Tutorial

[RangerX3X]

What computer wargames have the best tutorials (to assist in negating as much as possible an otherwise steep learning curve)?

I would prefer something that is interactive, however video or text based would do in a pinch as long as they cover the critical mechanics. For me the absolute worst is a tutorial scenario that requires reading a PDF as you go along.

Most quality wargames are very expensive (even with the holiday sales), and I don't want to invest in something if there is only a tutorial as an afterthought, none at all, or worse still – the game having been substantially updated to where the tutorial is either nonfunctioning or no longer relevant.

For me a quality in game tutorial goes a very long way in my sticking with a particular game.

Thanks –

[Barthheart]

DC3 has 14 video tutorials that explain all the major functions of the game. And they are excellent.
O0

[-budd-]

Yea, i think DC3 set a new standard for video tutorials.Very well done, short and too the point.

[Rayfer]

One of the best for me was Flashpoint Campaign: Red Storm.  It's interactive and covers many of the game-turn functions.

[Capn Darwin]

Speaking with a Dev hat on, how you integrate a tutorial is a difficult decision and either way you go you have issues to deal with. As RangerX3X points out, there is a bit of a pain dealing with a PDF or similar external game reference. From our side we went PDF since we could easily update it with new info after major updates and we did not have to code anything into the game engine. Some games use an in-game hints or interactive dialogs to move you through a tutorial. That is a bunch of extra time in coding and scripting some form of scenario into a linear set of actions. In our case the game reacts dynamically and we would have had to do some form of event scripting to pull off enough of a game like action. Videos are being more of a way to go as they are easier for us part time Devs to do and do fairly well. Still takes time and someone really familiar with the game to produce.

It has become a bigger deal these days with Steam and other game outlets to be able to show novice users how to play and what actions are critical to get a game going. War games always have that issue of trying to balance what the player needs  to see versus what is really needed to play the game.

I guess a question for the GrogHeads I have is, where do steams and let's plays fall into the tutorial realm? Instead of short function only tutorial vids, these longer presentations show off more of the game and can also show how certain players deal with certain situations. If you had the magic wand, what would be the ultimate tutorial for a wargame?

[RangerX3X]

For me videos fall a bit outside of the tutorial realm and more in the purchase decision realm. More games have left my Steam wish list by being removed than by purchase thankfully to watching several "Let's Play" videos on YouTube (or wherever) and saying "What in the hell was I thinking?"

Once I buy a game, then a video could be more tutorial driven. Especially if there was some major game engine update that would break an existing interactive in game tutorial scenario. Plus I think it would be easier/quicker for you to just post a video of playing with (and explaining) a significant change than it would be to cohesively update a game manual.

Such videos could be posted online or made available as video files within the patch to be viewed outside of the game.

If there were a magic wand however, it would be a mix of both up to date in game interactive tutorial scenarios augmented by relevant and up to date videos of developers playing their own game and explaining what change 673 does when  doing X, Y, or Z.

But I already bought your game.  O0

[gameleaper]

Command: Modern Air/Naval Ops Thread , looks complex but is so easy to get into, you read a couple of paragraphs that explain your next step then you play , the whole tutorial is small and pops up at the right time, and is short and to the point. I swear you will not invest in anything better ever, and its onsale at matrix for half price.

Like you I know how awfull it is following a PDF on the same PC and alt tabning, or on 2 PCs, I like video tuts on youtube, so you know I know what you mean, just go buy Command: Modern Air/Naval Ops Thread

[-budd-]

I'm fine either way, but i do prefer some kind of video with it. DC3 did a good job with the broad stroke tutorial videos to get you into the game. It's nice that you can pull them up in game. Cameron did a good job on them, short, concise and to the point.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Back in the old days Longbow 2 had good tutorials for a flight sim.

World in Conflict had good tutorials.

[tgb]

Maybe I'm a little dense this morning but what is DC3?

[Staggerwing]

Maybe I'm a little dense this morning but what is DC3?

Decisive Campaigns: Barbarossa

[Yskonyn]

I agree with Gameleaper about Command.
But that only goes as far as game mechanics are concerned. The real challenge is to figure out how to employ the given force in a mission.
The database and variables are huge!

[DennisS]

For me, a good Let's Play on youtube is just as important, or even more important than a tutorial.

This would also help in making a purchase decision.

[W8taminute]

For me, a good Let's Play on youtube is just as important, or even more important than a tutorial.

This would also help in making a purchase decision.

I've come to rely almost exclusively on YouTube Let's Plays for both learning a game and deciding if one is worth buying or not. 

[Father Ted]

The Command Ops tutorial is very good.  It is a video (presented by the guy who made the game), but you're invited to play along with it.