Just incase you missed the link...
http://ftfahc.blogspot.com/
Feel free to PM me across the forums with AARs, pictures and video links, and they'll hopefully be placed on the Allied section!
Cheers,
Tomba
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Capturing video harder than depots
You wouldn't believe how much time I spent today trying to get a free video capture program that did what I wanted, and how I wanted it. With this new PR role, I wanted to get set up so that I can not only include screenshots in my reports and articles, but videos as well. Considering my computer specs, I can afford to run a video capture while ingame and still play very comfortably with FPS, and it would make for better news, I believe.
Anyhow, I download FRAPS and discover a host of things that don't suit me - obviously the 30 second limit - but the sound doesn't work either. I cannot record sound, it seems, from the game. Slightly annoying. Well, more than slightly annoying!
Then, I try CamStudio in which I encounter the same problem. I cannot get it to recognise a sound device and therefore it will not record ingame sounds. A video without ingame sounds isn't that great, and can become tedious rapidly. So I'm stuck at a crossroads with no clue which way to head, as I delve into the universe of - most likely - having to pay for a program.
So which program do I get? Which one can I guarantee will work with my sound? Which one has the quality and doesn't strain my computer too much? Then there's the issue of image hosting. At least that's a little more simple!
Anyhow, I didn't give up, but I deferred that struggle for tomorrow, while I instead racked up a 15 kill mission in Grobbendonk, followed by two 6 kill missions and capped off with a 10 kill mission. A few bomb runs and a discussion of the theatre and I am ready to hit the hay. All in all, it seems it's far easier to capture depots than it is to capture video!
Anyhow, I download FRAPS and discover a host of things that don't suit me - obviously the 30 second limit - but the sound doesn't work either. I cannot record sound, it seems, from the game. Slightly annoying. Well, more than slightly annoying!
Then, I try CamStudio in which I encounter the same problem. I cannot get it to recognise a sound device and therefore it will not record ingame sounds. A video without ingame sounds isn't that great, and can become tedious rapidly. So I'm stuck at a crossroads with no clue which way to head, as I delve into the universe of - most likely - having to pay for a program.
So which program do I get? Which one can I guarantee will work with my sound? Which one has the quality and doesn't strain my computer too much? Then there's the issue of image hosting. At least that's a little more simple!
Anyhow, I didn't give up, but I deferred that struggle for tomorrow, while I instead racked up a 15 kill mission in Grobbendonk, followed by two 6 kill missions and capped off with a 10 kill mission. A few bomb runs and a discussion of the theatre and I am ready to hit the hay. All in all, it seems it's far easier to capture depots than it is to capture video!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Neither gone nor forgotten
Well it may seem like I've neglected my blog for a week. The main reason behind this is that I have, but with good reason. Well, at least some form of justification, at the least. A myriad of in game and out of game issues, along with real life have made me either too tired or just not in the mood for a good blog post. Nonetheless here I am in the wee hours of a Saturday morning posting to ensure this blog is not forgotten.
Some things that have been happening this week...
I'm hoping to pick up some more PR things, and to work with Svedala - hopefully - to bring wider PR coverage to the Allied side. This is quite an exciting prospect, and would be both fun and rewarding I feel. Along with blogging, this PR would be a way to promote World War Two Online, and I this is a prospect I don't want to avoid. With RL becoming busier over the next few weeks, November will see a sharp increase in time for WWIIOL as RL issues fade away, and PR is a great way to spend some of that time, I believe.
The map progresses and I've been having a tonne of fun. Whether flying or as infantry - I'm yet to take a ship out - I've been fighting alongside my Allied peers and it's been a tonne of fun. I seem to take the rifle as a weapon of choice - a good thing considering my death rate - and have managed a few 5+ missions, which is a welcome return for a player such as myself.
The French Country continues to advance, and each of our Branches is fighting strong. While slightly under-manned, CE and I have been working tirelessly with the Branch CO's to get everything back on track and branches functioning in the best possible way. It's a game afterall, and the aim is fun - so I figure lets get people in game and having fun, not sitting outside of game doing 'paperwork'. N.B. Blogging and PR isn't paperwork, it's all for fun!
