So how is everyone enjoying Afrika Korps?

[monkspider]

I was a beta-tester but started a new game when the game came out. It is really a brilliant and well-crafted campaign. I really enjoy having Italians as part of my core. I think that is my single favorite thing about Afrika Korps.

The early scenarios are tough, but I really like those defensive battles. I think you have to run a larger airforce in Afrika Korps than you do in Vanilla Corps or the Grand Campaign.

Here is a beta-tester secret, check out the Italian recon unit Sahariana. It has the unique ability to "switch" to infantry mode! it is a fun and unique unit. The Italian AA is good too as they can all switch to Anti-Tank mode. I also recommend nurturing a Folgore fighter or two because the Italians get some really good fighter units later on. The Veltro in early '42 I believe and then the Centauro later on, I think in '43.

[HansDietrich]

Hans is enjoying, read my happy thrilled post

[Kamerer]

I loved AK. (I was also beta testing so have played it through - 2.5 times actually - historical branch, also).

I agree the Sahariana is a great unit, vastly more useful than the (still cool) Kradschutzen. I positively LOVE the sIG 33/Sturmpanzer II. It fills a badly need niche between the Sturm. I and the Hummel which comes much, much later. I really wish it was available in the 1.10 patch for Europe; I do not understand why not?

Another unit worth playing with is the Flammpanzer. My first campaign I gave up on it as I just kept taking ridiculous damage or losing it. Then I figured out how to use it (hint: ignore the "tank" designation and think of it as infantry and don't let it wander out in the open/near enemy armor, and back it up with artillery like you would infantry). It's ability to defeat entrenchment (like engineers), high CD rating, etc. is very helpful in certain scenarios (Ras el Mdauuar and Basra come to mind).

I like the way the maps look, and I like the way the desert game plays. It is not like combat in Europe. The open terrain really changes things and makes you build a different core for more mobile operations - just as it should! I think the map design and look is very, very good.

Air is indeed more difficult. If you are good at the air game, you don't need more units - but you do have to work harder. The allies have more and better fighters (and pilots!) than the GC. I had to really play smart and set fighter traps constantly to get the jump on them, or else I'd have had a nightmare. They reinforce with new, fresh units constantly (which also feels historically accurate) so it is a constant battle!

The game looks good, is fun, and above all just "feels" right. I also believe the alternate campaign path is handled skillfully with the narrative (logistics and communication issues addressed historically), and it also feels good and not like some alternate-history fantasy.

My verdict: AK is damn good.

[fsx]

All the new features used in AK are amazing. Very nice. More than one step ahead.
I play AK and also use it as a good tutorial how to work with the new features. So much potential for new mods!

[Bonners]

My initial verdict based on reaching Gazala so far is that I am loving it. Despite a couple of moments of confusion with the briefings, which I think is more to do with me getting in the mindset of AK, I think it really gives an excellent flavour of the actual African campaign. I am playing on the second easiest level, which with my level of play is enabling me to keep a decent mix of units including Italians.

I'm sure at some point I'll want to have a more 'gamey' play through where I have the newest and best of everything, but right now I'm enjoying the mix of units. I dont know whether to thank the designers, the beta testers, or more probably a mixture of both, but I have also found that you are no longer awash with prestige at the easier levels, at least so far. That actually makes it a more fun game as, yes obviously the actual battles are easier, but there are tough decisions to be made when upgrading and sorting out replacements.

I'm sure there are better ways to play, but right now I'm enjoying the dashing nature of it all. My AK does work as a solid mobile unit with a mixture of all types of units. I suppose I may be taking higher losses doing it this way, but it is great fun!

Sorry if I sound a bit like a 'fanboy', I am just really enjoying the game so far.

[Kamerer]

I'm sure there are better ways to play, but right now I'm enjoying the dashing nature of it all.

That is an excellent expression of what I was trying to say above. The real nature of desert warfare and it's mobile, transparent characteristics are accurately recaptured. "Dashing" is indeed correct when compared to the vanilla game and the Ostfront GCs. It's impressive to me how the different characteristics of fighting have been accurately modeled within the same game format.

[robman]

I'm having a blast. In the middle of Battleaxe right now, bombarded by conflicting intelligence reports and orders, and hampered by insufficient reconnaissance capability. Just like real life! I too love the Flammpanzer, and yes, the key is to treat it like an Pioniere unit rather than a tank. I will be sad if and when it is no longer able to survive on the battlefield.

[Badaze]

Loving it, can't seem to get the sand out of my shoes!!

[boredatwork]

Not really getting into the campaign. I'll get through it eventually (on the 4th scenario now) but for now I'm having much more fun replaying the GC with the 1.10 features - the ability to mod difficulty level, the ability to reform units, new units, "better" AI, and being able to see the casualties my units are taking so I feel like my $20 was still well spent.

[adrianoku]

The Italian AA is good too as they can all switch to Anti-Tank mode. I also recommend nurturing a Folgore fighter or two because the Italians get some really good fighter units later on. The Veltro in early '42 I believe and then the Centauro later on, I think in '43.

Yes the Macchi M.C. 205 Veltro was probably the best italian fighter of the war, operating from the beginning of '43. I haven't bought AK yet, but as italian I think I couldn't resist any more to employ italian troops in one of the best wargame I've ever played! It's a way to remember the heroism and the tragedy lived from our soldiers during WWII.

[Chris10]

Iam having fun..

[Zhivago]

The came continues to evolve and get better and better.