"Graphics never makes a game, never will" - Vampire Survivors? Yea, graphics don't matter. Trying to make a realistic combat based on WW2? Well, graphics can pretty much ruin the game, at least for me.
2:15 Opening up the game box and the smell of a recently printed manual coming from within... And Microprose (X-Com Enemy Unknown and many others had huge manuals) ahhh memories... the joy....
Microprose in name only, they got the rights to the name and are strictly a publisher now not a developer. Not to take anything away from them though, the dev for this game (hexdraw) has been on this game for many years and is passionate about the project. Another good publisher thats relatively new is Hooded Horse, with a really good catalogue of indie games.
Now that I've played this I can give my thoughts. I will be comparing it to other chance-based turn-based games, mostly to the well known modern XCom. In XCom, the game play revolves around avoiding risk. Most of the time chances to hit hover around 90%. It's that left over 10% of risk the player tries to avoid, by having an another soldier ready to to take a shot, or some other way. If the player is good, he rarely the loses a battle because the dice rolls don't go his way. To this game. The chances to hit hover around 10% and often much less. Sure you can try to stack your units so to increase the hit chances, but you will never have for example a typical XCom play of two soldiers taking 95% shots (combined success rate 1 - 0.05 * 0.05 = 99.975%). The consequence is that instead of mitigating the risk like in XCom, you are just throwing in a lottery coupon after each one hunting for success, because failure is the default option. Since you cannot plan your turn to likely success, you are planning your turn that your troops won't be hitting anything. It's not fun, nor very strategic. Add to that the scenarios in this game are very much like puzzles, there's only one optimal way to solve them within the very harsh (and unrealistic) time limit, and if the rolls just aren't on your side, there's nothing else to do except to restart. It's frustrating to go the same motions over again just to see if you could win the lottery this time. In XCom sure you sometimes lose, especially to the timer, but that's not a big deal, the campaign continues on. In this game, there's no campaign, the scenario is the game. In other turn based wargames (e.g. Steel Panthers, Combat Mission) there are no time limits, offering the player room to actually implement tactics, take the time to advance carefully (realistic), in this game the player throws in the meat wave and hopes the best because there's no time for anything else (unrealistic). I really wanted to like this game, the graphics are fantastic, there's an excellent roster of different units available, each modeled with proper weapons, morale and other attributes, all the ingredients are there for an awesome wargame, but it's just this puzzle type scenario play that utterly demolishes this game. If just there was a dynamic grand campaign, the game could have been a classic.
@@MrDazzlerdarren I feel like they're trying to honour the legacy of microprose on some level though.. the games they've released lately have been pretty decent
@@MrDazzlerdarren Still they released more good games than any AAA studio in the past 5 years. Also look up their upcoming naval games which for me are the most anticipated games in the near future.
@@Ta90Ti God, please no. Its realy just the name to trigger the nostalgia button in your head. Neat, little indie games, no question, but FAR away from the old Microprose. Dont forget: Back in the days they have done "AAA" (for its time!!) games in the strategy/simulation genre. In times where games like Gunship, Pirates or Silent Service where the usual game for the usual gamer. Sadly this times are over. Imagine a Game like Pirates done 2023 with an AAA Budget.
This looks like a near perfect conversion to PC of the board game Advanced Squad Leader (ASL), while letting the computer do the number crunching. Very interesting!
Thanks for reviewing this fab game Mack. You are spot on with your comments about the game. Lots of units and maps to play, with the ability to download and play scenarios of others, as well as create your own.
From what I remembered from the old panzer general and allied general, tanks back then didn’t have stabilisers, so when you don’t move for a turn , it stimulates sitting still and taking a good aim.
Micropose pumping out bangers If you're still reminiscing about Sid Meier's Gettysburg, Civil War Grand Tactician may be a shout, both for the campaign and battles. Would love to see your take on it.
Looks like some of the old school strategy I was looking for. I grew up on the old SSI games on the C64 and this is the more modern version of it I want to try out.
I actually don't mind the "cartoonish" look. Easy for the 2 man dev team to create, adopts the aesthetic of ASL maps, and makes everything easy and clear to discern at a glance.
The graphical style kinda reminds me of the Combat Mission series. I recommend that series as well for those that like a combination of turn based/real time tactical gameplay.
Microprose. That brings back memories. Happy to hear they're still going - and going strong. TIL about Microprose's 1997 project Magic: The Gathering, which is apparently amazing (and sadly not talked about), but can't be legally obtained today (Thanks, Hasbro) (and there's apparently a fan-updated version that contains many more cards).
