Thinking of purchasing...have questions..

[gbs]

I admit that this one scares me a bit, but it looks like it has quite a lot of potential.
1) on the patches. Does the latest patch (beta included) contain all the patches before it?
2) is it true there is no manual? Can one learn sucha detailed game with out a reference to go to?
3) How does this rate in detail compared to the Civil War game?
4) The big one. Has the game been patched enough that it is now on a state that can be confidently offered to the public?
5) are the tool tips enough to teach how the game is played?

[PhilThib]

1) yes, patches are all inclusive
2) the big manual is still underway...some key sections will be displayed here on this forum in a few days
3) complex in the same way, because of its magnitude...but once you get used to it (like ACW), it's not so complex...have a look at the AARs here.... please note this is NOT the same engine as ACW
4) The general feeling is that it is rather stable...last tests are done now on the sound library, and a few minor improvements are underway, within 4-5 extra days...

Hope this help

[gbs]

Yes. Thanks for your reply. I have never owned a WWI game. I will end up purchasing this my 3rd AGEOD game but I don't want to spend the $ just to have to put a game on the shelf for a while. Economy not so good here in the US. But we all will be OK when Obama finishes splitting everything up evenly.

[razorbackjac]

Yes. Thanks for your reply. I have never owned a WWI game. I will end up purchasing this my 3rd AGEOD game but I don't want to spend the $ just to have to put a game on the shelf for a while. Economy not so good here in the US. But we all will be OK when Obama finishes splitting everything up evenly.

I would get now! So you'll have the rules down when most of the problems are worked out you'll have smooth sailing. I am one of the guys who had problems in the begining, but now overall its running pretty good. The guys here are working real hard to get the game completely up to snuff. Its a great game. Its got me hooked. So if you have any interest in the period I would recommend it.

[WhoCares]

1) Yes. (and the answers won't get any shorter :wacko
2) Well, there is a manual coming with the game but if you want to learn the game from the manual, this one will definatly not be enough.
There is also the manual for the boardgame on which this game is based (link available in a sticky post above), to a level of detail with respect to the 'internal' rules, that it is way beyond the level of detail you (and me as computer gamers) should be bothered.
As PhilT said, there is a comprehensive manual underway, so if this is what you are looking for you might just wait a little longer.
I did not know/play the boardgame but I think I can handle most of the the basics fairly well against the AI, just by the existing manuals (which I didn't study in all their details....) and actually playing. No doubt so far I missed quite some details (never bothered about my generals :rolleyes , but it is certainly enough to get familiar with the game mechanics.
3) This game has less than half the number of turns and the units you manage are much bigger (corps here vs. brigades in AACW). Yet, seeing the division of the turns in multiple phases, the amount of soldiers involved in this conflict compared to the AACW spread over multiple fronts, along with the diplomatics I think the overall complexity might be about the same, but with some new aspects.
4) Haven't tried 1.0.4e yet, but the latest patches brought a significant improvement in stability (as in no more crashes).
However, there are still some gameplay problems that (at least for me) are rather serious. But while they might prevent me from steamrolling the AI, I am still able to get used to the overall gameplay and also get some fun (not so much in slapstick but more in excitement) moments.
But you can wait for the 'anniversary' of the Versaille Treaty - wasn't this meant to be the release date anyway?!
5) Often, but certainly not always...