Anyhow, that's about it right now, so I'm off. I'll post more in the near future, no doubt, on the broad spectrum (and ever increasing) of issues! This post breaks the week-long drought on my blog, which is neither gone nor forgotten, I assure you!
Some things that have been happening this week...
I'm hoping to pick up some more PR things, and to work with Svedala - hopefully - to bring wider PR coverage to the Allied side. This is quite an exciting prospect, and would be both fun and rewarding I feel. Along with blogging, this PR would be a way to promote World War Two Online, and I this is a prospect I don't want to avoid. With RL becoming busier over the next few weeks, November will see a sharp increase in time for WWIIOL as RL issues fade away, and PR is a great way to spend some of that time, I believe.
The map progresses and I've been having a tonne of fun. Whether flying or as infantry - I'm yet to take a ship out - I've been fighting alongside my Allied peers and it's been a tonne of fun. I seem to take the rifle as a weapon of choice - a good thing considering my death rate - and have managed a few 5+ missions, which is a welcome return for a player such as myself.
The French Country continues to advance, and each of our Branches is fighting strong. While slightly under-manned, CE and I have been working tirelessly with the Branch CO's to get everything back on track and branches functioning in the best possible way. It's a game afterall, and the aim is fun - so I figure lets get people in game and having fun, not sitting outside of game doing 'paperwork'. N.B. Blogging and PR isn't paperwork, it's all for fun!
Anyhow, that's about it right now, so I'm off. I'll post more in the near future, no doubt, on the broad spectrum (and ever increasing) of issues! This post breaks the week-long drought on my blog, which is neither gone nor forgotten, I assure you!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Defence of Montmedy
I posted this in the Allied Section too, and it's worthy of a blog post. I included awards, as they're important I feel.
-----------------------------
What an amazing defence.
Starting around 7pm Australian time, the Allies faced 4 Axis Brigades against our poor, little and very lonely single brigade. None the less, we engaged in a form of defence not seen by this command for a long time; an overly organised one
Right from the AO placement Allied troops were defending our only FB (Orval), and giving the Axis hell from a perimeter around town. Others guarded flags, and all flags were covered within the first ten minutes. This continued for the entire battle. As well, the Axis MSP's were being marked and destroyed, and more Allied players continued to spawn, creating a good number for defence.
As the battle progressed, the Allied line of ATG's and sappers in the field continued to wreak havoc against enemy PZ's, and it was a welcome sign for players in town not to see any panzers, bar the occasional 232, until the final stages of the battle. As well as our line outside of town, in each CP we had dedicated guards, who served right until the end. In fact, the communication was fantastic, and only four times did a CP fall in the first three hours.
It was the final twenty minutes which saw, after repeated Axis paratrooper attempts, a wave finally work and depots fall. They all fell, very quickly - as expected. While we attempted to fight back and keep hold, the Axis had far greater numbers, and the panzers rolled into town after smashing through our lines, supporting their infantry very well and taking hold of all of the CP's. With three spawnables, there was nothing left for the Allies to hold on with.
Rather than waste supply, the call was made to fallback. Allied players responded positively to this, and rather than running to their doom, they despawned and allowed the fallback to work. It was after this defence that many players spawned straight into another town, to defend and to push back the Axis forces.
Montmedy was an impressive case of teamwork. It was a town that statistically stood no chance, yet through communication, organisation and participation, the Allies held it for over 3 hours and 19 minutes against the Axis forces outnumbering them 4:1. I was extremely, and am extremely proud of the way Allied players conducted themselves, responded quickly and held their heads high in this defence, even when we had to fallback. It was a pleasure to OIC the defence as players did anything and everything to keep the town for as long as we could.
It is in this light I would like to thank the following depot guards. I apologise if I missed anybody, but as I guarded the "Long CP" for the entire battle, I'm fairly sure I managed to scout out those on the map who were guarding a CP. The following people spent time in a CP guarding - some longer than others - and deserve a big thank you. Well done guys!