I honestly didn't know Microprose were still going, I thought they closed ages ago. They released 2 of my all time favourite games, X-COM, and MechCommander.
I'm a massive MASSIVE Microprose fanboy. I loved all their games on my Spectrum/C64 and Amiga but.. I just can't do this, buying a digital Microprose game seems so very wrong, the best thing about Microprose games were the box and HUGE manual! ..I miss that so much and online manual and tutorials just leave me cold.. :(
Mack please revisit Factorio when you find some time! The modding scene is incredible! Many people are playing the Krastorio2 + Space Exploration combo, both are overhaul mods and they work seamlessly together. Many more recipes, and build factories across the universe! But aside from mods, the game has evolved significantly since you last played it in 2015. Automated Spidertrons! Much love from Belgium, thanks for the videos!
Mack have you ever played the game One Hour One Life? It's a few years old now, it's an indie survival game where you are born as a baby to another player. It's completely multi-player, and you rely on your parents to teach you how to be useful and productive inside their own little community.
Simple, that was the first tutorial on tank firing so I was testing out all the hit chances to see what it was like, I kept it going after the the goals were met to check out firing against the other tanks in the trees as well.
the description of the tutorial, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT !!!!! LOL, love your reviews, always save them, so if fancy a game, can look it up, on thumbs up keep going Mack, still laughing as I right this, makes me wonder how other countries, see your good old British humour !!!! LOL Steve from LONDON
Imagine we had FOG of war in this kind of game. I think is more RNG and fun. I feel like every game similar to this game didn't have Fog of war. (TBH I didn't like a turn-based game that much, but I think could be more fun if this had multiplayer later on since we can make the map, etc)
There was some microprose game way back in the day that I swore I'd never buy MIcroprose again.... Can't remember what game or why for the life of me..... Kelly's Heroes campaign? Hmmm...
2:02 that's one extensive tutorial system 😅😆 Mechwarrior 5 has a Codex, which is similarly saturated. Don't get me wrong, it's chock full of great info for someone to sort of refer back to whenever needed, but in a game like that, and this game, it's not the way to go. Gameplay tutorials would be WAY better.
Guys this is not the same Microprose we know that made Pirates! , Master of Orion, Xcom1, Civ, etc. This is just someone else who acquired the name. Dont get clickbait by the brand. The original died long ago in the 90s when Sid Meier left and it got taken over and passed around like the town bicycle. This new Microprose does not hold that same gold standard of gaming we know
Mack, check out the upcoming Task Force Admiral, aaa games don't deserve your review, don't be like other bigger youtubers that advocate for indie games but only review aaa.
@@trashl0rd OK, fair enough. They may be more simplistic, but they are certainly still challenging, and yes, fun. It still doesn't explain why nobody is comparing them...they look and seem to play exactly the same.
I would have supported this, but their decision to leave Great Britain out of their WWII game. Has offended me as much as someone spitting in my face would have, not sure why? No money from me until this has been addressed
I found the game to be extremely janky, half the controls didn’t work, couldn’t select my units, didn’t teach you how to play, UI is all over the place.. Uninstalled and refunded in minutes🤷♂️
I bought this game because I have always been a fan of ASL and this is very close to it in most respects. IMHO the graphics are dreadful and do not do justice to the brilliant mechanics in the gameplay. I would pay double the price for this game with sensible graphics. In fact I would buy it again tomorrow if they made a version without the catoonish "Mickey Mouse goes to War" style of graphics.
Graphics don't make a game, but you don't have to take it to the extreme... sadly, this one is gonna go next to WoW that I could never play as it just made me vomit.
Giving Mack a review code for your game is the ultimate sign of confidence on the part of a dev or publisher.
:D
(they should be happy to give him.. they can only improve cuz he only speaks the truth..)
Even when there games are wank you gotta give them a hi 5 or something
Participation medal lol
Cos he critiques for the views..lol
@@MorrisseyMuse A critic who provides critique? Shocking! Shocking, I say!
Love you Mack. Keep doing what you're doing. Lifes been rough and your videos help me get through the day. God bless.
Hang in bud, life can kick you in the nuts a lot.
Yeah me too these vids help me through
Same, Macks vidoes and humour got me through a tough breakup afew years ago! Im a Patreon of his now to give back! Great content!
"Graphics never made a game, never will. Its all about Gameplay!" Words of gold right there!
Oh cmon, it looks like a cheap mobile game, it's an insult to PC gamers.
Yeah graphics don't matter that why everyone plays text games.
