Learning the game

[vinraith]

OK, so I've played the tutorial a couple of times and have down the rudimentary mechanics. I've played the "Frustration in the South" scenario a couple of times and can win on points, but feel like I'm still missing a lot of the nuance. Part of the issue, I think, is that the scenario is so short I can't really see the consequences of many of my solutions, I think I need something longer.

So, what scenario would you guys suggest playing next? I'm still much, much too green to contemplate tackling the big campaigns, I want something with a fairly small number of units but enough turns that I can get a sense of long term decision making. Also, is there anything in particular you'd recommend reading or looking at to get a better sense of the game? Is there a walkthrough of one of the scenarios anywhere that might be informative.

Thanks so much for any help, I'm really excited about this game (and the rest of AGEOD's catalog) and just need a bit of help getting up that first hill.

[Durk]

Your are so right about the shorter scenarios just not being enough. However, they are great challenges in an of themselves. Do not forget them when you fall in love with the campaign games.

Of the Revolutionary War scenarios, 1778 Decision in the North is the best one to start with. Multi-theater, but still small. Yet with reinforcement a factor.
Then take on 1778-1783 Forward from Valley Forge it is long enough to learn about naval war and reinforcement, but still manageable.

For getting a sense of the game, look for the AAR section of the WIA tabs. These are interesting and fun games other players have posted to show you how they play. Most of the scenarios are listed, with lots of different play styles.

WIA is a gem of a game. You will love it.

[vinraith]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give the 1778 scenario a try and have a look at the AAR forum.

One thing I couldn't pin down from the South Carolina scenario, and this may be an appallingly stupid question: Is there any way to determine/predict when you're going to get new units? Quite a few units seem to just "pop up" in that scenario. It being so short, I can simply replay it and know when and where those units will be, but in larger scenarios I'm sure I won't be able to keep track. Is this something I'm not supposed to know? I can understand that to a degree, though you'd think there might be some hint shortly before their arrival that new troops were coming...

[Durk]

In all scenarios, you get regular reinforcement which, as you surmise, you only find out about by playing that scenario. These units are typically turn dependent, but in several occasions they are dependent upon your action or your enemy's actions.

You will be able to keep track. Typically no hints. You will need to play to find out. One of the delights of playing a new scenario is finding out these 'new' units.

In longer scenarios, you get to select the type of reinforcement you desire, and with sufficient resources, you get these units.

[vinraith]

Interesting, thanks for the clarification. I'm sure I'll have further stupid questions going forward, but I think I'll give that 1778 scenario a run or two and see what I end up knowing and not knowing. Thanks so much for your help!