New User - Questions regarding PzC

[jckerr4]

I am interested in playing PzC, and I am curious regarding which game to puchase from HPS.
I have been playing SSG's Battlefront and Kharkov, in which I have had some sucess, and enjoyed.
Someone recommended HPS, but I am not sure which game to order.
My intention would be to purchase, spend some time playing the AI until I can stand on my own 2 feet, and then start some PBEM.
My Questions are:
Which PzC is best to start with?
Will it work with Vista?
Will I be able to find opponents on this site?

[Mr Grumpy]

Welcome Joseph to the OpS ladder, i am sure you will enjoy PzC it is a great game system. :)

Playing the AI is a great way to learn the rules and get a feel for the system, but PBEM is the way to really enjoy these games.

1) All the titles are patched to the same level, so there are no "old" or new versions, so the best advice is to pick a title that covers a period of WW2 that you enjoy, all titles have a mix of large and small scenarios.

2) If you visit the HPS site HPS Site there is information on playing PzC on Vista PC's (i use XP).

3) When you are ready to play PBEM post a game request on this forum explaining you are a newbie and i am certain you will get a game offer to get you out of bootcamp. :)

Any other questions, just ask............

[jckerr4]

Thanks Foul!
Heres another question if you don't mind.
If I choose one game, say Kharkov 42, will I be able to play other scenarios like Stalingrad or Kursk. I am thinking that I will have to buy the game for each scenario. If this is the case, can you recommend a some of the more popular verisons. I would rather not start playing a version that is not played that often via PBEM in the forums.

[Steel God]

Hi Joseph,

You are correct that the scenarios can only be played with the specific CD they are sold with, so if you buy Kharkov 42 you will be playing scenarios that deal with that battle, and not Kursk 43 or Stalingrad 42. But each disc comes with a LOT of scenarios, so there's a lot of bang for the buck. A list of the scenarios for each title can be checked out here:

https://www.theblitz.club/scenarios/index.php

Scroll down the list to the OpC section and then click on any title for a list of the scenarios playable with that game.

As for which are the most popular, all games are supported and all have their followings. This link will give you an idea of which games are played the most here at the Blitz, just keep in mind that older titles will naturally have more games reported against them as they have been out longer.

https://www.theblitz.club/sitemap/club_stats3.php

If you like the Eastern Front combat, and want the best introduction to the series you will not go too far wrong by buying Smolensk 41, the first game in the series, and for my money the best introduction to a player for the eastern front. If the Western front is more your speed, then I recommend Bulge 44 as the classic introduction. But that's personal preference, Darran's recommendation to pick a battle you are interested in is sound advice.

[jckerr4]

Thanks Steel
Great Info
Just ordered B44
Price was a bit steep
Wish I could download it right now, but the US postal service will give me time to pick up a book or 2 on the Ardennes. I don't know about everyone else, but I find that reading the history and playing the game really go well together.
It allows me associate the actual stories and soldiers with the units on the map. Helps me to better understand the topology of the conflict.
Personally, I wouldn't mind it if they sold it as a package.
Something like....
On Sale at your local bookstores now..
"A Bridge to Far" by Cornelius Ryan and "MG44" by John Tiller - $74.95 for both - Act now while supplies last!
Anyway, its getting late, and I am starting to ramble
Thanks again for the info

[KG_RangerBooBoo]

Someone should have steered you here as the best place to buy HPS games. They are all on sale right now for $29.99.

http://yhst-12000246778232.stores.yahoo.net/

[Vaevictis]

As for finding players on this site, every time I have looked for an opponent I have found one.

[Dog Soldier]

Wish I could download it right now, but the US postal service will give me time to pick up a book or 2 on the Ardennes. I don't know about everyone else, but I find that reading the history and playing the game really go well together.

I think you will find many here that agree with this statement. I would add that when playing a PBEM game, the email discussion about the actual battle can enhance the experience. I have learned a lot from members of this club while playing.

Good Gaming to you!

Dog Soldier