Depot Guards
Ckdex
Greatone
Adv
Seumas13
Pierro
Downu
Jd7
Cwo4evil
Ajems
Spikey
Assour
Bionicg
Mondy
Klodvig
Pas2nom9
Genric
Snake44
Catfive
Cordad
Gagsy
Dirtpig2
Three6ty
Covdad
Salador
Wedgehed
Lucard
Janus
Iiiihhad
However, it also gives me great pleasure to annouce a few awards.
Combat Merit Brigade Recognition
For outstanding work in the field of duty, awarded to:
Snake44
Pierro
Assour
Bionicg
These players went above and beyond the call of duty. They assisted greatly in the defence of the town, and served the Allies dutifully.
Combat Merit Hero Recognition
This player served for long periods of time guarding depots, and without him the defence efforts would not have been nearly as successful as they were. He is awarded the highest level of Combat Merit Recognition; the Combat Merit Hero Recognition. Congratulations sir!
Ckdex, well done mate, and congratulations!
Axis Denied Commander Cross
It is a distinct pleasure to be able to even think about giving this award to a player. This award is a very new, very high award for those who meet this criteria:
Awarded to both AHC Officers and Pbase for doing the day in day out guarding duty in CP, FB or a Bunker preventing the Axis from gaining a stronghold. Awarded by Country level CinC or CoS and CinC or CinC Staff .
In this defence there was a player who was present from the near beginning. His communications and efforts guarding one CP stopped the Axis from taking it for the entire battle. His positive attitude and dedication is constantly noticed - by this commander especially - and he is a credit to his squad, the 22nd Mech, and the Allied side. For his efforts tonight, and his efforts at all times, join me in congratulating Spikey for the "Axis Denied Commander Cross," a very high Allied Award.
Well deserved Spikey!
Again, well done to all players, and I'll see you defending the next town - or taking it
-----------------------------
What an amazing defence.
Starting around 7pm Australian time, the Allies faced 4 Axis Brigades against our poor, little and very lonely single brigade. None the less, we engaged in a form of defence not seen by this command for a long time; an overly organised one
Right from the AO placement Allied troops were defending our only FB (Orval), and giving the Axis hell from a perimeter around town. Others guarded flags, and all flags were covered within the first ten minutes. This continued for the entire battle. As well, the Axis MSP's were being marked and destroyed, and more Allied players continued to spawn, creating a good number for defence.
As the battle progressed, the Allied line of ATG's and sappers in the field continued to wreak havoc against enemy PZ's, and it was a welcome sign for players in town not to see any panzers, bar the occasional 232, until the final stages of the battle. As well as our line outside of town, in each CP we had dedicated guards, who served right until the end. In fact, the communication was fantastic, and only four times did a CP fall in the first three hours.
It was the final twenty minutes which saw, after repeated Axis paratrooper attempts, a wave finally work and depots fall. They all fell, very quickly - as expected. While we attempted to fight back and keep hold, the Axis had far greater numbers, and the panzers rolled into town after smashing through our lines, supporting their infantry very well and taking hold of all of the CP's. With three spawnables, there was nothing left for the Allies to hold on with.
Rather than waste supply, the call was made to fallback. Allied players responded positively to this, and rather than running to their doom, they despawned and allowed the fallback to work. It was after this defence that many players spawned straight into another town, to defend and to push back the Axis forces.
Montmedy was an impressive case of teamwork. It was a town that statistically stood no chance, yet through communication, organisation and participation, the Allies held it for over 3 hours and 19 minutes against the Axis forces outnumbering them 4:1. I was extremely, and am extremely proud of the way Allied players conducted themselves, responded quickly and held their heads high in this defence, even when we had to fallback. It was a pleasure to OIC the defence as players did anything and everything to keep the town for as long as we could.
It is in this light I would like to thank the following depot guards. I apologise if I missed anybody, but as I guarded the "Long CP" for the entire battle, I'm fairly sure I managed to scout out those on the map who were guarding a CP. The following people spent time in a CP guarding - some longer than others - and deserve a big thank you. Well done guys!
