AEGOD's Civil War vs. Forge of Freedom: The American Civil War 1861-1865

RELee · 27-04-2007, 22:04

Hey all.

Looks like two new ACW games on the market and both are getting good reviews. Anybody happen to have one or both they would like to brag on or bash as trash? I only need one of 'em and was hoping to get some critical analysis from some of the best analytical minds on the 'net.

Mr.G 24 · 27-04-2007, 22:08

AGEOD is great fun it caught my interest more then forge of freedom frankly because it was "nicer" on the eyes.

Edit : Although never playing FoF I highly recommend AGEOD, although I do suck at it.

RELee · 27-04-2007, 22:11

One other point, please.

Aegod's game is listed in Euros only. How does this translate to US dollars? I'm hopelessly provincial, you know.

DonCossack · 27-04-2007, 22:14

AGEOD's American Civil War, is simply a stellar piece of craftsmanship.

Myself and Stonewall currently have "competing" AARs in the works on this very forum...take a look see. I can't stop raving about the game, its AI and its mechanics.

DonCossack · 27-04-2007, 22:17

What would you like to know about the game, in particular, if anything? Not that I have mastered its abilities, but I can help out, if theres any certain points you want covered.

I bought it in Canadian "bucks," but I figure it'd come out to roughly $55 or so, with your exchange rate.

Dr. Zoidberg · 27-04-2007, 22:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by RELee

One other point, please.

Aegod's game is listed in Euros only. How does this translate to US dollars? I'm hopelessly provincial, you know.

It comes out to be approximately $45 US

The demo is apparently planned to be released..any day now. I recommend giving that a spin.

RELee · 27-04-2007, 22:32

I've been reading the AAR's. Nice stuff there. I've got a ways to go though.

One thing that I particularly noticed in FoF, is it has a provincial "strategic" map as well as an optional hex-based tactical map for resolving battles which sounds similar to Rome: Total War, but also sounds like a good way to get totally bogged down in battles that are simply too time consuming, depending on how they have the game structured.

I'm still getting the feel of Aegod's game. It looks to be a rather simplistic combat model, but that is just a preliminary opinion from simply gazing through the posts without really "reading for comprehension".

Time to go home. I hope to be back online in an hour or so.

DAVEH · 27-04-2007, 23:21

I have both and i never really got hooked on FOF. AGEOD'S Civil War however is consuming all my free time. It somehow manages to 'feel' like a game of this subject should.

The way economics and recruitment are handling is brilliant, you actually feel like Davis or Lincoln in AGEOD, whereas in FOF you tend to sometimes feel like a provisional governor (i.e build a horse farm in georgia etc).

FOF is not bad, AGEOD is Excellent in my opinion.

DonCossack · 27-04-2007, 23:37

RELee, insofar as the 'simplistic combat method' occurs, indeed, it occurs as much as being in the same region / county, having your detachments readiness (ie. offensive, defensive, etc.) being set correctly, and the patrol / evasion percentages being adequate. It is relatively easy to drag and drop. However, there are many factors that are displayed with regards to battle outcomes, such as surprise, luck, leaders, ranges, etc. and organizing the armies is relatively in depth. If you mean simple as far as making the game easier, and much more fun, indeed, I agree. It detracts nothing, let me say that.

RELee · 28-04-2007, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.G 24

Edit : Although never playing FoF I highly recommend AGEOD, although I do suck at it.

"Sucking" at games is something I excel at, so that factor doesn't work its way into my game-buying decisions.

*Cat Lord* · 30-06-2007, 20:27

I just asked Havard to move this thread from OT, as they were several topics about AACW there, but it didn't show on the main page once move, being a bit old.

I am bumping it to give it at least a month visibility to players new to this game (and this forum) and interested about it.

Cat

Olaf the Unsure · 01-07-2007, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonCossack

RELee, insofar as the 'simplistic combat method' occurs, indeed, it occurs as much as being in the same region / county, having your detachments readiness (ie. offensive, defensive, etc.) being set correctly, and the patrol / evasion percentages being adequate. It is relatively easy to drag and drop. However, there are many factors that are displayed with regards to battle outcomes, such as surprise, luck, leaders, ranges, etc. and organizing the armies is relatively in depth. If you mean simple as far as making the game easier, and much more fun, indeed, I agree. It detracts nothing, let me say that.

The combat model is the classic case of simplicity being deceptive. The number of variables that come into play in battle is impressive, and you can spend a long time just studying the battle reports. The interface is elegant and the mechanics are easy to grasp. But there's a tremendous amount of detail under the hood.

