lighter wounded returning in due course. I'd similarly expect new replacements for the dead, and seriously wounded to flesh out the ranks of the fallen, so keeping squad experience dynamic.
Boggit..head first charges aren't my thing:). Still I do want to see firefights lasting a decent amount of time. Every tactical game out I think has high casualty rates compared to historical values. ALot of it prob down to self preservation, and I imagine lots of the game may be quite boring if your soldiers where prone to staying in cover for most of the attack. Sill I would like to see decent length firefights and a good chance for you to come out of it with relatively few casualties.
While these kind of balance things are still in flux, it has been a core design desire that your men will tend to survive well enough for you to become attached to them, and for them to gain experience and expertise as they fight their way across the various campaigns. There are a number of levers we can move, and features we have come up with, to enable this. Sorry I cannot be more specific, but more info will come out as these things gel during campaign balance :)
Cheers
Pip
Quote from: Boggit on May 23, 2014, 01:01:43 PM
We had a quick flick through this at Home of Wargamers. Main points arising were:
Fully 3-D - but can flick between 3-D, and traditional top down.
Houses and Buildings are fully destructable
Due late 2014, but Iain McNeil also mentioned early 2015 at HOW14, so I read Q4 2014 as an optimistic estimate.
Will be released on a multi platform basis.
3 Campaigns - Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy
Equipment upgrades (read replacement of kit) for each new campaign, reflecting historical changes
Ongoing experience for core troops
Dynamic operations - as with other CC games
Integrated Map editor to make your own scenarios
It all looked very pretty. I don't know that the game will be massively different in terms of mechanics, although new line of sight rules were mentioned to improve things. If you like CC, it looks different to traditional CC, and it seems there will be a lot of content (3 campaigns) that you rarely see with CC (save perhaps the Russian campaign one - Cross of Iron [IIRC?]).
As it's being written for a multi platform release I think there's scope to put in a variety of new stuff, although the chances are that will be a question of improved gameplay routines, as I recall the interface looked very similar to the older style at the conference. To be fair to Iain, and his team we were only looking at a pre-alpha game, so it really is far too early to comment with any certainty. All I can say is that Iain was enthusiastic about it, and it will be worth watching developments over the year before we get a clearer idea of what we will finally see.
The idea of following the progress of a famous Division throughout the war was discussed, and depending on how the Bloody First is received, you may be seeing one or more games focusing on the German experience, like the Gross Deutschland Division - or similar, and possibly even a foray into the Pacific! Practically, Slitherine will need to have an idea of demand for such extensions of the game system. I personally find the thought of these quite fun. But remember these are still early days, and plans can change depending on how enthusiastic the community is about such games.
Any mention of Quick Battles?
Sounds good Pip.
QuoteWill be released on a multi platform basis.
Scary possibilities abound. ???
Fully 3D yes , but IIRC with a fixed angle (you cant rotate or tilt, just zoom in out along that 'ray') and a switch to top down view
only 1 story building ...in the first installment so no sniper or light MGs in the church tower, Sigh
well, its only Alpha so some things may change/get implemented in the time to come.
we need to see more screenshots or a little teasing vid ;)
Quote from: TacticalWargames on May 24, 2014, 05:27:10 AM
Boggit..head first charges aren't my thing:). Still I do want to see firefights lasting a decent amount of time. Every tactical game out I think has high casualty rates compared to historical values. ALot of it prob down to self preservation, and I imagine lots of the game may be quite boring if your soldiers where prone to staying in cover for most of the attack. Sill I would like to see decent length firefights and a good chance for you to come out of it with relatively few casualties.
I agree. What's not to like with that? It might not be truly realistic, but this is a game, and what you suggest adds to the fun. :)
Quote from: SgtRock on May 24, 2014, 01:38:51 PM
Any mention of Quick Battles?
