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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Grim.Reaper on November 01, 2018, 03:52:10 AM

Title: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 01, 2018, 03:52:10 AM
have this on my ipad but haven't played much, just hard for me to play these types of games not on pc.  but always got good reviews.  looks like kickstarter to bring it to pc....i am in

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: jomni on November 01, 2018, 07:05:00 AM
Never heard of this. Uncommon Valor Lite?
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Rekim on November 01, 2018, 07:15:06 AM
It is Carrier (Victory Games)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on November 01, 2018, 08:17:39 AM
I have played it on and off since release and I must say I'm impressed with the dedication of the dev. Continuous improvements and fixes. The game is more advanced than meets the eye as damage to ships are detailed under the hood. So far the best complex war game on iPad IMO. Nice thing is that the UI isn't that complicated so the game strikes a nice balance between complexity and accessability.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: bobarossa on November 01, 2018, 09:10:57 AM
I'd like to know if the multiplayer was cross-platform or not.  Doesn't say in write-up (althought I see multiplayer is the first strectch goal). 

Also of interest, the team includes Phillipe Thibaut (formerly of AGEOD) for Graphics and Historical Research.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on November 01, 2018, 09:26:25 AM
FINALLY, a really good game for my I-Pad my wife bought me last Christmas.  O0
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on November 01, 2018, 11:16:08 AM
Been playing it on my phone for quite a while now and occasionally chatting with Cyril via email.  It's a decent little war game. I'm in for a new version with sound.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: DennisS on November 01, 2018, 06:51:57 PM
Quote from: Rekim on November 01, 2018, 07:15:06 AM
It is Carrier (Victory Games)

This does play like Carrier! by Victory Games, all the way down to level 1 through 4 intelligence.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on November 01, 2018, 08:02:32 PM
Yup
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: jomni on November 01, 2018, 08:17:28 PM
Quote from: Rekim on November 01, 2018, 07:15:06 AM
It is Carrier (Victory Games)

I played that.  Now I'm interested.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on November 01, 2018, 08:22:52 PM
Man, these guys took my idea!  This was going to be my retirement project.   :-\
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on November 01, 2018, 09:41:58 PM
Oh Well, back to your original idea of the Four-person Surfboard.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 03, 2018, 06:36:03 PM
I wonder if this will make its goal....several days in and still about $20k away....usually the early days of the kickstarter is when you see the biggest push.....fingers crossed.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: joram on November 03, 2018, 09:41:14 PM
It's a great ipad game
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: smittyohio on November 04, 2018, 09:51:24 AM
I wish someone would reprint this game... I am still kicking myself for giving it away years ago...  What was I thinking?   :idiot2:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Jarhead0331 on November 04, 2018, 10:59:49 AM
Quote from: smittyohio on November 04, 2018, 09:51:24 AM
I wish someone would reprint this game... I am still kicking myself for giving it away years ago...  What was I thinking?   :idiot2:

Don't beat yourself up...hindsight is 20/20.  :crazy2:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on November 04, 2018, 11:02:44 AM
Gary (GJK) has the rights to sell a beautiful print and play version.  Check the Carrier thread in the Wargaming sub-forum for details.   O0
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on November 04, 2018, 01:39:02 PM
Well, I backed it, because I don't learn from past mistakes.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: bobarossa on November 26, 2018, 10:43:20 AM
Just pledged.  Only 11 days to go.  Hope some of you fencesitters join in and back this.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Bladerunner on November 30, 2018, 04:16:22 PM
61% and one week to go  :o

More screenshot
(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/433/657/2b278e1024557fd6f81430b05d38d2c2_original.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543601928&auto=format&gif-q=50&q=92&s=46cbaf2fdb2a1e6b1eb1e79a96f60d82)
(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/417/575/4cace9fa99dd53a14e007231d2094345_original.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543469495&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=5f37d1b05024f7d893e885fd467a6fae)
(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/417/577/dfc8db31a56f46bd82d93a7da4270d13_original.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543469509&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=9a9bb6e1771dfb496d48399d9b2c27ac)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on November 30, 2018, 08:46:06 PM
Alright, it looks like creating Tokyo Express for PC is going to have to be my retirement plan now.

None of you guys better steal my idea!   :knuppel2:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on November 30, 2018, 10:49:48 PM
Not me man. I used to know a Japanese girl the guys all called 'Tokyo Express'. Can't imagine why though.  ::)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: besilarius on December 01, 2018, 08:18:23 AM
Toonces. if you're really planning on Tokyo Express, Jack Greene of Quarterdeck Games, is semir-retired and on Facebook.  There probably isn't another person in the gaming community, who knows more about the Solomons Campaign. 
You should pick his brains.
Also, a new book, The Gun Club, gives a great account of the destroyer Duncan at the Battle of Cape Esperance.
(The only caveat is the author's father died at the battle.  He is unrealistically harsh on Admiral Norman Scott, I think.)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Bladerunner on December 01, 2018, 06:18:28 PM
Good luck with Tokyo Express
I owned the game but actually never played it
I feel Carrier less difficult to step in
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Millipede on December 02, 2018, 12:10:41 PM
With 5 days left there's only around $6000 (27%-28%) to go. Hoping, hoping, hoping...
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Bladerunner on December 02, 2018, 02:53:34 PM
There is actually simple ways to increase the pot
Consider high pledges or just look at the latest add-ons

(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/446/158/4a7ea68893dbd8d5f144c84b70b429e8_original.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543743873&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=2929216963be5b59e9ae026fa2364e53)

(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/446/177/3bf8c54f47f1da1e4f8ef008a35c439a_original.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543744192&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=f80d2a64cf6c74229755f3d052873b85)

(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/446/320/d000f97c7c8941f3e283b51e39bbaf39_original.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543746762&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=447d3f94149cdb1d09054289d0977188)
(In addition , you get the Coral Sea scenario for free if you buy the War Across the World)
https://avalon-digital.com/en/shop (https://avalon-digital.com/en/shop)

(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/023/411/938/0f214a80ee06fb49f29fe63a2b780767_original.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1543428407&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=7fa40aded3ab136184679ec1a7d021da)

A bit less than 5 days to go and 73%
Come on guys !
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on December 02, 2018, 09:46:42 PM
I upped my pledge by $11 to about $56, hope they make it.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: em2nought on December 02, 2018, 09:49:04 PM
I had to go look up some of my logins in order to post about this kickstarter everyplace I could think of.  Good luck.  Hoping to send some "Japanese" to Iron Bottom Sound soon.  :-"
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: berto on December 05, 2018, 08:44:36 AM
I kicked in, at the 20 Euros pledge.

