World in Flames (Matrixgames) looking for beta testers (multiplayer)

[Grim.Reaper]

So it looks like none of us are going to take the plunge:)  Its rare when a new wargame is released and nobody from this forum is playing it or even buying it on the first weekend.

I did a quick price check for me, it would be about $109 to buy it and ship it to me.

Although shipping/taxes is not a big decision point for me since it seems reasonable for my shipping location (however, I do agree for people not in the US, seems way too high), still main reason for me not jumping in is the lack of AI.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued by the game based on how people have talked it up over the years, but just afraid it would become shelf-ware for me and get little play.  The only thing I am contemplating is maybe purchasing it in advance of the AI coming out in order to play solitaire to learn the system and rules before then.  However, what holds me back from doing that is what if the AI never comes or takes years to do?

Maybe I will ask for it as a Christmas gift so I won't feel as guilty if it gets little play:)

[Staggerwing]

I have to confess that I'll probably be getting it soon. Maybe even this evening depending on how some online bill-paying goes later.

[Grim.Reaper]

I have to confess that I'll probably be getting it soon. Maybe even this evening depending on how some online bill-paying goes later.

Excellent.....I will look forward to your impressions.  I doubt I would ever play multi-player so I would be interested in hearing how it might play as a solitaire game.  Never have played a solitaire computer or boardgame before so I am skeptical I would enjoy it.  But I see others say they can enjoy this mode, so maybe I should give it a shot.

[Ubercat]

I bought it 2 nights ago. I haven't actually played yet as I'm still watching the 400 minutes worth of video tutorials. After that I'll skim the 10 text tutorials and then tackle the interactive tutorials, where you actually fire up a loaded game and follow instructions step by step. I'm sure that will be what gets me most comfortable with the interface and rules.

As complex as this game is, I'm kind of surprised that Steve managed to finish it as fast as he did. I'm in awe of the mans accomplishment and still a bit shocked that I actually have this game in my possession. It will have to feel real some day! I think I've been waiting 16 years. It was probably 1997 when I first heard that someone was working on a computer version, and then 2004(?) when Steve and Matrix took over the effort.

[Grim.Reaper]

I bought it 2 nights ago. I haven't actually played yet as I'm still watching the 400 minutes worth of video tutorials. After that I'll skim the 10 text tutorials and then tackle the interactive tutorials, where you actually fire up a loaded game and follow instructions step by step. I'm sure that will be what gets me most comfortable with the interface and rules.

As complex as this game is, I'm kind of surprised that Steve managed to finish it as fast as he did. I'm in awe of the mans accomplishment and still a bit shocked that I actually have this game in my possession. It will have to feel real some day! I think I've been waiting 16 years. It was probably 1997 when I first heard that someone was working on a computer version, and then 2004(?) when Steve and Matrix took over the effort.

It does seem like they have a ton of tutorial items, not sure if that is a good or bad thing for me since it might imply it being way too complex for my simple mind:(

Do you plan on playing multi player or solitaire, will be interested in any impressions you can provide.  Just curious, are you brand new to the game or have you played the boardgame before?  I have never played the boardgame.

[Ubercat]

I bought the boardgame around 1992 or so and tried playing solo a couple of times. I didn't get very far because I just couldn't figure out the submarine strategic warfare rules. Trying to play out the battle of the Atlantic would bring the game to a screeching halt while I read and re-read the appropriate rules. Now with a PC controlled game and the power of the intarwebs at my disposal, that shouldn't be a problem!

I'm going to play out Barbarossa and Guadalcanal solo to get familiar and then I'll tackle a game with an opponent. Right now, PBEM hasn't yet been implemented and Netplay only accommodates two players per game so we'll each have to control our entire alliance. Hopefully it won't be too long before Netplay is fixed to handle up to six players per game. When PBEM comes in, we won't even have to be playing at the same time.

I'll post more as I learn the game.

[Zulu1966]

I linked to it so I read it. Doesn't help me (or any other European purchasers) now.

Jusdge - are you worried about getting the actual hard copies of the manuals ?  ie - would you be willing to pay the same price for the digital game ?

I think I said earlier, I actually really like the look of the manuals and the draw for me IS the physical manuals...but, given my options, I may well have purchased this without the manuals.

I don't like paying postage wherever possible. If there was an EU distribution centre, I'd likely have paid the postage and got the manuals...but as there is not, I would probably have bought the game without them.

It's the lack of purchasing options and the lack of clarity and the lack of honesty that gets my back up. Something has gone on here where the physical manuals are required...and no-one is being honest about why they are required. All we are getting is "it's about the physical product"...and that is just bollox.

Well I bought it. I have to say it looks excellent - and for someone who doesnt mind - indeed prefers to play solo - its great value. Having seen whats there - I can say there is truly an epic amount of effort in this thing.

By the way  - I was looking at about 50-60$ postal charges then likely further charges at import. So - given I never really wanted the manuals I simply selected the "Ship to Different Address" option in the store. Told them I lived in alaska and paid about  9 bucks for the extras. What they will do with the books I know not - but that made it palatable for me.

[Staggerwing]

Well, that option might be the best bet. If you had shipped it to someone you know they could later even send you the books as media mail or whatever the international equivalent is.

[smittyohio]

OK, so... I haven't broken down and gotten this yet, though it would be a day-1 purchase had it had an AI or PBEM.   Delegating certain things to the AI to speed things up PBEM-wise wouldn't both me, as long as I was able to give it some general guidelines.

That being said, exactly how do you make this fun playing solo?  Are there any solitaire frameworks out there that let you fake out having perfect information on enemy intentions?   Kinda like rolling dice to determine where a country will focus its forces, production priorities, diplomatic stance, etc?   Or do people just play both sides as best they can?   Seems like the former would introduce an pseudo-AI into the game, like how many solitaire boardgames do.

[JudgeDredd]

Personally, when playing a board game which isn't overly intended for single player, I play both sides as best I can. Obviously ruses aren't possible and there are no secrets

I'm not sure how well that would work with a computer game, but it does work ok (not great) for a board game.

[bbmike]

For Federation and Empire and even when I play Civilization by myself in hotseat I play each side the best I can and I'll use an Excel spreadsheet with random number generators to determine certain events as needed.
If this had been Federation and Empire I would have gladly shelled out the $'s for it! I'm still thinking about getting this game for solo play but not sure what I'll do yet.

[Barthheart]

For Federation and Empire and even when I play Civilization by myself in hotseat I play each side the best I can and I'll use an Excel spreadsheet with random number generators to determine certain events as needed.
If this had been Federation and Empire I would have gladly shelled out the $'s for it! I'm still thinking about getting this game for solo play but not sure what I'll do yet.

Oooo, Federation and Empire would indeed be dream come true..... Started at least twice trying to program version in VB for my own use.... I'd pay big bucks fer that... But it's never gonna happen....

[SgtRock]

 

400 minutes worth of video tutorials

Maybe they should have made a movie vs. a computer game? ::)

[Arctic Blast]

400 minutes worth of video tutorials

Maybe they should have made a movie vs. a computer game? ::)

Because video tutorials somehow equal game cinematics? What in the world are you talking about?

[ArizonaTank]

Vassal aside, I really have never seen a good port from boardgame to computer game.  And given the cost....going to wait on this one to see how it settles.