About to purchase CEAW Gold..few questions

[Vease101]

Just reading a few reviews and user comments this looks like the kind of strategy game I would enjoy, in between the abstract simplicity of Axis v Allies or the ludicrously deep micromanagement of Hearts of Iron..is that a fair assumption?

The only 'flaws' I have read about with the game are

1) That the AI plays strictly down the historical line and that can be exploited by a human player who basically 'knows whats coming'

2) You have to control an entire alliance or faction rather than an individual nation..I don't see this as a problem myself, as long as the UI allows for turns to be completed within a reasonable amount of time. I don't mind spending a couple of hours getting to grips with the game mechanics if the turns themselves can be completed in 20-30 minutes, games where it takes you an hour or more to wade through all your options on each turn are absolutely not my cup of tea!

I notice there is an exciting looking expansion for the base game..can any of you long term players confirm that it is a must have addition to the game?


Would you recommend playing the basic game first before applying the expansion pack or just loading it up as soon as i get the game?

[KingHunter3059]

Steve -

Yea, I would get to know the basic game 1st, play a couple of games against the AI (both sides), and get a field of play. Next install the GS (Grand Strategy) expansion, then play a couple of games there as well - If you want to PBeM, I suggest a simple game with the basic (vanilla) game first, then advance to GS. By the way if you are interested in PBeM or TCP/IP opponents check out the Opponent folder [viewforum.php?f=79], specifically the 1st entry (Sticky: GREAT LIST of CEAW Online Opponents), as it will give you some feel of the PBeM opponents.

Jay

[trulster]

You are correct about the AI, pretty useless. Tried with the GS expansion and cranked Axis advantage up to 2, Germany declared war on Switzerland when having trouble sloggin through Belgium! Consequently Italy was conquered by Swiss (they have some solid inf corps) and British forces in late summer 1940...

Turns can be done in 20-30 mins yes, I think the GS expansion is a must, so just install it straight away.

[Vease101]

I am going to purchase the boxed game, I presume a manual comes with that? I have tried downloading the manual from the link here but keep getting an Acrobat error message - I have version 7.00, do I need a different version?

Will the boxed version come as V1.12 or will I need to add that as a patch?

Many thanks for all replies..

[IainMcNeil]

There are boxed versions back to 1.00 so it depepnds which one you buy.