51 hours to go!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Vintage Dude on December 05, 2018, 10:21:07 AM
I also kicked in at the 20 euros level. I hope they succeed.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Millipede on December 05, 2018, 01:53:41 PM
~$3400 to go in the next 46 hours.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: bbmike on December 05, 2018, 05:05:49 PM
Quote from: Millipede on December 05, 2018, 01:53:41 PM
~$3400 to go in the next 46 hours.

:(
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Staggerwing on December 05, 2018, 06:48:58 PM
Quote from: bbmike on December 05, 2018, 05:05:49 PM
Quote from: Millipede on December 05, 2018, 01:53:41 PM
~$3400 to go in the next 46 hours.

:(

Yeah, it's tough going. Most people pledged at the 20 euro 'Commander' level and that was only 153 people so far. It'll take at least another 124 people at that level to make it. Either that, or two 'Secretaries of the Navy' and three 'Fleet Admirals'.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: GibbyG on December 05, 2018, 11:10:11 PM
Call me Mr Carrier Airgroup Commander!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Millipede on December 05, 2018, 11:35:22 PM
$2300 more with 37 hours to go. That's $1100 in the last 9 hours.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: kondor999 on December 06, 2018, 12:40:35 AM
Let's put this over the top!  This game is AMAZING on iOS and the PC version looks even better.  I really want to try this with a mouse.

Seriously - this is easily the best wargame on the subject I've played.  Fantastic balance of UI elegance, depth, complexity and historical accuracy.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: JudgeDredd on December 06, 2018, 01:43:49 AM
I am just toooooooo sceptical of a game developed for iOS turning into a good, deep PC game.

I'm on the wings waiting for your impressions when it's out.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Grim.Reaper on December 06, 2018, 05:15:13 AM
i haven't been part of too many kickstarter campaigns and the ones i have either succeeded greatly or failed miserably.   this one is close.  if the campaign fails even by a small amount, is there anyway the game continues? just seems odd that if it misses by $100 the developer wouldn't still have the means to continue but maybe that is how it works.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: bobarossa on December 06, 2018, 10:49:23 AM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on December 06, 2018, 05:15:13 AM
i haven't been part of too many kickstarter campaigns and the ones i have either succeeded greatly or failed miserably.   this one is close.  if the campaign fails even by a small amount, is there anyway the game continues? just seems odd that if it misses by $100 the developer wouldn't still have the means to continue but maybe that is how it works.

If it misses by $100 he gets nothing (and we don't get charged).  This isn't GoFundMe.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on December 06, 2018, 03:55:36 PM
$840 to go with 20 hours left, somebody take one for the team!  :D
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on December 06, 2018, 04:21:18 PM
I upped my pledge with another 10 euro. More of those little additions can make a difference. I have the game on iOS and I don't think people will be disappointed if the Kickstarter is successful.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Millipede on December 06, 2018, 04:31:49 PM
Only $40/hour and SUCCESS!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Grim.Reaper on December 06, 2018, 05:41:00 PM
Looks like it made it....
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: bbmike on December 06, 2018, 06:12:05 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faarcentral.com%2Femoti%2Fclap.gif&hash=cff2e7876ab797e2c57ec1481078a994719d7d5b)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: bobarossa on December 07, 2018, 09:42:46 PM
Made it!  Now if it's not any good we hang Rocketman for leading us astray!   :knuppel2:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on December 08, 2018, 08:48:30 AM
Quote from: bobarossa on December 07, 2018, 09:42:46 PM
Made it!  Now if it's not any good we hang Rocketman for leading us astray!   :knuppel2:
:buck2:  :wow:  :'(
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on September 17, 2019, 09:21:56 PM
The devs have been posting updates every month on the kickstarter page, looks like they are shooting for alpha next month, maybe.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: em2nought on September 20, 2019, 08:19:05 PM
My feedback on the new images is that they're too low resolution for me to be able to give an informed opinion on how clear the information is being presented for gaming purposes.  They look nice from a distance and they're probably fine, but I can't read the chits.  Even when I go to the kickstarter page I still have issues reading the chits.  It's kind of like going to Matrix Games and looking at bad screenshots of good games(at least that's how Matrix used to be I haven't looked recently).  Maybe zip up the images if it's a matter of bandwidth? ;)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Redwolf on September 22, 2019, 01:38:58 PM
I don't want "light" games when I sit down on my PC.

However, as a focus point when sitting somewhere with nothing but a phone around it might be awesome.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: em2nought on November 14, 2019, 09:22:08 PM
heading to alpha

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop/posts/2683759 (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop/posts/2683759)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on February 06, 2020, 09:28:49 PM
A couple new screen shots and they are looking for testers.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop/posts/2748159 (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop/posts/2748159)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on February 06, 2020, 10:39:49 PM
Well the backers have their keys already - and I am among the lucky ones :)
They're great guys, Cyril is working hard and he is being supported by no-one else than Philippe Thibaut in his endeavor - yes, that Philippe Thibaut of Europa Universalis & AGEOD fame.

Going to be great  :bd:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 07, 2020, 01:27:47 AM
Has the same problem as many of the Slitherine games.  If you have a peripheral like a joystick or a throttle plugged in, the map scrolls by itself and you can't control it.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on February 10, 2020, 08:33:46 PM
I'll all-in on this as soon as it's released.  This will really take the edge off while we patiently await Task Force Admiral. 

