random thoughts about the game engine

[troopie]

The game doesn't model close order formations. Units and formations can fire or engage in any direction. This is not so in reality, which is why you tried to flank or take formations in rear. They were open shields, or could not use their weapons. Also, there is a practical limit and a code limit to the number of men you can put. The code limit is 255. The practical limit is about fifty. More than that, and morale checks break down and the slightest fire causes them to rout permanently.

Also the game does not model black powder. The choking clouds of smoke that obscured battle fields before the 1880's don't appear. No complaint, the engine was never designed to do that.

A hex is 50 metres. That's too large for (e.g) an ACW company and not enough for a battalion or regiment. And formations in the game move individually, not in the solid masses of early warfare.

I have done French colonial and Boer war scenarios and suspect that is the earliest that may be done. It seems to me that it does that very well.

But, try it if you wish. Maybe I'm wrong.

troopie