[anchor=I1]What's Hot! An ACA Analysis[/anchor]
By comagoosie
Note: All views expressed by comagoosie in this article are opinions. While these opinions may put one AAR on top of another, in no way are these suppose to be hurtful or imply any superiority of any kind but are just the author's opinions. comagoosie also uses past results and current trends to justify his predictions. This is for entertainment purposes only. Enjoy.
How long has the AARland Choice AwAARds been around? Don’t ask me, I am too young for that knowledge. But I do know is the recent past and the potential future of ACA. Yes, you heard me correct. Comagoosie will now assume a fortune-telling role where he will attempt to distinguish ‘what’s hot’ and ‘what’s going to win ACA’.
First the difference:
‘What’s hot’:
This AAR is one that gets a substantial amount of views and comments. It could someday reach soaring heights with its fan base composed of rather new forum members who dare not reach into more narrative AARs, but with a shaky group of fans, this can easily fall apart. Oftentimes a ‘hot’ AAR is a story created by a newer forum member, which involves a great deal of interactivity. At first, the thread may receive ~30 posts before there is even an update. Unfortunately, with the author being new, there is a greater percentage of him or her dropping it for various reasons. Nevertheless, there is no person happier than I am when an AAR gets off the ground and starts to fly.
‘What’s going to win ACA’:
Before we even go into ACA season, a reader already has AARs in his mind, which he knows is a good story. Normally it is already an AAR that is “flying”, meaning that there have been more than several updates and a well-devised future. A prime example of an AAR that is almost guaranteed to win something is an AAR that has a nickname and no link needs to be involved when describing it. Timelines anyone? Of course, there are underdogs and in the Rome forum, there hasn’t been ACA winner, so it is anyone’s game.
Bah! Enough talk, let’s get down to business.
What’s hot:
EU3:
[thread=359478] The Papal State:A Mission AAR for EUIII (In Nomine)[/thread] by EUROO7 – I have calculated that this AAR gets 20.5 comments a day. Folks that is enough to fill a page a day. Watch out for this one in the ACA, this could possibly take an award. Though I worry with its fan base of new forumers will not vote due to some factors.
[thread=341362] From Rus to Russia - Russia Megacampaign, pt.2[/thread] by RGB – Yes this hot, getting 2000 views per update. With the author away, sadly this not updated near enough to rise to the sky. But I will tell you this, that this AAR has unlimited potential.
HOI2:
This is an interesting situation, where all the AARs I have read, have not developed, so I will be banking on what quick scans of threads tell me. In my search, I have found no “middle-class” of AARs, only finding new and epic ones.
[thread=351986] Lesser of Two Evils: Germany in a Draka World[/thread] by soonerborn0524 – Granted this is one of the most interesting AARs, yet will they pull it out from behind? It is definitely a good read!
[thread=347966] The War Path (HOIDD)[/thread] by Kurt_Steiner – It will be interesting if Peti and Kurt can prove their worth, I certainly hope so!
Crusader Kings:
[thread=355918] The Grand History of Croatia - A Mega Campaign AAR[/thread] by CountArach – Mega campaigns are a crowd attractor but continuing numerous games is a difficult task. But please read as the more comments the more will an author has to get through the tough parts.
[thread=343611] Chronicles of the Golden Cross[/thread] by AlexanderPrimus – This new author has gotten tons of attention, but will he make or break? Let’s hope he makes it!
Victoria:
[thread=350808] Libertad o Muerte! - AARgentina[/thread] by Treppe – A great AAR that started off hitting the floor running, but with a computer problem, we are hoping that this will be able to continue.
[thread=323201] Stiff Upper Lip: A Terribly British History[/thread] by Dr. Gonzo – I recommend this to anyone that has spare time, even if you are not British you will find this enjoyable. This could have a win in the ACA, but who knows.
EU2:
[thread=362679] The Book of Saint John: Volume 1[/thread] by The Swert – Supposedly in the works in since December 2007 and has just landed in the EU2 forum. Too bad it has landed a little close to the ACAs or I would be expecting this to perform well, as with the author that has high hopes, surely this AAR will rise up too.
[thread=302069] Gesta Hungarorum (Deeds of the Hungarians)[/thread] by Victor1234 – This AAR has gotten plenty of comments and views, but will it stand up in the ACA? This is the only ACA it will be competing in, so it is do or die. The EU2 AAR category will be tough this quarter, but I am sure it will be a close race.
What’s going to win ACA:
Rome
Favorite AAR:
[thread=355954] The Die Is Cast - Caesar's Civil War (705 AUC)[/thread] by Rensslaer – Rensslaer has invaded the Rome forum and he took it by storm. Just like his other AARs expect to see this AAR set records and stay number 1 for quite some time.