Depot Guards
Ckdex
Greatone
Adv
Seumas13
Pierro
Downu
Jd7
Cwo4evil
Ajems
Spikey
Assour
Bionicg
Mondy
Klodvig
Pas2nom9
Genric
Snake44
Catfive
Cordad
Gagsy
Dirtpig2
Three6ty
Covdad
Salador
Wedgehed
Lucard
Janus
Iiiihhad
However, it also gives me great pleasure to annouce a few awards.
Combat Merit Brigade Recognition
For outstanding work in the field of duty, awarded to:
Snake44
Pierro
Assour
Bionicg
These players went above and beyond the call of duty. They assisted greatly in the defence of the town, and served the Allies dutifully.
Combat Merit Hero Recognition
This player served for long periods of time guarding depots, and without him the defence efforts would not have been nearly as successful as they were. He is awarded the highest level of Combat Merit Recognition; the Combat Merit Hero Recognition. Congratulations sir!
Ckdex, well done mate, and congratulations!
Axis Denied Commander Cross
It is a distinct pleasure to be able to even think about giving this award to a player. This award is a very new, very high award for those who meet this criteria:
Awarded to both AHC Officers and Pbase for doing the day in day out guarding duty in CP, FB or a Bunker preventing the Axis from gaining a stronghold. Awarded by Country level CinC or CoS and CinC or CinC Staff .
In this defence there was a player who was present from the near beginning. His communications and efforts guarding one CP stopped the Axis from taking it for the entire battle. His positive attitude and dedication is constantly noticed - by this commander especially - and he is a credit to his squad, the 22nd Mech, and the Allied side. For his efforts tonight, and his efforts at all times, join me in congratulating Spikey for the "Axis Denied Commander Cross," a very high Allied Award.
Well deserved Spikey!
Again, well done to all players, and I'll see you defending the next town - or taking it
Note on Svedala's Blog
It seems very appropriate to mention Svedala's "From the Front" blog. It's an amazing site, with a tonne of information. Certainly worth checking out at http://prkorps.blogspot.com/ if you have any interest in WWIIOL!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Intermittent Confusion
Well, what a terrible pun, if I say so myself. I guess that's one thing I do enjoy, though, is naming the titles of my blog posts, just about as much as I enjoy writing the posts. Some sort of pun or witty (hah) dimension, hopefully, to be achieved each time. Well, from now on, I guess.
Anyhow, there was a sense of confusion as the map reset came and went, and a feeling of still being in intermission has plagued both sides, it seems, all morning. I've not heard the amount of "Is it intermission?" questions as I have today! I can assure everyone, it is most certainly not intermission, it's game on! And so it is!
After a campaign such as the last one, and the shock GHC actions this morning (Australian time here people), one would not expect the Axis to be in high spirits at all. Yet, they pushed hard, they moved quickly and swiftly, and showed experience in map movements, a very promising sign that the Axis are well on their way to recovering. It is from the perspective of a WWIIOL'er that we can all appreciate the importance of having both sides 'fighting fit' and able to provide endless hours of entertainment, so here's to a strong and healthy game.
The battles were a tonne of fun, as we fought tooth and nail to stop the Axis moving in, or around, and to take ground ourselves. While a little shaky to begin with, the line became solid and the battles tougher. It was good to see people online, but I did notice there were not nearly as many as one would think a map restart would attract. This is no doubt due to the intermittent confusion; after all, is it intermission?!
So as I take a break, after just over four hours online and assisting in running things, after paratrooper drops, tank missions, from the Northern-most parts of the map to the Southern-most, I think I'll take a few minutes to reflect on the amazing aspects of this game. The fact that players really can, and do, actively control the direction of the in game world. The fact you can walk from one side to another if you chose, can fight people in a variety of scenarios, in a myriad of towns and locations across Europe, in a somewhat realistic situation. A game like no other; certainly.
