Couple of Questions

[DarenDF]

Given that the game is on sale I'm interested in picking it up but I had a few questions. Between the base game and the standalone expansion Africa corps, which would you recommend? Which is better as far as game play, content, and variety? I did download the demo and had fun with it. Just curious to see what the community thinks is the better game. I have more of an interest in the Africa theater but I'd still like so feedback.

[shawkhan]

The game continues to improve with new releases. Afrika Korps is one of the best games I have ever played with lots of bells and whistles the original game lacked. If you are new to the Panzer Corps game system, the basic game may be easier to get you started, and gives you a broader overview of the entire war in Europe. Afrika Korps is restricted to one theater.

[KeldorKatarn]

If you like the African theater, then Afrika Korps is certainly a good option. But the main campaign is better for the learning process. In my opinion AK is already an advanced campaign, asking more tactical finesse off the player, especially since even if you win, defensive and offensive operations will occur and also the terrain is a lot tougher to handle, oftentimes you fight against stronger units and the allied air force will give you a lot of trouble. All that makes it a lot of fun, but also harder than the main campaign. I'd recommend the main campaign to get a grip on the machanics and train your skills and then dive into AK and kick some ass in the desert

[captainjack]

I would agree that Afrika Korps is an excellent game, and that it can be very challenging. So the advice to start on the main campaign and then try AK looks sound.
If you want to jump right in, at the start screen you can opt to start at an easier level (Sergeant or Lieutenant) and maybe switch off the weather while you get used to the game mechanics - that worked for me in the beginning.

[robman]

I second (or third, or fourth) the earlier responses to your question. Definitely start with the main campaign. Once you learn the basic game mechanics (which is harder than it appears at first glance), you will really appreciate the innovations introduced in Africa Korps and the Grand Campaigns. Granted, the main game is the most expensive of the lot, but AK and the GCs are almost absurdly inexpensive, so in the end you will get a long, long series of big bangs for your buck.

[DarenDF]

Purchased the base game earlier and just tried out the invasion of Poland. Really enjoying the game thus far, but I do need to go back and finish the tutorial. Thanks for the advice.