Realism settings

[c_of_red]

VYRago, you might want to see if the Blitz (google blitzkrieg wargaming)still has a mentor program. It really helps to play a couple of games for 'funsies' against an old pro. One that will explain to you what is what and why. Playing the AI is only good for learning the mechanics. The game really shines when played against another human, or near human in some cases.

[Lt. Ketch]

Originally Posted by c_of_red

Playing the AI is only good for learning the mechanics. The game really shines when played against another human, or near human in some cases.

Amen!

spotting infantry even with thermal sights is also hard.

Spotting infantry in general is hard, particularly if they aren't moving. Imp brought up a good point, vehicles don't spot well whether it's because they're moving quickly, small slits, only being able to glance at the TI screen or they'll run into a tree, etc.

all I know is that I try to advance smartly with overwatching groups, smoke to cover as well and mostly I watch my vehicles get raped by RPG squads and 'hidden' tanks. this game seems to favor defensive tactics, since when I'm neatly parked up on hills I likewise annihilate the enemy mostly before they even shoot back.

If you're wiping the enemy out before they get a chance to fire then, my firend, you're doing a good job! Overwatch doesn't generally mean that you're units don't get shot at. It means that you get a shot at the shooter. Expect to use units every once in a while. Also, make sure your overwatch units have stoped moving before you move the sacrifical lamb. Otherwise they would have very good spotting.

When done correctly defences can make for a very easy and distructive battle. Playing a defence against the AI the easiest because it doesn't alter much from its coding. Don't underestimate it, I've had a few experiences, and read posts of others, when the AI pulled a nasty trick off and suprised me. But a human opponent can change things up, take risks, or otherwise do the unexpected. When you think about it, a lot of the decicieve battles of wars are won by the defender. US Civil War at Gettysburg, WW2 Pacific theatur at Midway, WW2 Eastern European Front at Stalingrad, WW2 Western Front, battle of Britian, or the Bulge. Vietnam conflict, 7 Days war (I believe). The list goes on. It stands to reason that the defend has more of an advantage in being able to choose the battlefield, posistion weapons ahead of time and wait unseen for the attacker to simply walk into the trap. The AI walks into traps rather well.

This is where C_of_Red's comment comes into play. Play around until you feel comfortable and then let people know your interested. It takes a little getting used to, but it's a lot more fun then playing the AI. I'm fairly new to MBT and am being "mentored" myself. It's nice to have feedback, even if it's at the cost of your equipment. (I'm still bummed about that Blackhawk, John ). Give it a try and have fun. Or you could heed hoplitis' advice

RUN WHILE YOU CAN!
Eventually you'll find the proper mix of preferences and tactics that suit you and maybe a couple of PBEM buddies and then you get ADDICTED TO THIS DAMN GAME!!!!
So, run while you can!!!

Long post, sorry about that