I'm thinking of buying HPS Rennaissance

[Toonces]

Talk me into it, or talk me out of it.

What I really want is a medieval, turn-based, hex and counter game.  Lacking that, this seems about as close as I'm going to get, or else I have to go to ancients, which I prefer not to do.

I know that Field of Glory is an alternative, but I've heard too much negative about the AI.

I'm pretty n00by re: the 30 Years War, and I'd prefer something set more 1100-1400 or so, but a man has to make do.

Anyway, like I said, talk me into it, or out of it, whichever you prefer. 

[ross_ntu]

I had it, but I just can't get on with the HPS games somehow.  I don't think I have the patience to work with the interface. Personally I would vote FoG as I enjoy it a lot more having tried both.  I personally wouldn't knock the FoG AI as its beaten me before -although I'm sure if you play it enough there will be areas that it is found lacking in.  From what I have heard HPS are no better AI wise though -both titles are better played as PBEM games apparently - unless you're rubbish like me! 

I guess if you are prepared to learn HPS's system if you haven't used it before and take the time to play it, it will give a better representation of the conflicts modelled - more units representing the forces involved and therefore greater depth.  FoG on the other hand is easy to learn and hard to master -it gives you enough units but not so many that moving them and watching combat results etc becomes an exercise in patience.  It's also prettier!   ;D

[agathosdaimon]

I dont have it but i would like to get it - its one of the few games out there that give lot of attention to the Renaissance - long have i wanted to play a game with Landsknechts! i like that it looks t have a lot of scenarios.

I like the HPS interface, granted its nothing new but once i started using i found it pretty easy. I have alot of the napoleonic battles HPS games and i love them. They are great - heaps of scenarios, fine for average wargamer like myself in solo play and also superb and easy to play PBEM. 

Best of all, the Renaissance game does now also have 3d units. I like playing the tiller games from all the display levels. The addition of 3d units comes in a patch for the game. I think it is worth getting if you have the money free to do so with.

[Rayfer]

Like agathosdaimon, I don't own Rennaissance but I do play and enjoy HPS's Napoleon and American Civil War games.  Playing with the 2D counters and with turned based gameplay with hexes, they are very much like playing old board games but without having to refer to charts and rolling dice. They are not everyone's 'cup of tea' for sure, and though many think their AI is lame I find it otherwise, they give me a good challenge and victory is never a sure thing.

[Ashcloud]

I have it and I love it, though to be fair I do love the HPS engines in general. You can also find PBEM opponents to play against at theblitz.org

[mikeck]

Your eyes will bleed

[agathosdaimon]

lol, yes the graphics do not appeal to all but i dont mind them and there are a few graphics mods around. I use one on the campaign leipzig game that makes it much nicer and with a more distinct autumn look.

here is a screen shot of the 3d view i found on google

[Bismarck]

Buy it.  It's great.

[ross_ntu]

I actually think with the 3D units it looks quite good - I just wish there was an easier way to set strategies etc than literally moving every single unit, then attack with any relevant units, then watch the AI do the same.  I guess I don't have the patience having been spoilt by games like Battles from the Bulge and Scourge of War etc where the engine doesn't expect me to hold the hands of every single unit.  I have a feeling that the HPS games DO have something similar, but when I tried it, the system felt clunky and slow.  Anyone got any tips as how to enjoy the HPS games to the fullest? 

[SgtRock]

Looking at that screen shot, is Tiller is still using the same graphics from the old Campaign Series? :o

[Bismarck]

Actually, it's not Tiller so much as Joe Amoral.

[panzerde]

It's a great game, even if the 3D graphics aren't wonderful.  The early period scenarios ought to scratch your itch for medieval armies, since that's essentially what they are.  There's a really nice unit mix.  The game definitely captures the feel of that period in terms of tactics.

[Bison]

Ren is one of my favorite Tiller engine games.  However it must be noted that like most Tiller titles the AI is not the strongest in large or campaign scenarios.  If you PBEM, the game really shines.

[agathosdaimon]

actually regarding the micro-management of units, i thought that would make the massive 363 turn leipzig battle scenario in the napoleonic battles games a tiresome task but actually no there are in that game several ways to minimise this:
If i have units that all in the same division/corps etc linked, i can just select the destination and hold alt key and all will move - and usually they will fall into an order of highest ranking first. I like the challenge of trying to maintain cohesion while putting a plan to work as roads can get quite choked up with converging armies of infantry cavalry artillery supplies etc.
Another option is to just move the units i want to int he turn and then activate ai to do the rest, or one can switch the command level they are playing and just give more general orders to whole organisations of forces.

Do these types of options exist in the Renaissance game i am not sure, but in any case it looks great and worth getting definitely. I think i will get this soon and perhaps query if someone wants to PBEM with me

[Bison]

Honestly if you want to PBEM the Tiller games theblitz.org is one of the best places to go.  There are also several clubs that exist for specific eras Nappy, ACW, and the EAW.