Olaf the Unsure · 01-07-2007, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAVEH

FOF is not bad, AGEOD is Excellent in my opinion.

FOF is a very good game. AACW is a classic.

ashbery76 · 01-07-2007, 19:56

If you like a tactical game with weak strategic buy FOF,if you like great a strategic game but with no tactical at all buy AEGOD's.

Olaf the Unsure · 04-07-2007, 06:09

One aspect of AACW that I prefer over FOF is the campaign map. The AGEOD map has more regions, allowing for more room for maneuver. The map manages to capture both the vast space in the West and the tight confines of Virginia. Everything just feels more right in AACW than in FOF.

*Drakken* · 23-07-2007, 06:43

I own both, but play only AACW right now only because the manual is much easier to have on paper and read it.

I love FOF on-paper, and I love its flexibility and the presence of detailed combat in Advanced Mode. However, the rules are quite complex and the 200+ manual is a nightmare to read on a PDF file. Since I hate playing a wargame before reading the manual, and since the interface is less intuitive than AACW, I wait until I can find somewhere to print FOF's manual.

But it's only a matter of time before I play it as well.

Also, both games have a tremendous feedback system on their forums from their respective developpers, and both are quite open-minded to criticism and suggestions to improve their products.

27-04-2007, 22:04	#1
RELee NOT the General Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Way down south in Dixie, but my home is not of this world. Posts: 3,383 Blog Entries: 24	AEGOD's Civil War vs. Forge of Freedom: The American Civil War 1861-1865 Hey all. Looks like two new ACW games on the market and both are getting good reviews. Anybody happen to have one or both they would like to brag on or bash as trash? I only need one of 'em and was hoping to get some critical analysis from some of the best analytical minds on the 'net. __________________ In Constant Flux: The RELee Web Site Meeting pretty much all of your VIP needs now. "The president of the United States should never promote a particular religion. That's just another thing that makes us such a great nation; being able to worship God as we choose" - George W. Bush "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."-Thomas Jefferson "I think the most un-American thing you can say is, 'You can't say that.'".-Garrison Keillor Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Known also as the fabled RELee on the AGEOD forums.

27-04-2007, 22:11	#3
RELee NOT the General Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Way down south in Dixie, but my home is not of this world. Posts: 3,383 Blog Entries: 24	One other point, please. Aegod's game is listed in Euros only. How does this translate to US dollars? I'm hopelessly provincial, you know. __________________ In Constant Flux: The RELee Web Site Meeting pretty much all of your VIP needs now. "The president of the United States should never promote a particular religion. That's just another thing that makes us such a great nation; being able to worship God as we choose" - George W. Bush "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."-Thomas Jefferson "I think the most un-American thing you can say is, 'You can't say that.'".-Garrison Keillor Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Known also as the fabled RELee on the AGEOD forums.

27-04-2007, 22:14	#4
DonCossack Ducimus. Infantry. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CANADA, EH? Posts: 378	AGEOD's American Civil War, is simply a stellar piece of craftsmanship. Myself and Stonewall currently have "competing" AARs in the works on this very forum...take a look see. I can't stop raving about the game, its AI and its mechanics. __________________ CANADA CANADA CANADA We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; William Shakespeare, Henry V "Just miles from your doorstep, hundreds of men are given weapons and trained to kill. The government calls it the Army, but a more alarmist name would be... The Killbot Factory."

27-04-2007, 22:17	#5
DonCossack Ducimus. Infantry. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CANADA, EH? Posts: 378	What would you like to know about the game, in particular, if anything? Not that I have mastered its abilities, but I can help out, if theres any certain points you want covered. I bought it in Canadian "bucks," but I figure it'd come out to roughly $55 or so, with your exchange rate. __________________ CANADA CANADA CANADA We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; William Shakespeare, Henry V "Just miles from your doorstep, hundreds of men are given weapons and trained to kill. The government calls it the Army, but a more alarmist name would be... The Killbot Factory."