Yep, and just like gold, it's almost as rare as rocking horse shit that a game actually emphasises gameplay over visuals 🥴
"Graphics never makes a game, never will" - Vampire Survivors? Yea, graphics don't matter. Trying to make a realistic combat based on WW2? Well, graphics can pretty much ruin the game, at least for me.
Journey, Flower, and Inside might disagree with you, but there are exceptions to every rule
2:15 Opening up the game box and the smell of a recently printed manual coming from within...
And Microprose (X-Com Enemy Unknown and many others had huge manuals)
ahhh memories... the joy....
Microprose in name only, they got the rights to the name and are strictly a publisher now not a developer. Not to take anything away from them though, the dev for this game (hexdraw) has been on this game for many years and is passionate about the project. Another good publisher thats relatively new is Hooded Horse, with a really good catalogue of indie games.
Im so glad some of these historic companies are still around. Love microprose
Now that I've played this I can give my thoughts. I will be comparing it to other chance-based turn-based games, mostly to the well known modern XCom.
In XCom, the game play revolves around avoiding risk. Most of the time chances to hit hover around 90%. It's that left over 10% of risk the player tries to avoid, by having an another soldier ready to to take a shot, or some other way. If the player is good, he rarely the loses a battle because the dice rolls don't go his way.
To this game. The chances to hit hover around 10% and often much less. Sure you can try to stack your units so to increase the hit chances, but you will never have for example a typical XCom play of two soldiers taking 95% shots (combined success rate 1 - 0.05 * 0.05 = 99.975%). The consequence is that instead of mitigating the risk like in XCom, you are just throwing in a lottery coupon after each one hunting for success, because failure is the default option. Since you cannot plan your turn to likely success, you are planning your turn that your troops won't be hitting anything. It's not fun, nor very strategic.
Add to that the scenarios in this game are very much like puzzles, there's only one optimal way to solve them within the very harsh (and unrealistic) time limit, and if the rolls just aren't on your side, there's nothing else to do except to restart. It's frustrating to go the same motions over again just to see if you could win the lottery this time. In XCom sure you sometimes lose, especially to the timer, but that's not a big deal, the campaign continues on. In this game, there's no campaign, the scenario is the game. In other turn based wargames (e.g. Steel Panthers, Combat Mission) there are no time limits, offering the player room to actually implement tactics, take the time to advance carefully (realistic), in this game the player throws in the meat wave and hopes the best because there's no time for anything else (unrealistic).
I really wanted to like this game, the graphics are fantastic, there's an excellent roster of different units available, each modeled with proper weapons, morale and other attributes, all the ingredients are there for an awesome wargame, but it's just this puzzle type scenario play that utterly demolishes this game. If just there was a dynamic grand campaign, the game could have been a classic.
Wow, I honestly didn't know Microprose was still around.
Company is a Zombie suit using the Microprose name
@@MrDazzlerdarren I feel like they're trying to honour the legacy of microprose on some level though.. the games they've released lately have been pretty decent
@@MrDazzlerdarren Still they released more good games than any AAA studio in the past 5 years. Also look up their upcoming naval games which for me are the most anticipated games in the near future.
I was thinking the same thing.
@@Ta90Ti God, please no. Its realy just the name to trigger the nostalgia button in your head. Neat, little indie games, no question, but FAR away from the old Microprose. Dont forget: Back in the days they have done "AAA" (for its time!!) games in the strategy/simulation genre. In times where games like Gunship, Pirates or Silent Service where the usual game for the usual gamer. Sadly this times are over. Imagine a Game like Pirates done 2023 with an AAA Budget.
I was skeptical of this one, now I'm definitely considering it
Spot on. Love this type of game. Takes me back to my PC youth infancy. Ahh...Subwar 2050...nostalgia hammer hitting hard now...
I used to love Panzer Corps and this one looks more detailed and with more depth too. Great review as always Mack!
This looks like a near perfect conversion to PC of the board game Advanced Squad Leader (ASL), while letting the computer do the number crunching. Very interesting!
Thanks for reviewing this fab game Mack. You are spot on with your comments about the game. Lots of units and maps to play, with the ability to download and play scenarios of others, as well as create your own.
From what I remembered from the old panzer general and allied general, tanks back then didn’t have stabilisers, so when you don’t move for a turn , it stimulates sitting still and taking a good aim.
Micropose pumping out bangers
If you're still reminiscing about Sid Meier's Gettysburg, Civil War Grand Tactician may be a shout, both for the campaign and battles. Would love to see your take on it.
Looks like some of the old school strategy I was looking for. I grew up on the old SSI games on the C64 and this is the more modern version of it I want to try out.
I actually don't mind the "cartoonish" look. Easy for the 2 man dev team to create, adopts the aesthetic of ASL maps, and makes everything easy and clear to discern at a glance.
