Another list of suggestions.... we all have one.. ;)
Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 5:53 am
Hi,
Firstly... an outstanding game. Not really a game at all, a genuine simulation and one of only two PC/console games I play. So good it is really a form of military history. But as all will know even if an unhinged fan it is still possible to think of things you wish were slightly different.
The suggestions are all related to making SOWG even more historically accurate but not at the cost of fun. For example unwanted orders delays people do find very frustrating so I am not suggesting any such thing. Also, there is nothing unique about my list. Just happen to be my priorities for tweaks.
In no particular order.
1) Hit rate. The hit rate seems too high by historical standards. Will be interesting to see what it is when the modding files and such are out... but I would lower it. There are different sources but if you work through the detail in Nosworthy you get around 1.2% at 140 yards for rifle muskets. I will be setting all relative to that figure.
2) Speed of manoeuvre, wheeling. The marching speed seems fine but some manoeuvres do seem very quick, wheeling way too quick. I am not advocating an orders delay but that the process takes a lot longer. That the player can see the wheel start instantly, if no couriers and such, but the manoeuvre is a lot slower.
3) Bend the line, not always wheel. This may be the most difficult to code but from descriptions of battles it seems that often lines would very slowly bend over time to face an enemy line. With each soldier in what today we may call his own zone, just loading and firing and collectively as a result of lots of small individual adjustments lines would bend.
4) Cavalry to do all dismounted that infantry can do. It would depend on their armament but cavalry often fought entire battles on foot. They should not have to mount to assault a line or move.
5) Melee. Just before contact one side or the other should break and run far more often. Melee should also be very short with more of a mix of prisoners and others running off. In the ACW there were very few bayonet wounds. But of course no doubt quite a few were shot at very close range. But from my reading actual melee was quite rare.
All the best,
Kip.
Firstly... an outstanding game. Not really a game at all, a genuine simulation and one of only two PC/console games I play. So good it is really a form of military history. But as all will know even if an unhinged fan it is still possible to think of things you wish were slightly different.
The suggestions are all related to making SOWG even more historically accurate but not at the cost of fun. For example unwanted orders delays people do find very frustrating so I am not suggesting any such thing. Also, there is nothing unique about my list. Just happen to be my priorities for tweaks.
In no particular order.
1) Hit rate. The hit rate seems too high by historical standards. Will be interesting to see what it is when the modding files and such are out... but I would lower it. There are different sources but if you work through the detail in Nosworthy you get around 1.2% at 140 yards for rifle muskets. I will be setting all relative to that figure.
2) Speed of manoeuvre, wheeling. The marching speed seems fine but some manoeuvres do seem very quick, wheeling way too quick. I am not advocating an orders delay but that the process takes a lot longer. That the player can see the wheel start instantly, if no couriers and such, but the manoeuvre is a lot slower.
3) Bend the line, not always wheel. This may be the most difficult to code but from descriptions of battles it seems that often lines would very slowly bend over time to face an enemy line. With each soldier in what today we may call his own zone, just loading and firing and collectively as a result of lots of small individual adjustments lines would bend.
4) Cavalry to do all dismounted that infantry can do. It would depend on their armament but cavalry often fought entire battles on foot. They should not have to mount to assault a line or move.
5) Melee. Just before contact one side or the other should break and run far more often. Melee should also be very short with more of a mix of prisoners and others running off. In the ACW there were very few bayonet wounds. But of course no doubt quite a few were shot at very close range. But from my reading actual melee was quite rare.
All the best,
Kip.