Jutland!

[Kool Kat]

Gents:

Ok. I bit the "bullet" or is it "torpedo?" :whis:

I purchased Jutland!!

I did experience an initial game authentication issue when I purchased and downloaded the game files (Saturday, April 20). This authentication problem kept me from playing the game for two days. I had to submit a ticket to the Storm Eagle Studios (SES) Help Desk, but I did receive a response before noon on Monday that resolved the issue!

I'm not a fan of their authentication process - essentially you have to start Jutland from a SES Launcher that connects with their servers, verifies you have a properly licensed / registered software copy, each time before you can play the game! SES must be a little paranoid about software piracy? It can get rather frustrating for the player!

But, once you get into Jutland, it is fun! I've played several small computer-generated battles (approximately 6 ships total) to learn the basics of ship movement and combat. 3D ship models are well done complete with bow wakes, boiler noises, and large amounts of smoke billowing from funnels! Nice weather and sunlight effects. There's a interesting "shell cam" view that allows players to follow the shell barrage fired from your ship (e.g. it's like you are riding on top of the shells!) as it arches up and splashes down near the enemy ship target. Shell splashes / near misses are modeled well. Ship models show damage.

Memorable moment for me. I was commanding the German light cruiser Arcona against 5 British destroyers. I steamed straight at the British fleet... got the range to under 5,000 yards... turned broadsides... and opened up with every gun I had. (10.5 CM SK L/40 guns). Sunk 2 British destroyers, and lightly damaged 2 others in approximately 10 minutes. The survivors retreated under full steam and their 25 knots top speed allowed them to pull away from my Arcona. She can only muster 21 knots.

Good fun!

I am enjoying Jutland!