The graphical style kinda reminds me of the Combat Mission series. I recommend that series as well for those that like a combination of turn based/real time tactical gameplay.
Microprose. That brings back memories. Happy to hear they're still going - and going strong. TIL about Microprose's 1997 project Magic: The Gathering, which is apparently amazing (and sadly not talked about), but can't be legally obtained today (Thanks, Hasbro) (and there's apparently a fan-updated version that contains many more cards).
hey mack, been going through deep depression recently after losing family members. thank you for your videos, you always put a smile on my face.
So sorry to hear that. take care mate :(
Sorry to hear that Dan :(
@Worth A Buy No worries. thankyou for making me smile.
@@stevesgaming7475 you too bro :)
i'm really happy they revived microprose
Such a tease, Mack. Maple leaves? Elm? Pine?
Don't leave the Wabbites hanging.
Looks good, perfect when my 3 weeks at sea just started. Have a great weekend! FOR MACK FOR THE ALGORITHM!!
u a Pirate?
@@WorthABuyreviews you could say that, there is some similarities between tug folks and pirates;)
I honestly didn't know Microprose were still going, I thought they closed ages ago.
They released 2 of my all time favourite games, X-COM, and MechCommander.
Something special about seeing that Microprose logo ;)
I remember the big thick computer game manuals from back in the day.
Thanks mack, right up my alley and wonder if I'd ever stumble across this on my own
lol caught me out there cos I though Burger munchers were the Germans for a second there, since they invented burgers...lol
I'm a massive MASSIVE Microprose fanboy. I loved all their games on my Spectrum/C64 and Amiga but.. I just can't do this, buying a digital Microprose game seems so very wrong, the best thing about Microprose games were the box and HUGE manual! ..I miss that so much and online manual and tutorials just leave me cold.. :(
I get you, I still have tons of boxes lined up on shelves here, but we're about 20 years past that.
Mack please revisit Factorio when you find some time!
The modding scene is incredible! Many people are playing the Krastorio2 + Space Exploration combo, both are overhaul mods and they work seamlessly together. Many more recipes, and build factories across the universe!
But aside from mods, the game has evolved significantly since you last played it in 2015. Automated Spidertrons!
Much love from Belgium, thanks for the videos!
I know how I'm spending my weekend lmao
@@Grandmastergav86 if you’re up for multiplayer, or need a helping hand, let me know :)
Gives me "Desert Rats" on the Speccy 128k vibes.
By the legendary RT Smith. He ended up working on the early Total War games at Creative Assembly. Don't know if he's still there
Hi mack! Been watching for a long time. Almost the entire time.
Hi Beaver
Definitely checking this game out. Thanks Mack
I really miss the days of amazing manuals.
I'm really diggin' these positive waves, Mack!
Mack have you ever played the game One Hour One Life? It's a few years old now, it's an indie survival game where you are born as a baby to another player. It's completely multi-player, and you rely on your parents to teach you how to be useful and productive inside their own little community.
With micro pros and Slitherine it’s never about visuals and all about the simulation running under the hood.
Mack you should check out Uboat, it's a great game and i think you would like it
great video
Anybody remember Battle Isle?
It's Squad Leader, unofficially. Single player, which is very cool.
SSi & Microprose, ahh, the golden age of gaming.
First boxing game in over 10 years Mack mackkkkk
This is a great digital version of Advanced Squad Leader.
Looks like a nice little game, will definatly tickle someones fancy.
Great review.
Also not fan of the graphics, but the rest looks amazing.
Btw, Mack, when are u planning to review Unity of Command 2?
Never ever played a hex game, this might be my first.
immediately reminded me of battle isle
Gunship 2000 best MP game ever
M1 Tank Platoon for me
Mack, have you reviewed the Call to Arms game and scenarios?
01:38: why on earth would you change an AP shell with 97% destruction chance of the enemy tank against an HE shell with 27% destruction chance?
Simple, that was the first tutorial on tank firing so I was testing out all the hit chances to see what it was like, I kept it going after the the goals were met to check out firing against the other tanks in the trees as well.
Col. Kuhlschrank LOL Col. Refridgerator
Bizarrely they have mortars in the game but they must have LoS to fire at a target. Also no artillery.
For the love of God, tell me about the leaves man!
man you need to play Highfleet, Mack!
looks as if someone made Wargame Red Dragon into a hex strategy game :D
exactly my thought
Mack if you like this, you should play Civilization 6 or 5
The cartoonishness is a deal breaker.