I have a feeling once that is released, you may not see much of Toonces for a while.   :P
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on March 29, 2020, 10:03:33 AM
Another update on kickstarter, looking for a June release.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop/posts/2798065?ref=ksr_email_backer_project_update_registered_users (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787937257/carrier-battles-4-desktop/posts/2798065?ref=ksr_email_backer_project_update_registered_users)

and a new website

https://carrier-battles.com/ (https://carrier-battles.com/)

maybe it will be ready for the anniversary of the battle of Midway
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on March 29, 2020, 10:34:36 AM
Oh thanks for the heads up Toonces btw ^^

Regarding this one, yes it seems realistic - they're in the middle of the beta test (I am just playing though, not testing so much) and Cyril is making steady progress. It looks great guys :)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: em2nought on April 03, 2020, 01:32:47 PM
Quote from: The_Admiral on February 06, 2020, 10:39:49 PM
Well the backers have their keys already

Hmm, I must have missed something or maybe getting the key early was one option of several such as additional scenarios?
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on April 03, 2020, 02:38:12 PM
Quote from: em2nought on April 03, 2020, 01:32:47 PM
Quote from: The_Admiral on February 06, 2020, 10:39:49 PM
Well the backers have their keys already

Hmm, I must have missed something or maybe getting the key early was one option of several such as additional scenarios?

You're right, I didn't get any beta access either which my pledge level indicates I should have gotten.  I just dropped them a message on kickstarter, so we'll see what they say.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on April 03, 2020, 11:30:23 PM
FYI we're getting updates through another email address

carrierbattles  (aaaaaat) yahoo dot com

Better to send Cyril a mail directly I guess :)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on April 19, 2020, 09:04:35 AM
Steam page for this one is up:  https://store.steampowered.com/app/1163340/Carrier_Battles_4_Guadalcanal/

Showing Release Date of June 5.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Vintage Dude on April 19, 2020, 05:52:12 PM
I received my Steam key today.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on April 21, 2020, 04:04:42 PM
I had to e-mail the dev, but I got my Steam key today.  Looking forward to trying it out after I find the main Fantasy General 2 campaign.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on June 03, 2020, 11:16:04 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694145636874059787/717771900520103966/thumbnail.png)

It's coming out, at last! This Friday, no less.

After a long beta phase - so you can bet it's pretty stable and debugged by now  O0

Link to the Steam Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1163340/Carrier_Battles_4_Guadalcanal/

Cheers!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: GroggyGrognard on June 03, 2020, 11:25:00 AM
^ It's on my wishlist. Looking forward to this one and something my old PC rig can handle.



Groggy
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 03, 2020, 11:58:07 AM
I have been quite involved in the beta testing and must say that it is looking really good. It definitely fills a niche in the wargaming world. On its surface (no pun intended) it might look like a basic hex and counter game, but the tactical intricacies, fog of war and damage simulations under the hood makes it something with far more depth (again no pun intended). I wasn't into Carrier battle games until I tried this on iOS but it got me hooked.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Vintage Dude on June 03, 2020, 01:32:58 PM
I have only played it a little bit, but so far I agree with you.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: airboy on June 03, 2020, 04:24:17 PM
Quote from: RedArgo on April 21, 2020, 04:04:42 PM
I had to e-mail the dev, but I got my Steam key today.  Looking forward to trying it out after I find the main Fantasy General 2 campaign.

Is this the same game as the AAR you did?
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on June 03, 2020, 07:09:29 PM
Pretty stoked on this, especially since Carrier Strike has stopped scratching my itch.  Carrier Strike has some limitations that have sort of run me into a non-play status.

I'm sure Carrier Battles will be a purchase.  Friday?  Maybe...
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on June 03, 2020, 08:29:43 PM
Quote from: airboy on June 03, 2020, 04:24:17 PM
Is this the same game as the AAR you did?

Yes it is.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: airboy on June 03, 2020, 08:34:29 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Anguille on June 04, 2020, 03:48:45 AM
already? Excellent
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on June 04, 2020, 11:02:00 AM
If some of you are interested in Cyril's game, just FYI... We're organizing a lucky draw for the members of the TFA community  :arr:

Just click there and follow the instructions - you never know, you might get lucky  :coolsmiley:

https://steamcommunity.com/games/1281220/announcements/detail/2244428724283307050

Cheers!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on June 04, 2020, 11:10:03 AM
Thanks for the heads up Admiral!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on June 05, 2020, 09:03:07 AM
Alas, I was not one of the lucky winners :(  (Apparently the Admiral can not be bribed with a few measly euros. :tickedoff:) 

Release is in a couple hours.  Saw this quote from one of the devs about price.

Quote from: AvalonDigital;2245553353027850727Normalement 24.99€  / Normal Price is $29.99

There will be an interesting Release Discount during the first week though

Normal release day/week discounts are ~10% off.  I wonder how much an "interesting" discount will be?
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on June 05, 2020, 10:23:23 AM
Awwww too bad :(
My apologies Steve :(

Regarding the discount, I am pretty sure they mean the aforementioned 10% affair.

Cheers!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on June 05, 2020, 07:06:27 PM
Just bought it.  This was a no-brainer!

I'll post up some impressions once I log some game time.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: MengJiao on June 05, 2020, 07:42:13 PM
Quote from: airboy on June 03, 2020, 08:34:29 PM
Thanks!

  Vindicator, Vindicated -- I took the Japs to Wake and gave the US the optional Vindicators.  They did real good:

Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: sandman2575 on June 05, 2020, 08:09:36 PM
A little too good, don't you think? I don't know the mechanics of the game yet, and may be misreading the results -- but 3 Vindicators sank 4 Japanese destroyers, a light cruiser, and 2 cargo ships?

Or maybe that's 3 squadrons of Vindicators?

Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: MengJiao on June 05, 2020, 09:02:43 PM
Quote from: sandman2575 on June 05, 2020, 08:09:36 PM
A little too good, don't you think? I don't know the mechanics of the game yet, and may be misreading the results -- but 3 Vindicators sank 4 Japanese destroyers, a light cruiser, and 2 cargo ships?

Or maybe that's 3 squadrons of Vindicators?

  That's the preliminary screen -- no hits by either side...i think the numbers are flights of 4 so that's 12 Vindicators and (as I recall the puzzled reaction of my earlier Japanese persona) -- I think the 12 Vindicators got one bomb hit and caused a minor fire and knocked out Some AA on one transport.