Favorite Narrative AAR:
[thread=352606] I, Silvagenus - A Rome AAR[/thread] by English Patriot or [thread=353746] For Rome's Honor[/thread] by comagoosie – I have narrowed it down to these two. If a reader likes higher quality updates but spaced out over time, then English Patriot’s AAR, but if one likes many updates then choose comagoosie’s. I have a feeling that both AARs will perform spectacular in the ACA and it will be close to see who wins the category.
Favorite Comedy AAR:
[thread=351802] The Adventures of House Eurpontid[/thread] by Alfred Packer – We can all say that by reading this piece all put a smile on our faces. Sometimes we would have fits of laughter. Great AAR. Too bad it had to end so soon.
Favorite History-Book AAR:
[thread=352164] Vis et Armis - the rise of Rome [/thread] by StephenT – Stephen makes reading his AAR almost like reading a math textbook. He states how many troops he went into battle with, how many he lost, and what that percentage is. Though this is only a small portion it is part of an overall enjoyable read.
Favorite Gameplay AAR:
[thread=355954] The Die Is Cast - Caesar's Civil War (705 AUC)[/thread] by Rensslaer – Yup, Rens gets this one too, but close behind him is [thread=351370] Carthage - a ruler of the seas[/thread] by hjarg.
EU3:
Favorite AAR:
[thread=289729] Timelines: What if Spain Failed to Control the World?[/thread] by canonized – No question about it. As long as there has been a category he can compete in, canonized has won. He could tell his readers that he is running in the gameplay category and I betcha that he would get votes in that area. But honestly, there has been votes casted for him in the history-book section. Really! I am not lying.
Favorite Narrative AAR:
[thread=289729] Timelines: What if Spain Failed to Control the World?[/thread] by canonized – again no question, though his lead my shrink due to [thread=352329] Journey to the Far East - A Free Company Spin-Off (2008)[/thread] by redwolf and Amric. This AAR brings the Free Company, a mercenary company, to life in EU3, and its readers are old forum members who have strict loyalties.
Favorite Comedy AAR:
[thread=318360] There might be Vikings out there! Or: how I accidentally traded my wife for a halibut[/thread] by Grubnessul – The comedy section of EU3 used to be the most hotly fought over spot. Anyone caught the ‘used to’? That was a while ago and now Grubby has staked his spot and will not give in.
Favorite History-Book:
[thread=343767] Opening The Papal AARchives 1453-1792[/thread] by Bingo Brett – I am playing favorites here. I love this AAR and I will stand by it. The ways that Bingo Brett write is interesting and keeps you entertained throughout the whole AAR.
NOTE: [thread=304931] The Rebirth of England - Woodhouse Dynasty Part II[/thread] by English Patriot is not going to participate in this ACA as he would rather focus on his Rome AAR.
Favorite Gameplay AAR:
[thread=341855]BohemiAAR: An Alternate History[/thread] by Qorten – Surprised? I bet so, but statistically there has never been an AAR that can claim two Favorite gameplay awards besides Sforza, so why not choose someone different? Yet with the slew of new IN AARs, I suspect the race to be close.
HOI1/2:
Favorite AAR:
[thread=338558] The Setting Sun - Gotterdammerung, Japan 1944.[/thread] by Remble – This won last ACA and I expect it to win this time too. The amount of readership is amazing.
Favorite Narrative AAR:
[thread=345133] Weltkriegschaft[/thread] by TheHyphenated1 – It tied last ACA but I believe that now since it has had a chance to grow and spread its wings that it will take this category surely.
Favorite Comedy AAR:
[thread=304900] Britain first, a german 44´aar.[/thread] by White Daimon – Smart, witty, and fun. It is a great laugh. The only place where you will see Germans babe watching in the Azores. This is a definite must read.
Favorite History-Book AAR:
Last ACA it was a 4-way tie, though I think I can narrow it down now. trekaddict lost the save file to [thread=343349] "We will stand defiant!" a AH France AAR[/thread] but has started up a new one, [thread=358111] Against all Odds: The United Kingdom in World War Two[/thread], though it newness might affect voting. [thread=281647] Legacy of Rome: A Byzantine AAR[/thread] by Mr Hearts has finished yet the ending has mixed feelings, so this might affect voting. And I am sorry I can’t speak the language in [thread=263776] Ett Skillnadernas Krig[/thread] by Zuckergußgebäck, so the winner is…[thread=209467]For King and Country[/thread] Draco Rexus, truly an epic AAR and truly a great read.