Don't quote me as my memory can play tricks on me. IIRC there was a mention of a skirmish mode, where you could play one off battles on the maps supplied. You should be able to do your own scenarios too with the editor. Again IIRC correctly, the editor is supposed to be very user friendly, so If I'm mistaken as to skirmish mode (and I have the gut feel that I'm not on that), then the new editor will give the same sort of functionality. :)
Seriously.. is this gonna also be released for freaking tablets? :(
Quote from: Nefaro on May 25, 2014, 10:21:09 AM
Seriously.. is this gonna also be released for freaking tablets? :(
Well tablets are getting better but, I hope they don't have to dumb it down or cut features just to make it work on tablets!
that would be a deal killer.
But isn't panzer corps and Battle Academy tablet exactly the same as the PC version? Nothing dumbed down
Quote from: jomni on May 25, 2014, 09:30:02 PM
But isn't panzer corps and Battle Academy tablet exactly the same as the PC version? Nothing dumbed down
Correct. The PC version is the lead platform on TBF anyway. The tablet versions have their own dev schedule, most of which is trying to squeeze the PC game on to them!
Cheers
Pip
Quote from: PipFromSlitherine on May 26, 2014, 10:39:22 AM
Quote from: jomni on May 25, 2014, 09:30:02 PM
But isn't panzer corps and Battle Academy tablet exactly the same as the PC version? Nothing dumbed down
Correct. The PC version is the lead platform on TBF anyway. The tablet versions have their own dev schedule, most of which is trying to squeeze the PC game on to them!
Cheers
Pip
So the tablet versions will be dumbed down to fit, and not the other way around?
Quote from: Nefaro on May 26, 2014, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: PipFromSlitherine on May 26, 2014, 10:39:22 AM
Quote from: jomni on May 25, 2014, 09:30:02 PM
But isn't panzer corps and Battle Academy tablet exactly the same as the PC version? Nothing dumbed down
Correct. The PC version is the lead platform on TBF anyway. The tablet versions have their own dev schedule, most of which is trying to squeeze the PC game on to them!
Cheers
Pip
So the tablet versions will be dumbed down to fit, and not the other way around?
There will be no "dumbing down" on any platform. BA has pretty much zero gameplay differences - the UI will be the main area where platforms diverge.
Cheers
Pip
Quote from: PipFromSlitherine on May 28, 2014, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on May 26, 2014, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: PipFromSlitherine on May 26, 2014, 10:39:22 AM
Quote from: jomni on May 25, 2014, 09:30:02 PM
But isn't panzer corps and Battle Academy tablet exactly the same as the PC version? Nothing dumbed down
Correct. The PC version is the lead platform on TBF anyway. The tablet versions have their own dev schedule, most of which is trying to squeeze the PC game on to them!
Cheers
Pip
So the tablet versions will be dumbed down to fit, and not the other way around?
There will be no "dumbing down" on any platform. BA has pretty much zero gameplay differences - the UI will be the main area where platforms diverge.
Cheers
Pip
Good to know.
When I hear mention of a Tablet version, that's always a worry.
Well let's face it, Battle Academy and Panzer Corp are pretty light wargames, just look at Combat Mission touch on tablets, no one is going confuse it with CM1 or CM2 games. Battlefront said tablet's today couldn't even handle a direct port of Combat Mission 1 Beyond Overlord a 13 year old game with graphics that weren't the best even back in 2000. I hope the new CC game raises the bar with some new things in tactical combat.
Quote from: SgtRock on May 28, 2014, 01:28:59 PM
Well let's face it, Battle Academy and Panzer Corp are pretty light wargames, just look at Combat Mission touch on tablets, no one is going confuse it with CM1 or CM2 games. Battlefront said tablet's today couldn't even handle a direct port of Combat Mission 1 Beyond Overlord a 13 year old game with graphics that weren't the best even back in 2000. I hope the new CC game raises the bar with some new things in tactical combat.
Well the AI triggers for the AI plans in the V3.0 upgrade is evidence that they are moving in the right direction. :)
I recall hearing about Close Combat: The Bloody First around 6 months to a year ago and haven't seen anything since. Any ideas?
They scrapped the coop
Quotepipfromslitherine wrote:
We are not currently planning Coop for first release, though would be interested to know if it is something that would be popular.
Pip
Something like that popular? I've put in 122 hours into Battle Academy 2, mostly dedicated to coop with friends/family/etc. How would this not be popular? This is slowly turning into just another single player WW2 game.