  Of course, Wake was a very odd battle -- a Wildcat sank a destroyer and so did one of the coast defense guns (IIRC).
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: sandman2575 on June 05, 2020, 09:16:49 PM
OK, those results sound much more reasonable!

I'm tempted to pick this up now -- but I'm not sure I have the mental energy at the moment to learn a whole new game. This one looks deceptively deep -- which is good! -- but that's also what's giving me pause.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Wavetop on June 07, 2020, 02:04:53 AM
Just bought the game yesterday and initially impressed with the quality of the presentation. It's got some bugs, but nothing major yet.

Good level of detail, without the need to micro-manage and a reasonable selection of scenarios, with variable and random options to mix it up a bit.

So far, liking the game.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Geezer on June 07, 2020, 05:53:02 AM
Welcome to Grogheads Wavetop.   :)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 09:52:36 AM
Welcome indeed. And thanks for the info on the new game which is calling my name. And not the bad names my Wife calls me when I screw-up either, the sweet one she uses when I've been good.  :dreamer:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 02:14:38 PM
Picked this one up on Day 1 and just started playing.  Currently trying out the Wake I scenario.  Got my TFs heading west towards Wake.  What am I seeing here?  What do the yellow hexes show?  Checked the manual, but couldn't find anything.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fxtgllwp.jpg&hash=20cae0f71df509c20fd6d1831149a67cb8d9ecb0)

Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 02:20:37 PM
Any bugs Steve?
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 02:20:37 PM
Any bugs Steve?

Haven't played a whole lot yet.  On the Steam forums there is talk of the end-of-turn button locking/freezing.  I think I experienced it once...so far.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 07, 2020, 02:47:59 PM
Quote from: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 02:14:38 PM
Picked this one up on Day 1 and just started playing.  Currently trying out the Wake I scenario.  Got my TFs heading west towards Wake.  What am I seeing here?  What do the yellow hexes show?  Checked the manual, but couldn't find anything.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fxtgllwp.jpg&hash=20cae0f71df509c20fd6d1831149a67cb8d9ecb0)
It is the search pattern, probably from escort carriers with scout planes. They are automatically controlled.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 07, 2020, 02:48:46 PM
Quote from: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 02:20:37 PM
Any bugs Steve?

Haven't played a whole lot yet.  On the Steam forums there is talk of the end-of-turn button locking/freezing.  I think I experienced it once...so far.
During beta testing they were quick in fixing bugs, so I think they are working on anything reported.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 03:18:29 PM
Quote from: rocketman on June 07, 2020, 02:47:59 PM
Quote from: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 02:14:38 PM
Picked this one up on Day 1 and just started playing.  Currently trying out the Wake I scenario.  Got my TFs heading west towards Wake.  What am I seeing here?  What do the yellow hexes show?  Checked the manual, but couldn't find anything.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fxtgllwp.jpg&hash=20cae0f71df509c20fd6d1831149a67cb8d9ecb0)
It is the search pattern, probably from escort carriers with scout planes. They are automatically controlled.

Thanks RM.  I think you are right that it is a search pattern.  The two TFs heading to Wake are set for auto-control'd. The one showing the search pattern is from TF14.1, but doesn't include any CVs.  It has some CAs with planes and also some transports (TRS) that show a plane icon.  Are seaplane tenders depicted as TRS?  The "manual" really needs a bit of work.

FYI...when I sent out search planes from the southern TF (not auto-controlled or shown in this screen), the hexes were blue.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 07, 2020, 03:24:46 PM
Quote from: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 03:18:29 PM
Quote from: rocketman on June 07, 2020, 02:47:59 PM
Quote from: steve58 on June 07, 2020, 02:14:38 PM
Picked this one up on Day 1 and just started playing.  Currently trying out the Wake I scenario.  Got my TFs heading west towards Wake.  What am I seeing here?  What do the yellow hexes show?  Checked the manual, but couldn't find anything.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fxtgllwp.jpg&hash=20cae0f71df509c20fd6d1831149a67cb8d9ecb0)
It is the search pattern, probably from escort carriers with scout planes. They are automatically controlled.
All units that has a small white plane center top of the counter have scout planes. Also look for the black/blue dot, which indicates some kind of radar. Some land bases have radar too, but not sure which.
I agree that the manual needs some work.

Thanks RM.  I think you are right that it is a search pattern.  The two TFs heading to Wake are set for auto-control'd. The one showing the search pattern is from TF14.1, but doesn't include any CVs.  It has some CAs with planes and also some transports (TRS) that show a plane icon.  Are seaplane tenders depicted as TRS?  The "manual" really needs a bit of work.

FYI...when I sent out search planes from the southern TF (not auto-controlled or shown in this screen), the hexes were blue.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 07, 2020, 03:43:49 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 02:20:37 PM
Any bugs Steve?

I've been playing/testing since early alpha.  There are still a number of game-breaking bugs.

For me the biggest one is the waypoint bug.  In many scenarios, your task forces will have a destination hex already set at the scenario start (and it's usually suicidal).  You can delete these and set new ones but there is a bug where it sometimes fails.  You delete the original waypoint and try to place a new one.  The waypoints are marked on the map with a yellow flag.  These flags will appear but your task force won't recognize them (a task force with a course set to a flag will be marked with a yellow band on the chit).  If you try to order new waypoints, the old flag marker won't disappear but a new one will be placed on the map yet your task force won't recognize that one either.  At this point, it often becomes impossible to order your task force to move so it will be stuck in its starting hex for the duration of the scenario.

The second big one is the map interface bug.  If you have any peripherals plugged into your PC other than a keyboard and mouse, there's a good chance the game will see this as a console controller and it'll default to accepting inputs from these over taking mouse/keyboard commands.  If you have a throttle, pedals, or a joystick, they won't always zero properly so the map will always scroll to the limit of one corner and it's not possible to re-centre it unless you unplug the device.

Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 03:52:35 PM
Ooops!  :hide:
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 07, 2020, 04:00:27 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 07, 2020, 03:43:49 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 07, 2020, 02:20:37 PM
Any bugs Steve?