I'll see you all online, hopefully, and know that I'll be putting in some more hours tonight, and most likely some more blogging time!
Anyhow, there was a sense of confusion as the map reset came and went, and a feeling of still being in intermission has plagued both sides, it seems, all morning. I've not heard the amount of "Is it intermission?" questions as I have today! I can assure everyone, it is most certainly not intermission, it's game on! And so it is!
After a campaign such as the last one, and the shock GHC actions this morning (Australian time here people), one would not expect the Axis to be in high spirits at all. Yet, they pushed hard, they moved quickly and swiftly, and showed experience in map movements, a very promising sign that the Axis are well on their way to recovering. It is from the perspective of a WWIIOL'er that we can all appreciate the importance of having both sides 'fighting fit' and able to provide endless hours of entertainment, so here's to a strong and healthy game.
The battles were a tonne of fun, as we fought tooth and nail to stop the Axis moving in, or around, and to take ground ourselves. While a little shaky to begin with, the line became solid and the battles tougher. It was good to see people online, but I did notice there were not nearly as many as one would think a map restart would attract. This is no doubt due to the intermittent confusion; after all, is it intermission?!
So as I take a break, after just over four hours online and assisting in running things, after paratrooper drops, tank missions, from the Northern-most parts of the map to the Southern-most, I think I'll take a few minutes to reflect on the amazing aspects of this game. The fact that players really can, and do, actively control the direction of the in game world. The fact you can walk from one side to another if you chose, can fight people in a variety of scenarios, in a myriad of towns and locations across Europe, in a somewhat realistic situation. A game like no other; certainly.
I'll see you all online, hopefully, and know that I'll be putting in some more hours tonight, and most likely some more blogging time!
Allied Forces Victorious
After an amazingly quick campaign - 7 days officially - the Allied forces were proclaimed victory; stunning at that! It was a triumph for the TO&E gameplay, but the campaign contained a somewhat bitter-sweet twist for some GHC members.
As the Allies celebrated, the top three GHC Officers - CinC, CoS and DCoS - each stepped down and returned to the life of a regular grunt in the WWIIOL Battlefield. I just hope we see a strong Axis side again this new campaign, and from the opening moves, it seems that way.
Nonetheless, congratulations Allies on a sterling victory, very well done. Here's hoping another great, fun and fantastic campaign to come!
As the Allies celebrated, the top three GHC Officers - CinC, CoS and DCoS - each stepped down and returned to the life of a regular grunt in the WWIIOL Battlefield. I just hope we see a strong Axis side again this new campaign, and from the opening moves, it seems that way.
Nonetheless, congratulations Allies on a sterling victory, very well done. Here's hoping another great, fun and fantastic campaign to come!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Kills, Kempen, Krefeld and a 'Kreigsmarine CinC'
Tonight I had fun like I've not had for a long time. Not only fun, but a few missions like I've not had for just about as long - the kills were flowing like the taps during happy hour at the local! It was a great day not only for me, but for WWIIOL sportsmanship also, with the sides overcoming an issue bilaterally; impressive by any measure. To cap the night off, it was an alliteration like no others.
So I log in and we've got a newer HC officer running the show - Seamus13. And by running the show, I really mean it. He had everything planned to a tee, along with Bohratom and Manecoon among other HC. Now, my 'view' on HC is not that it's a static duty, a militaristic chain of command, like the real army. No, I prefer a team, a group of people escaping from the 'real world' to have a few hours online with people who like to play this game. Team was certainly the best way to describe what was happening tonight, and a people escaping for fun - that was very apparent. Regardless of the 'banging your head against a wall' type situation we almost always end up with where one side only needs a few more towns, but how to get them, etc? tonight was ridiculously fun.
Krefeld and Kills go hand in hand, at least for me. What was a fun little operation turned into spawning, running North East from the MG spawnable to a factory, and then into the building to the East of it - a white coloured house type building - where many EI and I fought it out for supremacy of that most fashionable address with views out into the fields, and into the Army Barracks. With impressive floor space and open planned living, the numerous windows provided equally impressive LMG and Rifle positions, while the spacious three levels saw an increased ability to hide and sneak with my Axis counterparts. The house produce for me two 10 kill missions, a 7 kill one, and many 2, 3 and 4 kill missions. Needless to say my kill death ratio rose dramatically; this location is one I must invest more time into, I feel! You know what they say, location, location, location!
