Slitherine

I've just gone through all of the desert campaign scenarios in order with victories. The Bulge campaign isn't unlocked, however. I tried saving and reloading, but that didn't work.

It would be nice to have a "completed" symbol for the scenarios that have been finished with victories on the scenario selection. One might forget if they go a few days.

You'll need to complete Normandy to unlock Bulge - the Germans still hold France!

Good idea on the scenarios. Not sure where we would put it, but the next version also enforces playing scenarios in order, so you will see where you have gotten to (I may even make it take you to the 'current' one).

Thanks a lot

Pip

Sorry, I meant unlock Normandy. I have completed the Africa campaign and can't start Normandy.

Did you complete the desert missions in order? There is a foible in the version you have where you can play in any order, but you won't "progress" unless you complete them all one after another.

Cheers

Pip

Pip, yes I did complete them in order with confirmed victories in each battle. I don't want to have to fight that last desert battle again!

I think there may be some resistance to playing the games in order. I certainly preferred being able to pick and chose what and when. If units carried over between the battles, I could understand the necessity of playing the game in a linear fashion, but I would certainly prefer the option of freedom.

I would think, part of the reward & drive to finish one mission, is to get to the next one in line. I don't think allowing players to play anything from the start would have any drama.

I haven't noticed units carrying over from battle to battle, so there isn't really any inherent drama in going from scenario to scenario beyond "I won, so now I can get to play the next scenario". Some players don't have the time or the patience to be forced into restrictive patterns, particularly without a force carryover throughout the narrative of the campaigns. Perhaps I missed that it actually happens due to my previously playing the scenarios out of sequence. I'm pretty certain that this will be one of the top requests (unlocking the scenarios) once the game comes out.

If the developers are married to this idea of forcing the player to complete a linear path campaign, a few elements could help make that interesting. Carryover of a core force of units is one thing that would reward linear play between scenarios(apologies if I missed that if it's in already). Another is assigning an officer/NCO last name to units. This way, that Sherman tank that has elite status also has(for example) "Sgt. Ted Knight" or "Cpt. Jones" etc. under it's designation, giving specificity and recognition to that particular unit. It also goes with the "comic" theme of the game. That would certainly provide some more personality and drama to an already dramatic game.

At this stage we're not going to add a feature like carryover - we actually thought about it early one, but it makes balancing a lot harder, and restricts the kinds of missions we can do.

It could work either way - as can be seen that the two of you have different viewpoints - we certainly don't want people to jump straight to the last mission, if only because it will generally be harder and require you to have learnt any lessons we want to teach you as the campaign progresses.

I'm not sure what would have caused your issue with the desert campaign, esp given the tutorial correctly unlocked the desert campaign. Did you exit the game in an odd way after completing the last mission?

Nonetheless, I have PMed you a way to unlock the campaigns. But please keep it to yourself - if only because we need to know if this bug will affect anyone else.

Cheers

Pip

This is not TOAW with just a bunch of random scenarios. The maps in theory are supposed to get harder as you progress. The whole campaign thing goes right out the window if the user can do any map at will.

I completely understand the rationale. The last desert battle would be a rude awakening for a novice. Once you get going with the system you may want to deviate as you get better.

Is there a way to save?

I restarted with 1.1 and the tutorial. Half way through the desert campaign the wife hollered to help wash the dogs. I tried going back but it stated I would surrender. I alt tabbed and came back later but a save hotkey would have been nice.

The last desert battle would be a rude awakening for a novice.

Oh, come come now. Anyone who can't get flawless victory on that one with the 25 pounder, never mind TWO of them, simply doesn't DESERVE to advance into any other campaign

Is there a way to save?

I would imagine, ESC was pretty universal, unless something happened in the last beta.

Yes, ESC brings up the load/save options.

There is a helpful popup coming soon

Cheers

Pip

I didn't figure out how to save my desert campaign victory last night but I see how to now. I thought NEW SAVE would do it for me but I must not have pressed enough buttons.

Started over, lost a squad. Start over again...

I got through the second desert battle. Of course I didn't get that I had to take the flag in the village to stop the arty. The popup just said to take out the enemy, which I did. Arty is fun to watch when it hits the other guy...
I like that buildings change when damaged.

haven't been able to win that scenario. I've tried different mixes of forces, different approaches to attack, but always end up unable to get the last flag before turns expire.

Any hints?

Terrement I don't remember taking a last flag. I think it ended when I killed the last enemy unit.

Took three tries to get through the 3rd desert battle. Now for the several waves of attack one.

On my third try of the Sandstorm Melee I figured out to buy 2 Matildas and that I could use the 25lbr as indirect fire. By this time I knew where all the enemy hotspots were. Took 4th try to pass it.

Save is working thankfully.