I've been playing/testing since early alpha.  There are still a number of game-breaking bugs.

For me the biggest one is the waypoint bug.  In many scenarios, your task forces will have a destination hex already set at the scenario start (and it's usually suicidal).  You can delete these and set new ones but there is a bug where it sometimes fails.  You delete the original waypoint and try to place a new one.  The waypoints are marked on the map with a yellow flag.  These flags will appear but your task force won't recognize them (a task force with a course set to a flag will be marked with a yellow band on the chit).  If you try to order new waypoints, the old flag marker won't disappear but a new one will be placed on the map yet your task force won't recognize that one either.  At this point, it often becomes impossible to order your task force to move so it will be stuck in its starting hex for the duration of the scenario.

The second big one is the map interface bug.  If you have any peripherals plugged into your PC other than a keyboard and mouse, there's a good chance the game will see this as a console controller and it'll default to accepting inputs from these over taking mouse/keyboard commands.  If you have a throttle, pedals, or a joystick, they won't always zero properly so the map will always scroll to the limit of one corner and it's not possible to re-centre it unless you unplug the device.
Regarding the first one; I reported a similar one in beta testing. I think it might be specific for a scenario and side you play. So if you report bugs, make sure to state scenario and side.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 07, 2020, 04:10:23 PM
I get it in multiple scenarios and I've seen others reporting the same bug from both sides.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on June 09, 2020, 10:01:44 PM
Alright fellas, I'm going to need some help here.  I thought this was a no-brainer for me, but I have to be honest - it's leaving me pretty cold.   I'm struggling to figure out exactly what's turning me off.  I think it's the whole package feels like an iPad game.  I know that's what it evolved from, so it makes sense. 

Also, I wonder at the long-term replayability.  Too bad they didn't put in multiplayer since they went through the trouble of putting in both the U.S. and Japanese as playable sides.

I'm seriously thinking of a refund and simply holding out for TFA. 

Tell me what I'm missing here.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: SirAndrewD on June 10, 2020, 12:03:16 AM
Quote from: Toonces on June 09, 2020, 10:01:44 PM
Tell me what I'm missing here.

Ale and whores.

Yeah, not getting it either.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: MengJiao on June 10, 2020, 06:48:52 AM
Quote from: Toonces on June 09, 2020, 10:01:44 PM
Alright fellas, I'm going to need some help here.  I thought this was a no-brainer for me, but I have to be honest - it's leaving me pretty cold.   I'm struggling to figure out exactly what's turning me off.  I think it's the whole package feels like an iPad game.  I know that's what it evolved from, so it makes sense. 

Also, I wonder at the long-term replayability.  Too bad they didn't put in multiplayer since they went through the trouble of putting in both the U.S. and Japanese as playable sides.

I'm seriously thinking of a refund and simply holding out for TFA. 

Tell me what I'm missing here.

   I think your assessment is correct.  I'm glad I got it and I'm playing it happily, but I can see how limited and annoying the game is.  Many aspects are well-implemented, but the whole thing doesn't seem to gel -- for example there are no submarines and there's a lot of baffling weirdness such as why the US floatplanes are not visible from the carrier task force point of view but they are on the Japanese side.  In all the scenarios I've played (up to Midway) fuel is never a problem.  Just skipping the game is a reasonable move unless (like me) you have a very high tolerance for all the extremely annoying aspects of many games.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 10, 2020, 08:14:38 AM
Quote from: Toonces on June 09, 2020, 10:01:44 PM
Alright fellas, I'm going to need some help here.  I thought this was a no-brainer for me, but I have to be honest - it's leaving me pretty cold.   I'm struggling to figure out exactly what's turning me off.  I think it's the whole package feels like an iPad game.  I know that's what it evolved from, so it makes sense. 

Also, I wonder at the long-term replayability.  Too bad they didn't put in multiplayer since they went through the trouble of putting in both the U.S. and Japanese as playable sides.

I'm seriously thinking of a refund and simply holding out for TFA. 

Tell me what I'm missing here.
Multiplayer is high on the list for the dev to implement. So once the first batch of patches is done, I'm confident it will be worked on next. It is pretty much a one man team, so limited resources.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: rocketman on June 10, 2020, 08:16:11 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on June 10, 2020, 06:48:52 AM
Quote from: Toonces on June 09, 2020, 10:01:44 PM
Alright fellas, I'm going to need some help here.  I thought this was a no-brainer for me, but I have to be honest - it's leaving me pretty cold.   I'm struggling to figure out exactly what's turning me off.  I think it's the whole package feels like an iPad game.  I know that's what it evolved from, so it makes sense. 

Also, I wonder at the long-term replayability.  Too bad they didn't put in multiplayer since they went through the trouble of putting in both the U.S. and Japanese as playable sides.

I'm seriously thinking of a refund and simply holding out for TFA. 

Tell me what I'm missing here.

   I think your assessment is correct.  I'm glad I got it and I'm playing it happily, but I can see how limited and annoying the game is.  Many aspects are well-implemented, but the whole thing doesn't seem to gel -- for example there are no submarines and there's a lot of baffling weirdness such as why the US floatplanes are not visible from the carrier task force point of view but they are on the Japanese side.  In all the scenarios I've played (up to Midway) fuel is never a problem.  Just skipping the game is a reasonable move unless (like me) you have a very high tolerance for all the extremely annoying aspects of many games.
In several scenarios fuel will be a problem when it comes to which targets you can reach/strike. In some scenarios airfields have limited fuel as well.
Just curious, why do you want to have floatplanes visible since you have their search patterns show on the map? Submarines would be a nice addition, maybe a feature later on. I know the dev has a list of stuff he wants to implement.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: MengJiao on June 10, 2020, 08:39:37 AM
Quote from: rocketman on June 10, 2020, 08:16:11 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on June 10, 2020, 06:48:52 AM
Quote from: Toonces on June 09, 2020, 10:01:44 PM
Alright fellas, I'm going to need some help here.  I thought this was a no-brainer for me, but I have to be honest - it's leaving me pretty cold.   I'm struggling to figure out exactly what's turning me off.  I think it's the whole package feels like an iPad game.  I know that's what it evolved from, so it makes sense. 

