Best way to start for new player?

[RobC04]

Hi,
I bought Wars in America and American Civil War a while ago and finally decided to give it a go. I have never played an AGEOD game before. I figured I would start with Wars in America since it seems to be the simpler of the two. I have been playing computer games (strategy games are my favorite genre) for about 30 years. I have played some war games, but am not a wargamer. I am also not a history buff and don't know a lot about the period or real strategy from the period.

I did the tutorial a while ago, but will probably redo it.

What is the best way to get started playing WIA?
Do you recommend I read the entire manual first?
What is a good first scenario or campaign?

Thanks for any help.

[Hobbes]

Hi Rob, I would at least have a quick scan through the whole manual. I like to play a small scenario PBEM against myself first (don't expect too much from the very small scenarios - but they are a good learning aid). Play all sorts of different moves and look at the effect of combat and siege on both sides. Try things like moving through different types of terrain in different weather and try and understand the effects of supply. Sometimes go back a turn or two (press the HOME key when you have the cursor over either sides turn in the load screen) and try something different.

Search the forum for answers if you get confused by something or post a question. Everything becomes second nature after a while.

Once you start getting familiar with the game it's a good idea to actually play a PBEM against somebody else - before you really feel ready for it - it's a great way to learn the game quickly.

Cheers, Chris

[RobC04]

Thank you Chris. I am halfway through the manual so I will keep chugging through. I went through the tutorial. While explaining how to move and stuff, it doesn't really cover the game rules very much (supply, combat factors, etc). The manual seems to be better for that.