Mack will u be reviewing undisputed
can anyone tell me what Mack says at the beginning of every vid?
the description of the tutorial, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT !!!!! LOL, love your reviews, always save them, so if fancy a game, can look it up, on thumbs up
keep going Mack, still laughing as I right this, makes me wonder how other countries, see your good old British humour !!!! LOL
Steve from LONDON
When did you get time to play this, we were just on your stream all day lol. Hard worker you
Is this any good for the Steam Deck? Just a little worried that the UI will be far too small to read.
Imagine we had FOG of war in this kind of game. I think is more RNG and fun. I feel like every game similar to this game didn't have Fog of war.
(TBH I didn't like a turn-based game that much, but I think could be more fun if this had multiplayer later on since we can make the map, etc)
Haha man, those reviews are great. "How to wipe yo a$$ in the bush"
Hi-Fi Rush, sure wish this was a Ion Fury style shooter instead of a rythm game.
There was some microprose game way back in the day that I swore I'd never buy MIcroprose again....
Can't remember what game or why for the life of me.....
Kelly's Heroes campaign? Hmmm...
Why so expensive ? Cutting edge graphics ?
No British? Why are they being forgotten about in modern war games..
This
For some reason I initially read this as microphone sex.
Anyone seen BOB
That was a pretty cool genesis game
Is this on ps5
CHOO-torial
2:02 that's one extensive tutorial system 😅😆
Mechwarrior 5 has a Codex, which is similarly saturated. Don't get me wrong, it's chock full of great info for someone to sort of refer back to whenever needed, but in a game like that, and this game, it's not the way to go. Gameplay tutorials would be WAY better.
Was not aroused.
The fact that its a HEX based game put me off.
Guys this is not the same Microprose we know that made Pirates! , Master of Orion, Xcom1, Civ, etc. This is just someone else who acquired the name. Dont get clickbait by the brand. The original died long ago in the 90s when Sid Meier left and it got taken over and passed around like the town bicycle. This new Microprose does not hold that same gold standard of gaming we know
2:37 💀
Come on then, tell us which leaves to use! I've only got holly in the garden so I'm screwed.
Looks like they were going for an old Avalon Hill boardgame look. Not sure it's the best choice.
Mack, check out the upcoming Task Force Admiral, aaa games don't deserve your review, don't be like other bigger youtubers that advocate for indie games but only review aaa.
Microprose is not the developer.
Turning engine off to increase accuracy is more bs than deep gameplay, tbf.
Probably translates more to "stop and shoot" vs "run and gun." Which absolutely makes sense.
Me
First!?
@@BeaverZer0 wow! you're worth a cookie
@@baddog9188 that's what my wife told me last night.. Except she had 2 of them for me.
But you keep being you bud!
@@BeaverZer0 so that's why there were crumbs :)
What I can't understand is why nobody is comparing this to Battle Academy (1&2)? Isn't this the same game?
The BA games are far more simplistic than this. Fun games, but a much lighter experience.
@@trashl0rd OK, fair enough. They may be more simplistic, but they are certainly still challenging, and yes, fun. It still doesn't explain why nobody is comparing them...they look and seem to play exactly the same.
I would have supported this, but their decision to leave Great Britain out of their WWII game. Has offended me as much as someone spitting in my face would have, not sure why? No money from me until this has been addressed
It should be mobile game ... )
I found the game to be extremely janky, half the controls didn’t work, couldn’t select my units, didn’t teach you how to play, UI is all over the place.. Uninstalled and refunded in minutes🤷♂️
The graphics are fine, the art style just feels weird for this type of game.
no arty or planes..............i have already asked for a refund as i played it for a number of hours over 4 days and the combat is meh.
Haven’t heard of microprose since microprose soccer on the commodore!
With the graphics of Regiments Second Front could have been a hit.
graphics don't matter
but they do sell games
I bought this game because I have always been a fan of ASL and this is very close to it in most respects. IMHO the graphics are dreadful and do not do justice to the brilliant mechanics in the gameplay. I would pay double the price for this game with sensible graphics. In fact I would buy it again tomorrow if they made a version without the catoonish "Mickey Mouse goes to War" style of graphics.
Graphics don't make a game, but you don't have to take it to the extreme... sadly, this one is gonna go next to WoW that I could never play as it just made me vomit.
Getting real tired of these hex based games, just give us free movement damnit.
cannot stand this mobile graphics, i rather play pixelated graphics but not this shit
Graphics don''t make a good game, true. But this looks awful ;)
I agree about the graphics - I'm sure they're extremely clear and functional, but I'm totally not into the comic style..
Any game that allows me to obliterate orcs, is a good game.