[ColdSteel]

Talenn,

You make some excellent points. I suppose one major difference between SE4 and MOO2 tactical combat is the 30 turn limit on tactical combat sessions in SE4. In effect I suppose this in itself acts as a form of retreat if you can just Last that long. So, I agree that if the game is balanced for this, it's not a big deal to me. Really, it is more a suspension of belief thing. Maybe they can find a way to depict this inability to leave combat a little better than it is currently so it is not so visually jarring.

You make a good case for the current starting distances but I'd still like to see some variability in the starting distances. Part of being a great tactician is being able to adjust to the unknowns that are thrown at you in each battle. No two combat situations are ever exactly alike. Being handed the exact same starting distances each time detracts from something that should be a litte less certain, IMO. Think how much you'd desire and seek the initiative if it meant being able to determine the starting distance of the tactical or stategic combat at hand. I think it might put a little clench back in your stomach when facing the AI. Since you *would* be starting at long range much of the time it would still keep the tactics you mention in play and just intoduce a bit more uncertainty. A kind of "fog of war" if you will. Of course it wouldn't work at all without having the combat initiative added to the game. I do hope they add that.

I also agree they need to add the ability to scroll screens and a few other interface things mentioned in various reviews. Overall, perhaps I might just need to get more used to it.

Tomgs: Thanks for the tip. I'll try that. I'd speeded up animations first thing but was hitting the auto button which means having to keep hitting the end turn button constantly. I'll try your suggestion instead.