Kempen and Kreigsmarine CinC too fit nicely together, and this is where I can tie in an aspect of sportsmanship within a game. Don't forget the bilateral stuff to! Well, Kempen is an interesting little town West of Krefeld. We discovered, albeit too late, that the Northern depot doesn't actually exist in the game world. Yes, it's on the map and counts towards ownership, but it doesn't appear in game. In its place an impressive new square can be found. Location, location, location? Anyhow, after .reporting, posting and pming, we had to pull the AO and head elsewhere. There was still a danger Axis could move in, and it severely hampered our efforts to link our British Division back up. With everything Allied, the town should have been Allied too, but alas for that depot. Nonetheless, what can one do? Laugh, and move on, that's what! However, it was necessary to drop the Axis a PM and let them know, but who would be on, I asked?
Eyeshank, that's who :-) GHC's 'Kreisgmarine CinC' responded quickly, looked at the situation, and together agreed the Axis wouldn't move in and Allies not AO again until CRS had a proper look at the situation and got back to us. A very sportsman like, honourable and noble decision, which I humbly thank Eyeshank for. It's occurrences like this which make such a positive game culture, and make World War Two Online what it is for me. The sense of actually belonging to a community like no other, where people are genuinely intent on assisting the game, and seeing it grow. An amazing reflection on CRS as a company, I feel.
To cap off - no pun intended - the night, I began my alliteration; Tomba's terrifying terrific transport. I grabbed a Ju52, put messages across the Ops channel, and before long had a cast of thousands (ok, maybe 10 or so players) to drop at various targets across the map to 'softcap' our way back to ours lines. It was a great time as we flew, making jokes with the players and HC alike, chatting on TS and generally just enjoying the game to the fullest. I truly hope our Axis counterparts do that too - take time to step back, relax, and just play the game for what it is.
After all, the last mission is what it's all about, right? Fun; not serious HC positions, militaristic simulations of a chain of command, but people getting together to escape the real world for a bit with a bunch of people who all want to have fun. So, my advice to you is the same - get out there, kick back on TS and in game, lighten up, have a laugh, and enjoy this great game!
So I log in and we've got a newer HC officer running the show - Seamus13. And by running the show, I really mean it. He had everything planned to a tee, along with Bohratom and Manecoon among other HC. Now, my 'view' on HC is not that it's a static duty, a militaristic chain of command, like the real army. No, I prefer a team, a group of people escaping from the 'real world' to have a few hours online with people who like to play this game. Team was certainly the best way to describe what was happening tonight, and a people escaping for fun - that was very apparent. Regardless of the 'banging your head against a wall' type situation we almost always end up with where one side only needs a few more towns, but how to get them, etc? tonight was ridiculously fun.
Krefeld and Kills go hand in hand, at least for me. What was a fun little operation turned into spawning, running North East from the MG spawnable to a factory, and then into the building to the East of it - a white coloured house type building - where many EI and I fought it out for supremacy of that most fashionable address with views out into the fields, and into the Army Barracks. With impressive floor space and open planned living, the numerous windows provided equally impressive LMG and Rifle positions, while the spacious three levels saw an increased ability to hide and sneak with my Axis counterparts. The house produce for me two 10 kill missions, a 7 kill one, and many 2, 3 and 4 kill missions. Needless to say my kill death ratio rose dramatically; this location is one I must invest more time into, I feel! You know what they say, location, location, location!