Also, I wonder at the long-term replayability.  Too bad they didn't put in multiplayer since they went through the trouble of putting in both the U.S. and Japanese as playable sides.

I'm seriously thinking of a refund and simply holding out for TFA. 

Tell me what I'm missing here.

   I think your assessment is correct.  I'm glad I got it and I'm playing it happily, but I can see how limited and annoying the game is.  Many aspects are well-implemented, but the whole thing doesn't seem to gel -- for example there are no submarines and there's a lot of baffling weirdness such as why the US floatplanes are not visible from the carrier task force point of view but they are on the Japanese side.  In all the scenarios I've played (up to Midway) fuel is never a problem.  Just skipping the game is a reasonable move unless (like me) you have a very high tolerance for all the extremely annoying aspects of many games.
In several scenarios fuel will be a problem when it comes to which targets you can reach/strike. In some scenarios airfields have limited fuel as well.
Just curious, why do you want to have floatplanes visible since you have their search patterns show on the map? Submarines would be a nice addition, maybe a feature later on. I know the dev has a list of stuff he wants to implement.

About the floatplanes: they show up on Japanese search displays -- why not on American search displays?  All the same...its nice that somebody is working on this topic -- it can use plenty of exploration.  And...more about floatplanes.  At one point a US task force feared it had lost some of its floatplanes, but a few days later they found them.  They had landed on the water, rigged sails and were voyaging to Australia from the Coral Sea.

Anyway, good luck to all who are working on this and I am enjoying the game.  It does need a lot of work, though.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on June 10, 2020, 10:55:28 AM
You make Slash sad to hear this bad stuff.   :-[  But thanks for taking one for The Team guys.  O0
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: airboy on June 10, 2020, 12:24:15 PM
I appreciate the feedback provided.  Sorry some of you feel burned.

This is one of the reasons I almost never buy any PC game in the first week or two of release.  Only exception in the last 4 years has been Order of Battle campaigns - and even they are usually released with a few minor bugs.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Sir Slash on June 10, 2020, 02:03:26 PM
Agree. Almost all games are better after the first patch comes out. Or two.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 10, 2020, 04:31:25 PM
I backed it on KS because I enjoyed and earlier iteration of the game as an iOS app on my phone.  I'd hoped that this version of the game would've added enough to justify the jump in price but I find that it just doesn't .

I'd recommend having a look at a free-to-play browser based game called Fighting Flattops.  www.fightingflattops.com (http://www.fightingflattops.com).  It's a lot of fun, it's onlinee, turn based against dirty humanz, and you can play at your leisure.

I'm currently playing an alternate history version of the Coral Sea with Royal Navy carriers instead of US.  I just sank the Shokaku but the Zuikaku is still out there somehwere and an Emily just showed up over my task force and a heavy raid is about it hit Pt. Moresby and caught me with my pants down.  CAP landed just before the incoming raid was spotted (30+ planes likely coming in from Lae) and the new CAP hasn't had time to get to altitude.

Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Staggerwing on June 10, 2020, 05:34:33 PM
I recall trying that game a few years back. I tried twice to get a game going but each time my opponent bailed on me after a few turns.

BTW, SDR, are you any relation to Danny or Crispin?
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 10, 2020, 06:25:10 PM
I'm strong!  I can kick!

Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on June 10, 2020, 08:46:00 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on June 10, 2020, 08:39:37 AM

About the floatplanes: they show up on Japanese search displays -- why not on American search displays?  All the same...its nice that somebody is working on this topic -- it can use plenty of exploration.  And...more about floatplanes.  At one point a US task force feared it had lost some of its floatplanes, but a few days later they found them.  They had landed on the water, rigged sails and were voyaging to Australia from the Coral Sea.

My take about that USN floatplane story, if I may.

USN floatplanes seem to have been a pain in the butt ever since carrier wargames became a thing. It seems Cyril in this game (from what I read) decided to keep them somewhat out of the picture, and so did John Tiller and his team in Naval Campaigns: Midway. Can't blame them for that. Their doctrine for search duty was woefully inadequate, and as Mengjiao said, the few times it was attempted the result were lackluster, if not scandalous. Carrier scout squadrons are the eye of the fleet, and should be the counterpart to the well-drilled cruiser scouts used by the IJN, used from ships that sometimes were actually built with that very role in mind (i.e. the Tone sisters).

Still, we will include them in our own game, for a few reasons. In my view this overall "rejection" of the VOs as useful units game design-wise within the frame of a carrier battle stems from the fact that most games, whether they are tabletop or computer ones, usually don't include as a task for the player the management of the kind of missions they would excel at, and were used for. Most notably, inner patrols (basically air ASW) and rescue for instance.

In the first instance, they are a fine replacement for carrier planes when these need to be released for offensive or scouting duty (although they have short legs and are definitely limited to inner/intermediate perimeter patrols) while in the latter case, most games just don't simulate aircrew rescue, and as such suppress any need there is for this vital task. Although it is true that the USN would always use a ship rather than a plane when possible and range permits, sometimes you need a floatplane to fly guard over the aircrew in the drink and guide the rescue, whether it relieves a carrier plane or makes the discovery itself. If the state of the sea and the size of the crews allows it, they are also perfectly capable of making the rescue themselves. Knowing intensive air ops are incoming in the vicinity of the carrier, you will be encouraged by our game system to keep some of the floats in reserve for this sort of duty if you want to get the points & the satisfaction associated with efficient sea or coastal rescue of valuable aircrew.

To summarize, I am convinced that once you allow them to do the job they're good at, you won't feel entitled to use them for a-historical reasons, and designers won't feel the need to deprive you of your toys, leading to the existing feeling of mild frustration. We still have to prove our point by making a good game first though ;)

Cheers
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: MengJiao on June 11, 2020, 03:29:16 PM
Quote from: The_Admiral on June 10, 2020, 08:46:00 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on June 10, 2020, 08:39:37 AM

About the floatplanes: they show up on Japanese search displays -- why not on American search displays?  All the same...its nice that somebody is working on this topic -- it can use plenty of exploration.  And...more about floatplanes.  At one point a US task force feared it had lost some of its floatplanes, but a few days later they found them.  They had landed on the water, rigged sails and were voyaging to Australia from the Coral Sea.

