The future of FoG

[Vargas78]

well I find the gameplay more fluid and engrossing in FoG than P&S. Being old school, hex beats everything else. I played a lot of P&S for a while, even writing 6 scenarios for it (it's a lot of labour to write a scenario for P&S). Works really well for 17th century, but rather awful for Italian wars. FoG digital is a superior system for representing pre-modern warfare, irrespective of what the tabletop version is. Since the 17th century is only of limited interest to me, I haven't touched P&S in months. I have played FoG non stop for 6 years! it's how good it is. In truth I don't care about how long the Unity version is taking, I'm perfectly happy with the RB version.

I suppose youre right the hex system does work well, an octagonal grid might not allow units to attack as flexibly. And it is a good game, and i'm heavily into the ancient world in particular so it's great being able to control some of the great commanders, including the less well known ones.

[DonCzirr]

New Player here.

I just completed my first game and discovered 2 things:

1. I really enjoy FOG

2. I really have a LOT to learn. =)



Next game I am going to enable the various combat odds and explanation of results screens while referring to the help file.

The only thing lacking so far from what I can see - is an abundance of structures (towns, forts, towers etc).

I've seen some references to temporary fortifications and fortified camps but don't see too much along those lines in the scenarios I scanned.

Not a big deal - as I intend to pick up HPS Simulations "Roman Civil Wars" to fill that gap but it would be great to see more of such things in FOG.


Best wishes for a bright future for the series ....




PS : I think the current Hex map style is great and would like to see that continued.


.

[Rosseau]

Interesting to get feedback from a new player. Like many others, I invested significant cash in FoG and all but two expansions. Of course, it's all probably cheaper now for an older game.

Just be sure you know what you are getting with that HPS system. If you did get it, I would be surprised or like to hear if you like it.

Best Wishes.

[DonCzirr]

Interesting to get feedback from a new player. Like many others, I invested significant cash in FoG and all but two expansions. Of course, it's all probably cheaper now for an older game.

Just be sure you know what you are getting with that HPS system. If you did get it, I would be surprised or like to hear if you like it.

Best Wishes.

Just curious as to why you'd be surprised if someone liked the HPS AW game?

It looks to be quite interesting and may fill a need that FOG does not yet meet:

http://www.theblitz.org/message_boards/ ... ?tid=65436


The AAR shows a siege scenario that actually uses real walls and towers etc ....

I am quite happy with FOG as a purchase but (correct me if I am wrong), there are some elements where HPS AW may have better coverage?

[Rosseau]

Yes, AW does have it all. I downloaded the tutorial demo from the HPS patches page to try the latest version. I have the 2nd and 3rd games on discs.

To play the game properly requires a lot of micromanagement. I am okay with Panzer Campaigns and Squad Battles, but AW pushes the envelope for me. A poor grasp of period tactics does not help me either. I can handle only the smallest scenarios.

I was wrong to infer no one would like it. There is nothing to match it in terms of detail. But it's too much work for the old man I have become

[DonCzirr]

Right - in Panzer Campaigns you have to learn math equations in order to figure out Command and Disruption recovery.

For me though, the effort I will put into a game is proportionate to the level of fun / interest that it can generate - so Panzer Campaigns is something I stuck with.

I get the feeling that AW Roman Civil Wars will also be worth it in the end.

It's just a shame that it seems that Paul Bruffel seems to only make games part time.

The good news is that this fellow - Richard Bodley Scott seems to be quite active developing games such as this and I am enjoying them all.

Best wishes for his continued success !

[Rosseau]

I have scratched the surface of Pike & Shot. Great AI. But the upcoming Japanese game, the unit names and types will not stick with me, which hurts the immersion.

[DonCzirr]

I'll buy it since I think the Asian armies with the P&S engine will provide an interesting experience.


Has anyone heard any rumors on future plans for Napoleonics / Frederick the Great era development?

Is it more likely to be seen in FOG or P&S ? Or both ? Or neither?

[Rosseau]

A quick aside - I have found a good Wargamer review of HPS AW RCW for those who have not bought:

http://www.wargamer.com/reviews/roman-civil-wars/

Now back to Don's questions:

Has anyone heard any rumors on future plans for Napoleonics / Frederick the Great era development?

Is it more likely to be seen in FOG or P&S ? Or both ? Or neither?

[darthsmaul]

I'd love to see something like FOG with the more elegant pike and shot engine

except that it's not more elegant. and i like to watch painted figurines more than rectangular prisms.

Id settle for either but I do like the idea of them making it look more like a minis game, excellent opportunity to bridge the gap for sure.

[JocaRamiro]

Just a note on appearances.

Personally, I prefer the blocks with flags and other adornments to the individual images. Now, if there could be as many persons depicted as were in the unit, that would be different.