Kempen and Kreigsmarine CinC too fit nicely together, and this is where I can tie in an aspect of sportsmanship within a game. Don't forget the bilateral stuff to! Well, Kempen is an interesting little town West of Krefeld. We discovered, albeit too late, that the Northern depot doesn't actually exist in the game world. Yes, it's on the map and counts towards ownership, but it doesn't appear in game. In its place an impressive new square can be found. Location, location, location? Anyhow, after .reporting, posting and pming, we had to pull the AO and head elsewhere. There was still a danger Axis could move in, and it severely hampered our efforts to link our British Division back up. With everything Allied, the town should have been Allied too, but alas for that depot. Nonetheless, what can one do? Laugh, and move on, that's what! However, it was necessary to drop the Axis a PM and let them know, but who would be on, I asked?
Eyeshank, that's who :-) GHC's 'Kreisgmarine CinC' responded quickly, looked at the situation, and together agreed the Axis wouldn't move in and Allies not AO again until CRS had a proper look at the situation and got back to us. A very sportsman like, honourable and noble decision, which I humbly thank Eyeshank for. It's occurrences like this which make such a positive game culture, and make World War Two Online what it is for me. The sense of actually belonging to a community like no other, where people are genuinely intent on assisting the game, and seeing it grow. An amazing reflection on CRS as a company, I feel.
To cap off - no pun intended - the night, I began my alliteration; Tomba's terrifying terrific transport. I grabbed a Ju52, put messages across the Ops channel, and before long had a cast of thousands (ok, maybe 10 or so players) to drop at various targets across the map to 'softcap' our way back to ours lines. It was a great time as we flew, making jokes with the players and HC alike, chatting on TS and generally just enjoying the game to the fullest. I truly hope our Axis counterparts do that too - take time to step back, relax, and just play the game for what it is.
After all, the last mission is what it's all about, right? Fun; not serious HC positions, militaristic simulations of a chain of command, but people getting together to escape the real world for a bit with a bunch of people who all want to have fun. So, my advice to you is the same - get out there, kick back on TS and in game, lighten up, have a laugh, and enjoy this great game!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
So I received a PM
It's quite funny how some things happen. Whether it be by chance, coincidence, luck, fate - whatever you want to call it. Recently, as I became once more fully immersed in WWIIOL, I've been trying to find my 'old blog'. I'd started it back in the day when I read SRES' I believe, and Comstar's, so it's been here a while. As it was, I just couldn't find the link to it, or remember the username or password. I thought it was a rather lost cause, and it drifted to the back of my mind.
I got a PM today from one "Svedala," who said he'd been waiting almost three years for me to update my blog, and provided a link to it. Well, more welcome news I couldn't have received - or perhaps I could, in the form of the Allied map breakthrough. So it's been a decent day on a few fronts - excuse the pun. After spending a few minutes getting the account fixed up - apparently there have been a few changes since 2006 or whenever I was last here, fancy that - I logged back in to write my first blog post in a very long time.
Today in game was a fantastic show of teamwork on the Allied side. I think that it has been a great day, too, for the mechanics of TO&Es to be fully realised. What we have seen is opportunity taken, risks embarked upon, and so far as the game mechanics should be concerned, in a fairly successful way. It has occupied a large portion of my time, which should have been spent studying and doing other work, watching and helping the map move. Don't get me wrong, by helping I mean grabbing a rifle and walking towards the nearest enemy with the hopes that the large "BAIT" above my head will guide the Allies towards safety through showing them where not to go. I'm certainly not as proficient with the map as many others are - and there are quite a few.
So what about HC's ability to influence the game and the fact that they can control where supply is. Well, what I've seen tonight, as HC and players are both struggling to work together between three towns, is exactly that. HC are providing the resources correctly, players are getting in there and fighting. It is a tribute to CRS that the mechanics are - at least currently seem to be - working well; for the Allies they are working well, I should say.
It has not been the great day for our Axis counterparts. Regardless, it has not been a great day for the game in general, if we are looking at it this way. While one side prospers, another is torn by apparent HC infighting, and while I would rather not delve near to this, it seems apparent that there is tension, friction and fighting which is causing havoc among the Axis players and HC equally. It is only in the best interests of the game that this is resolved.