My take about that USN floatplane story, if I may.

USN floatplanes seem to have been a pain in the butt ever since carrier wargames became a thing. It seems Cyril in this game (from what I read) decided to keep them somewhat out of the picture, and so did John Tiller and his team in Naval Campaigns: Midway. Can't blame them for that. Their doctrine for search duty was woefully inadequate, and as Mengjiao said, the few times it was attempted the result were lackluster, if not scandalous. Carrier scout squadrons are the eye of the fleet, and should be the counterpart to the well-drilled cruiser scouts used by the IJN, used from ships that sometimes were actually built with that very role in mind (i.e. the Tone sisters).

Still, we will include them in our own game, for a few reasons. In my view this overall "rejection" of the VOs as useful units game design-wise within the frame of a carrier battle stems from the fact that most games, whether they are tabletop or computer ones, usually don't include as a task for the player the management of the kind of missions they would excel at, and were used for. Most notably, inner patrols (basically air ASW) and rescue for instance.

In the first instance, they are a fine replacement for carrier planes when these need to be released for offensive or scouting duty (although they have short legs and are definitely limited to inner/intermediate perimeter patrols) while in the latter case, most games just don't simulate aircrew rescue, and as such suppress any need there is for this vital task. Although it is true that the USN would always use a ship rather than a plane when possible and range permits, sometimes you need a floatplane to fly guard over the aircrew in the drink and guide the rescue, whether it relieves a carrier plane or makes the discovery itself. If the state of the sea and the size of the crews allows it, they are also perfectly capable of making the rescue themselves. Knowing intensive air ops are incoming in the vicinity of the carrier, you will be encouraged by our game system to keep some of the floats in reserve for this sort of duty if you want to get the points & the satisfaction associated with efficient sea or coastal rescue of valuable aircrew.

To summarize, I am convinced that once you allow them to do the job they're good at, you won't feel entitled to use them for a-historical reasons, and designers won't feel the need to deprive you of your toys, leading to the existing feeling of mild frustration. We still have to prove our point by making a good game first though ;)

Cheers

   Well, in 1942 just about any kind of plane could get lost.  at least Floatplanes and flyboats (ps that is flying boats -- I've been reading too much 16th century stuff where "flyboats" were small warships) could set down and even set sail.  There are also pictures of US floatplanes rescuing so many people that they are sitting on the wings.

   And -- of course -- the US Catalinas (PY...something) were good good and well-supported and even eventually came in "Black Cat" form.  The floatplanes actually work well in Cyril's game, its just that they show up as icons on the Japanese searches, but not on the US searches.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on June 11, 2020, 05:21:36 PM
My gripes have more to do with the simple aesthetics and just a "something" I can't put my finger exactly on.  It's just not quite what I was expecting.

I don't mean to denigrate the game or the hard work of Cyril.  It's quite an accomplishment for one person IMO.  It's just not for me.  I'm going to refund unfortunately.

Maybe I can revisit it once MP is implemented, although that's not why I'm moving on.  We'll see.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: RedArgo on June 11, 2020, 08:06:16 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 10, 2020, 04:31:25 PM
I backed it on KS because I enjoyed and earlier iteration of the game as an iOS app on my phone.  I'd hoped that this version of the game would've added enough to justify the jump in price but I find that it just doesn't .

I'd recommend having a look at a free-to-play browser based game called Fighting Flattops.  www.fightingflattops.com (http://www.fightingflattops.com).  It's a lot of fun, it's onlinee, turn based against dirty humanz, and you can play at your leisure.

I'm currently playing an alternate history version of the Coral Sea with Royal Navy carriers instead of US.  I just sank the Shokaku but the Zuikaku is still out there somehwere and an Emily just showed up over my task force and a heavy raid is about it hit Pt. Moresby and caught me with my pants down.  CAP landed just before the incoming raid was spotted (30+ planes likely coming in from Lae) and the new CAP hasn't had time to get to altitude.

I tried this a while ago, turns out sevens years ago, time flies I guess.  I remember enjoying it until my opponent and I were both able to strike each others carrier fleets after darkness forced the CAP to land.  That kind of soured me on the game.  Not sure if that was a bug or just how it works.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: The_Admiral on June 11, 2020, 09:22:07 PM
Well, arguably night carrier strike were a serious possibility. US carrier scout & bomber groups were trained for them to a certain extent (the Wasp air group in particular in SOPAC) and the Japanese land bases squadrons were definitely proficient in that regard early on (aka the battle of Rennell Island that doomed USS Chicago). Several times during the Guadalcanal campaign US nightime carrier air attacks were contemplated, although none were launched. On the other hand, fighters had little to no night doctrine to boot in 1942 on both sides, so it isn't too far-stretched. Still, naturally, in the best of scenarios moonlight had to play a role and collaborate with the crews - and even then, eventually, risk of getting lost was ever too high to allow them to happen in the first place.

Quote from: Toonces on June 11, 2020, 05:21:36 PM
My gripes have more to do with the simple aesthetics and just a "something" I can't put my finger exactly on.  It's just not quite what I was expecting.

I don't mean to denigrate the game or the hard work of Cyril.  It's quite an accomplishment for one person IMO.  It's just not for me.  I'm going to refund unfortunately.

Maybe I can revisit it once MP is implemented, although that's not why I'm moving on.  We'll see.

At any rate, thanks for your trust Toonces, we'll try to stay true to your expectations with TFA ;)
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: GJK on June 19, 2020, 04:34:56 AM
Some may recall but Cyril based this design on the original Victory Games' "Carrier".  In that game, PBY searches are handled rather abstractly because the game focuses on carrier management.  In it, if the "PBY" chit is drawn AND if there is a possible target within the radius of the PBY map icon that is rolled, then there is a chance that it detects that target.  Simple yet abstract. My guess is he's doing something similar here.