Favorite Gameplay AAR:
[thread=226176] The Ultimate War[/thread] by Gul Brown – I am not sure how close this was to winning ACA last quarter but I am sure it will give Remble a run for his money.
CK:
Favorite AAR:
[thread=319347] Rome AARisen - a Byzantine AAR[/thread] by General_BT – No doubt he will win again, it wasn’t close last quarter and it won’t be close this quarter.
Favorite Narrative AAR:
[thread=319347] Rome AARisen - a Byzantine AAR[/thread] by General_BT – The same as above, I know, but this AAR will win again.
Favorite Comedy AAR:
[thread=298672] Lo Llibre dels Feyts - The Book of Deeds[/thread] by Kurt_Steiner – Peti and Kurt continue their adventure and their comedy. I am confident that they shall win.
Favorite History-Book AAR:
[thread=354258]Heaven On Earth: Part One[/thread] by asd21593 – This AAR gets the award for daring to do something like a ‘canonized’ but instead it is called ‘glorification’.
Favorite Gameplay AAR:
[thread=235468] Knud Knýtling, Prince of Denmark (and other assorted tales) [/thread] by phargle – The guy running the ACA has to win sometime, right? No, really, it is deserved. Maybe that and the fact, I can’t find gameplay AARs
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Victoria:
Let me first say that the background to Victoria kills my eyes, this may explain a thing or two about Vicky forum members. Note: Victoria was probably the hardest to choose winners, don’t know why, maybe because of all the great AARs there are.
Favorite AAR:
[thread=305869] The Golden Nation- California (VIP) [/thread] by DerKaiser – Surprise? Nope? Ok, so there is no surprise here. Just like with Timelines I foresee this to dominate Vicky in the future.
Favorite Narrative AAR:
[thread=305869] The Golden Nation- California (VIP) [/thread] by DerKaiser – but I must give a honorary mention to [thread=316972]A Special Providence[/thread] by Director, who has composed such a wonderful AAR.
Favorite Comedy AAR:
[thread=344307] We AAR All Doomed! A Terribly Odd Prussia[/thread] by Kaixxor – “Terribly Odd” how about “Terribly Old”. This is the only comedy that I could find in the Victoria forum and it happened to be last ACA winner too. The AAR is great, though. It is amazing what one can do with a dog. One thing is for certain though, Vicky needs a good laugh.
Favorite History-Book AAR:
[thread=323201] Stiff Upper Lip: A Terribly British History[/thread] by Dr. Gonzo – Dr. Gonzo has been close in this category many times. It is about time that he wins it, for it is deserved. Honorary mention, this author has the ability to make an election race interesting, [thread=360882] Welfare of the Cantons: A Swiss AAR[/thread] by robou, though it ended.
Favorite Gameplay AAR:
[thread=248886] The World is Not Enough, a German WW1 AAR[/thread] by Quirinus308 – In my opinion it is guaranteed for this to win, but I hope that others don’t give up because the underdog has to win sometimes.
Favorite Graphics, Overall:
[thread=354258]Heaven On Earth: Part One[/thread] by asd21593 – The best graphics and the best music, can’t beat that.
Favorite New Writer, Overall:
[thread=359478] The Papal State:A Mission AAR for EUIII (In Nomine)[/thread] by EUROO7 – This is his first AAR and like I calculated, receiving 20.5 posts a day, this must be a record for any writer, much less a first time writer!
Honorable Mentions:
This is for AARs that are going to do well in the ACA. AKA, this is the EU1/2 section with other AARs. Well mostly HOI AARs, there are just so many of them.
[thread=310120] Dreams of a Baltic State - Pomerania AAR[/thread] by Emperor_krk
[thread=226892] Golden Horde - Scourge From The East[/thread] by Duke of Wellington – In the past people have voted for this AAR in every category and amazing it has either won it, or has done very well.
[thread=204753] The Eagles of Avalon[/thread] by Mettermrck
[thread=321577] Military campaigns of some of the finest warriors in the world - Volume 2[/thread] by Capt Janszoon
[thread=343745] Genghis Returns[/thread] by Duke of Wellington
[thread=275435] Crossfires, a French AAR for HoI2 Doomsday[/thread] by Atlantic Friend – Is he competing in this ACA, I don’t know, but if he does he will do good.
[thread=248648] Fatherland - Deutschland über alles[/thread] by Kanitatlan
[thread=254522] Nihon Kaizo Hoan Taiko! (A Plan for the Re-organization of Japan)[/thread] by Jon Young – You have to give this guy a treat for being away for half a year and then magically coming back to life.
comagoosie is the author of For Rome's Honor