Spawn timers in action have been seen tonight. As we battle for Kreuzberg, defend Musch and attacked Liege, we were and are sitting on a 60 second plus timer. That's longer than a CP table! It is interesting to see this in action, because it has been severely impeding Allied advance, as has the AO limit and restrictions, but still created a decent battle. Well, sort of - a lot of players logged, and even I grew very tired of spawning into a camped CP to die, wait a minute, rinse and repeat. None the less, it has stemmed the flow of Allies Eastwards, for the moment.
So what started as a post that I had no idea what to write ended in exactly the same way. I try to avoid any Allied/Axis bias; it's a game and we're all in it for the game. There are some issues currently which cannot be avoided though, unfortunately, which threaten the harmony of WWIIOL, and that is not good for any stakeholders. We're definitely stakeholders, we spend a lot of time in front of the comptuers - all warranted, by the way. I keep asking people who question $15 a month - I can see one movie a month for that, or have a game which I enjoy and interact more, for far longer, whenever I want, from the comfort of my own home and chair. Plus, the food's cheaper around here than at the movies!
And it is with that I leave you for tonight, a rambling mess of a blog post, but at least it's a blog post, Svedala!
/Tomba
I got a PM today from one "Svedala," who said he'd been waiting almost three years for me to update my blog, and provided a link to it. Well, more welcome news I couldn't have received - or perhaps I could, in the form of the Allied map breakthrough. So it's been a decent day on a few fronts - excuse the pun. After spending a few minutes getting the account fixed up - apparently there have been a few changes since 2006 or whenever I was last here, fancy that - I logged back in to write my first blog post in a very long time.
Today in game was a fantastic show of teamwork on the Allied side. I think that it has been a great day, too, for the mechanics of TO&Es to be fully realised. What we have seen is opportunity taken, risks embarked upon, and so far as the game mechanics should be concerned, in a fairly successful way. It has occupied a large portion of my time, which should have been spent studying and doing other work, watching and helping the map move. Don't get me wrong, by helping I mean grabbing a rifle and walking towards the nearest enemy with the hopes that the large "BAIT" above my head will guide the Allies towards safety through showing them where not to go. I'm certainly not as proficient with the map as many others are - and there are quite a few.
So what about HC's ability to influence the game and the fact that they can control where supply is. Well, what I've seen tonight, as HC and players are both struggling to work together between three towns, is exactly that. HC are providing the resources correctly, players are getting in there and fighting. It is a tribute to CRS that the mechanics are - at least currently seem to be - working well; for the Allies they are working well, I should say.
It has not been the great day for our Axis counterparts. Regardless, it has not been a great day for the game in general, if we are looking at it this way. While one side prospers, another is torn by apparent HC infighting, and while I would rather not delve near to this, it seems apparent that there is tension, friction and fighting which is causing havoc among the Axis players and HC equally. It is only in the best interests of the game that this is resolved.
Spawn timers in action have been seen tonight. As we battle for Kreuzberg, defend Musch and attacked Liege, we were and are sitting on a 60 second plus timer. That's longer than a CP table! It is interesting to see this in action, because it has been severely impeding Allied advance, as has the AO limit and restrictions, but still created a decent battle. Well, sort of - a lot of players logged, and even I grew very tired of spawning into a camped CP to die, wait a minute, rinse and repeat. None the less, it has stemmed the flow of Allies Eastwards, for the moment.
So what started as a post that I had no idea what to write ended in exactly the same way. I try to avoid any Allied/Axis bias; it's a game and we're all in it for the game. There are some issues currently which cannot be avoided though, unfortunately, which threaten the harmony of WWIIOL, and that is not good for any stakeholders. We're definitely stakeholders, we spend a lot of time in front of the comptuers - all warranted, by the way. I keep asking people who question $15 a month - I can see one movie a month for that, or have a game which I enjoy and interact more, for far longer, whenever I want, from the comfort of my own home and chair. Plus, the food's cheaper around here than at the movies!
And it is with that I leave you for tonight, a rambling mess of a blog post, but at least it's a blog post, Svedala!
/Tomba
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