27-04-2007, 22:32	#7
RELee NOT the General Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Way down south in Dixie, but my home is not of this world. Posts: 3,383 Blog Entries: 24	I've been reading the AAR's. Nice stuff there. I've got a ways to go though. One thing that I particularly noticed in FoF, is it has a provincial "strategic" map as well as an optional hex-based tactical map for resolving battles which sounds similar to Rome: Total War, but also sounds like a good way to get totally bogged down in battles that are simply too time consuming, depending on how they have the game structured. I'm still getting the feel of Aegod's game. It looks to be a rather simplistic combat model, but that is just a preliminary opinion from simply gazing through the posts without really "reading for comprehension". Time to go home. I hope to be back online in an hour or so. __________________ In Constant Flux: The RELee Web Site Meeting pretty much all of your VIP needs now. "The president of the United States should never promote a particular religion. That's just another thing that makes us such a great nation; being able to worship God as we choose" - George W. Bush "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."-Thomas Jefferson "I think the most un-American thing you can say is, 'You can't say that.'".-Garrison Keillor Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Known also as the fabled RELee on the AGEOD forums.

27-04-2007, 22:08	#2
Mr.G 24 Custom User Title: Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 2,439	AGEOD is great fun it caught my interest more then forge of freedom frankly because it was "nicer" on the eyes. Edit : Although never playing FoF I highly recommend AGEOD, although I do suck at it.

27-04-2007, 23:21	#8
DAVEH First Lieutenant Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: In Hoi2 Province - Sunderland Posts: 252	I have both and i never really got hooked on FOF. AGEOD'S Civil War however is consuming all my free time. It somehow manages to 'feel' like a game of this subject should. The way economics and recruitment are handling is brilliant, you actually feel like Davis or Lincoln in AGEOD, whereas in FOF you tend to sometimes feel like a provisional governor (i.e build a horse farm in georgia etc). FOF is not bad, AGEOD is Excellent in my opinion.

27-04-2007, 23:37	#9
DonCossack Ducimus. Infantry. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CANADA, EH? Posts: 378	RELee, insofar as the 'simplistic combat method' occurs, indeed, it occurs as much as being in the same region / county, having your detachments readiness (ie. offensive, defensive, etc.) being set correctly, and the patrol / evasion percentages being adequate. It is relatively easy to drag and drop. However, there are many factors that are displayed with regards to battle outcomes, such as surprise, luck, leaders, ranges, etc. and organizing the armies is relatively in depth. If you mean simple as far as making the game easier, and much more fun, indeed, I agree. It detracts nothing, let me say that. __________________ CANADA CANADA CANADA We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; William Shakespeare, Henry V "Just miles from your doorstep, hundreds of men are given weapons and trained to kill. The government calls it the Army, but a more alarmist name would be... The Killbot Factory."

30-06-2007, 20:27	#11
Cat Lord Nouvel Helvête Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Lausanne, Switzerland Posts: 10,747	I just asked Havard to move this thread from OT, as they were several topics about AACW there, but it didn't show on the main page once move, being a bit old. I am bumping it to give it at least a month visibility to players new to this game (and this forum) and interested about it. Cat __________________ Pour l'histoire: Un concours original, La partie de ScrAARble "Le monde est un jeu de Go, dont les règles ont été inutilement compliquées" (proverbe chinois) Si l'on retranchait du patriotisme de la plupart des hommes la haine et le mépris des autres nations, il resterait peu de choses. [Duc de Lévis, "Maximes et réflexions"] Soyez attentif à mes posts de modérateur, ils sont de cette couleur / Be aware when I write a moderation post in this color.

01-07-2007, 19:56	#14
ashbery76 Nationalist Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Rugby,England Posts: 1,154	If you like a tactical game with weak strategic buy FOF,if you like great a strategic game but with no tactical at all buy AEGOD's.

04-07-2007, 06:09	#15
Olaf the Unsure Colonel Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,089	One aspect of AACW that I prefer over FOF is the campaign map. The AGEOD map has more regions, allowing for more room for maneuver. The map manages to capture both the vast space in the West and the tight confines of Virginia. Everything just feels more right in AACW than in FOF. __________________ "I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse." - Charles V

23-07-2007, 06:43	#16
Drakken Paradox Unofficial Poker Brat Moderator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sverige, jag saknar dig... suck Posts: 3,073 Blog Entries: 3	I own both, but play only AACW right now only because the manual is much easier to have on paper and read it. I love FOF on-paper, and I love its flexibility and the presence of detailed combat in Advanced Mode. However, the rules are quite complex and the 200+ manual is a nightmare to read on a PDF file. Since I hate playing a wargame before reading the manual, and since the interface is less intuitive than AACW, I wait until I can find somewhere to print FOF's manual. But it's only a matter of time before I play it as well. Also, both games have a tremendous feedback system on their forums from their respective developpers, and both are quite open-minded to criticism and suggestions to improve their products.