Realism and strategy gaming (Battles from the Bulge video/info thread)

[Llyranor]

This thread is about the upcoming Command Ops: Battles of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive operational-level wargame - yes, it's WW2, but most of you have never played such a game at this level).

 

First off, please watch this video, as it explains the game design/concepts of the game engine much better than I can. It's a lengthy 35-min, but it's a very interesting game design presentation, and should be pertinent for all fans of strategy games.

 

Via youtube in 4 parts (suggested viewing in HD)

 

You can also download the video directly here:

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/377/do...m%20the%20Bulge

 

Some features of the game engine as noted from the video (though the highlights of the video lie in its in-game examples of these concepts):

 

1] Realistic modeling of time and space

A) This is mainly in comparison to other wargames: no map segmentation into hexes, no turns of set duration).

B) If you want to compare to RTS games: the levels are modeled from real-life battlefield maps, and the level at which the units interact with those maps are realistic (eg. how much time it takes a unit of that size to travel across a set distance of that particular terrain type).

 

2] Macromanagement

A) Micromanagement is available, but completely optional (and can even be detrimental since too many orders to too many units may actually overwhelm your HQ's, which can lead to longer order delays

[Hurlshort]

Get a job, hippie.

[Walsingham]

I'm watching the videos now. It's certainly interesting. My biggest objection is that one of the greatest contributors to operational failure is a lack of social/human 'grip' by a general on his subordinate commanders. I don't see any of the appropriate 'levers' to represent this.

 

Still, it's definitely something I'll buy come next paycheck.

[Walsingham]

I was interested in how the mission command works. So I dropped them an email. Pretty interesting stuff. Seem like nice fellahs, too.

[213374U]

Care to share? You can edit the hot steamy cyber bits out, if you really must.

[Walsingham]

Care to share? You can edit the hot steamy cyber bits out, if you really must.

 

I'll need to ask if I can share.

[Hurlshort]

Llyr sure does sound professional in those videos. They should probably pay you for this stuff.

[Llyranor]

I'm really glad the Felicity DVD set is at a good price, but that's not really relevant to realism in strategy games.