I did pick this one up as well, with high hopes, being such a fan of "Carrier" but it left me wanting something more as well.  In the boardgame, it gets very tense when you've searched and located a target that preliminary is reported as being enemy carriers- you scramble to get a strike group formed and launched and hopefully before any incoming attack hits you first.  I just don't get that tension with this PC implementation and I'm not sure why.  At first I thought perhaps it was because of the lack of auditory feedback (the dive bomber sound in Tiller's "Midway" is just awesome) but obviously the boardgame has none of that so it must be something more.  I haven't put much time into it however so perhaps I'll pinpoint it but it will likely come down to why PC wargames often leave me a bit dry; the computer just does "too much" for me and I feel a bit of a disconnect with the game.  I like looking up modifiers and rolling on charts to get my results- here, it's a button click and it's just done.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on June 19, 2020, 06:57:49 PM
I never did refund this.  Guess I might as well learn how to play it now!
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: steve58 on January 12, 2021, 04:03:48 PM
FYI:  On sale over at Gamersgate for $15.74 (https://www.gamersgate.com/DD-CARRIER-BATTLES-4-GUADALCANAL/carier-batles-4-guadalcanal) for the next 2 days.  Steam key.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on February 04, 2021, 01:17:04 AM
I was going to necro-bump this, but I see Steve did that for me.  Thanks Steve58!

Ok, so finally I'm investing some time in this game.  I guess I've been holding out for WotS or TF:A to come along and make this game redundant.  Since that never happened, and with the troubles of WotS I decided to boot CB4 up tonight and see what the game is all about.

First off, reading my impressions the last few pages, they remain the same.  I don't like the interface or aesthetics of the game.  They didn't do anything wrong, it's just not what I would prefer; they feel tablet-like.

Second, this PC game is almost an exact port of the boardgame Carrier, even down to the map which is depicted as a boardgame map on a table.  The counters, and the numbers on them, seem to be a 1:1 recreation of the boardgame.  So...this is going to play like a boardgame where the computer does all the math for you.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

There are quite a few scenarios, and within them there are some random or alternate settings.  If you consider that you can play all of the scenarios from both sides, there is a decent amount of replay.  I would really, really like a module creation/editor kit to allow player to create scenarios.  I checked the forums and didn't see that this game is mod-friendly, which is too bad.

There is PBEM multiplayer now.

The seaplanes that were so griped about earlier in this thread were released as a $3 DLC.  I went to buy it tonight and it turns out I already had it.  Heh.  It does add some additional ability to the game, but without it, the AI still sends out AI seaplanes, so I'm not sure it brings all that much other than a warm fuzzy.  Still, 3 clams is less than a cheeseburger, so.

Since this is a boardgame port, this isn't a complaint so much as what I'd personally like to see.  Admiral, pay attention here.

A lot of Carrier Battles is about flight deck management.  Like the real carrier battles, almost everything rests on deciding when to launch a strike and its composition, and timing that with your CAP flow, and what you're keeping either in reserve or for a second strike.  You have limited deck space, everything takes time, and in WW2 you can't simultaneously launch and recover aircraft.  So the carrier management is really the heart of the game.  Everything else just serves to get the player/admiral into the position to make these tough decisions.

Carrier Battles 4 does this, to some extent.  What I would really, really like to see (either modded into this game, or definitely in TF:A) is some sort of flight board that shows you, in detail, the status of what's being readied, what's on the flight deck ready to launch, when your planes like CAP are due to land, and when your strikes are due back to the ship.  This info is sort of available in Carrier Battles, but you have to decipher it from the numbers on the counters, and you have to do a lot of mental math.  I'd like to see a board with this info spelled out clearly, as it certainly would be in real life, so I can look at a glance and tell where my priorities need to be.  Do I need to let a flight SBDs ditch to get off a second strike?  Get a CAP airborne?  Do I need to cycle my CAP early to get my deck cleared early for my returning strike?  None of these appear, so far, to be intuitive with CB4.  I will say if you foul these calculations up you will pay LOL.

There's depth in this game.  I don't like the presentation.  Frankly, simply toughening up the UI, making it harsher and more gritty, would go a long way to improving the immersion.  For example, rather than doing counters and hexes, colors, clouds and rain drops, why not a simply nautical chart?  Some red lights.  Make contact reports look like hand drawings on a map.  Just make everything look more authentic.  You don't have to change the gameplay at all.  What I'm talking about is pure aesthetics that would make the player feel more like he's on the bridge of an aircraft carrier in WW2 rather than playing a tablet game.

What I played tonight I enjoyed.  I intend to keep playing.  I wish I had the ability to create my own scenarios, but it is what it is.  I wish there was modding support.  But if you think you'd like to play a boardgame to PC port of Carrier, this seems to be pretty close.
Title: Re: carrier battles kickstarter for pc
Post by: Toonces on February 04, 2021, 01:28:56 AM
Following up on some of those thoughts, re-reading my post:

When you go to launch an airstrike, the game will tell you if the planes will make it or not fuel-wise.  You can choose to shuttle bomb; launch from one place and land at another (something not easily done in Carrier Strike which was one of my show-stoppers).  And you can launch them one-way if that's your choice; the game won't stop you.

Also, if you launch beyond return range, the planes will still try to return.  You'll suffer attrition, but sometimes some pilots managed their fuel better, got lucky, etc. so even on a long extended range strike you won't necessarily lose everyone.  Same with night landings.  The game gives you an idea of the attrition, but sometimes shit happens...in a good way.  Also in a bad way if a thunderstorm rolls in while you're landing planes.  Sigh.

So you have an idea of the endurance criteria before you launch.  When they get into the landing pattern you can check who needs to land first or most urgently by selecting the landing group and checking their endurance states.  The game will cycle them onto deck in the most appropriate order, exactly like the boardgame rolls would do.  I'd just prefer to see something with more granularity on the whole process.  We don't have to move in "turns" "20-minute cycles" "hexes" and stuff like that now.  I want to see real numbers, time, and minutes.  That's what I'm hoping from TF:A.

Carrier Battles plays like a boardgame.  That is not bad.  Just understand that that is what it is at heart.