Achtung Panzer Question

[Longdan]

I have not seen this up lately.  At GG i saw some DLC for AP for real cheap.  Do these run with the Matrix version yet?
Or ever?

[sandman2575]

Don't take my word as gospel,  but I'm pretty sure they definitely will run with the Matrix version.

I don't think the Matrix version does anything 'special' to AP (DRM etc.) that would make it not work with the expansions.

I think Matrix was trying to differentiate their version from GG's and so forth by incorporating the patches for you, and streamlining the patching in general.  Not sure they've kept that up though - ?

It's a good idea in theory.  The patching / expansion process for AP is easily the worst I have ever come across. Mostly owing to the incredibly confusing 'version number'/ nomenclature system (to the extent that there is a system) they've adopted.

It's a huge headache to figure out.  The only reason to put up with it is that the payoff is great.  One of the best games I've ever played, in any genre.  It's almost like Graviteam decided to implement a patching/updating system that is as confusing and complicated as the game is awesome and fun.

[Longdan]

Hmmmm.  Well I guess the expense is not an issue.
Thanks.

[Nefaro]

It looks like the prices for Achtung Panzer: Op Star have been permanently reduced at Gamersgate, other than the latest DLC pack (which is still listed as 70% off anyway).  Since the base game is $7.50 and the DLC even less, I grabbed all but the smallest add-on.   That's damn good pricing - and DRM free even! 

Any suggestions on what Op to start with, or anyting of that nature?   I'm a bit familiar with the interface, since it's almost exactly like Steel Armor: Blaze Of War's UI, minus the most troublesome bits of SABOW which was some of the UI commands while actually inside the tanks (in the Sim part). 

It's good to see that Graviteam has kept their patches updated at Gamersgate.  I dunno how many times I've downloaded a patch from there, and went to double check on the publisher/dev's site only to find that they had newer updates and hadn't bothered to upload them to the distributor's site.  ::)  Now I'll be off to wrestle with the update dance.

Also - does it have an editor or something?  I'm curious if there is user-created stuff.

[Gusington]

I am starting from scratch with Achtung Panzer...where is the best place to buy from?

[Tuna]

Gamers Gate, they have all the patches links there for you!
I'd say Matrix, if they incorporated patches into their update process, but I don't think they did.

[WallysWorld]

I bought APOS with all DLC and also the older Kharkov game when all were on sale last week at Gamersgate.

Been fooling around with the games and I'm liking what I'm seeing. I think it's a good alternative to the Combat Mission games.

The patching is quite a handful to understand, but here's an excellent post on Matrix's forum that shows how to patch the game:
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=3216149

[sandman2575]

I'd go with GG as well.

Be prepared for some headaches installing, patching and adding the expansions -- in other words, do it when you really have some time to devote to it.  check out the Graviteam AP site:

http://graviteam.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=54fb24b1971dcb764738765f739d380b&topic=10844.0

it can help you make sense of some of the confusing modules you have to install.

In terms of where to start -- you might want to just play a few sandbox matches.  you can completely control what units you and the AI field, set victory conditions, etc.

The UI takes getting used to, but once you understand it, it becomes quite intuitive and easy to handle -- the complaints about the 'impossible to use UI' are greatly overblown.  unfortunately, graviteam has done itself no favors by having terrible documentation -- the manual is only moderately helpful, and leaves a ton out.

Tip -- in terms of camera control, "X" and "R" (i think 'r' i don't have the game in front of me atm) are your friends. They give you good control over the camera which is otherwise a little hard to handle using traditional mouse scrolling.

In spite of all the frustrations you will encounter -- STICK WITH IT.  i promise you, the game is bloody brilliant once you know what the hell you are doing.

EDIT -- the Matrix Op Star forum is also a good source of info. for installation and other technical details --

[Gusington]

Thanks guys...just looked over at Gamersgate and it looks like there is still a sale on....Operation Star is 7.50.

Which game is the more all-encompassing East Front game?

[WallysWorld]

The overall consensus is to buy APOS since Kharkov is the older game.  I bought APOS and Kharkov because both were really cheap last week.

Although APOS has the same maps and campaigns as Kharkov and also more features, some AP veterans say they miss some specific campaign features that Kharkov has that weren't carried forward to APOS.

I think that's what you're asking, Gusington.

[Nefaro]

Here is the best rundown of how to install Patches, Asset Updates, and DLC that I've found.  I suggest you copy & paste it into a text file and save it with the installers that you download & copy once the GG install package is opened for install (you ARE backing those up, right?).  The updates and DLC all fit nicely onto one 4.7GB blank DVD.

How to Install Achtung Panzer: Operation Star, updates, and DLC.

1)Install the base game


2) Install 581 patch by first Running * op_star_game_update_v581_eng_v2.exe *


3) Unzip the * k43t_apos_patch_aug12_eng_v3.exe * 7z file to a new folder you create


4) Go to game the directory where APOS was installed and run the update.cmd file. This will open an updater program.


5) Click the Install button and point to the folder where you unzipped the *

k43t_apos_patch_aug12_eng_v3.exe * file, open the Core folder and click on the desc.addpack. This will

install the patch.


6) Install the Polygon optional patch by unzipping the * k43t_apos_upd_dist_taran_rakit_aug12_eng.exe * 7z

file to a new folder.  Click the Install button and point to the folder where you unzipped the *

k43t_apos_upd_dist_taran_rakit_aug12_eng.exe * 7z file,  open the Core folder and click on the desc.addpack.

This will install the polygon patch.


7) Click on the Save and Play button

Game will be updated


*******************************************************
Then install the DLC's just like you did for the Polygon patch:

Like so:
4) Run update utility (click to game version in main menu).
5) In the window that appears, click "Install" button and select "CORE\desc.addpack" file in folder with
unpacked update.
6) Wait for the installation.
7) Click "Save and Play" button.
*******

The update process isn't so terrible once you see how it's done, but it's still a multi-step process.

[Gusington]

Thanks Wally...since I never played Kharkov I may just stick with getting Operation Star only.

[Wolfe1759]

Picked OP Star and all the DLCs up in the recent GG sale.

Patching and installing the DLCs was a very fiddly and irritating experience, the above advice is very useful if you do get it.

Then again I did pick them all up at a 94% discount when GG were knocking off 75% of the 75% sale price so I can't really complain  :)

[WallysWorld]

There is a demo of APOS available straight from the developer for those who want to try before you buy.

First link on the page:

http://graviteam.ua/help/download-patches.html

The one DLC I did not get (yet!) is the latest with the high res graphics for APOS. I'm debating that.

[Nefaro]

The one DLC I did not get (yet!) is the latest with the high res graphics for APOS. I'm debating that.

GG still has it on sale.  If it's the one I'm thinking about.