#1: New to Close Combat - Help Please Author: EGoglas, Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 2:50 pm — It started with Panzer Corps. I love that game. Very fun.
While I was checking out the Matrix Games website, I stumbled across Close Combat, and immediately got the latest one. Finally a game that actually tries to depict real life company-level combat, instead of the usual RTS click-fest.
But alas, after trying my first battle (the first one on the battle list), I found myself completely overwhelmed. I did go through the Boot Camp levels, of course, but all they really taught me was that I should right click on a squad to get the orders menu.
Then I start my first battle, and they put me in a forest in command of some 16 squads. Now never mind that I can't actually see anything (even with the tree tops off), and can hardly tell where my troops are, I simply have no idea what to do. 5 seconds in the Germans are coming from the south and I hear gunshots, then the screams of my dying men. I have no idea who got shot. It took me a few moments to see the blood, and even then I wasn't completely sure.
My point is, do any of you fellow players have any advice for me on how to get into the game? Where to start?
I really want to understand this game. I watched some game-plays on youtube, and it seems really quite fun.
Thanks in advance.
#2: Re: New to Close Combat - Help Please Author: 0202243, Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 3:57 pm — Don't play those battles. They suck...
Close combat, and certainly Last stand arnhem, is about tactics. In a single battle it only handles about fighting and some battle drills.
a big aspect of tactics is the 'movement' part.
you should play campaigns. In campaigns there is the 'movement' aspect which is involved. When playing with these movements in mind, it totally changes the tactics and fighting on a map.
When you have difficulties to see your own troops, choose 'outline soldiers' in the option menu. I always choose 'cover' which is represented by outline color.
And become a member on gameranger, a lot of people can help you there. Practising is the best way to learn to play.
#3: Re: New to Close Combat - Help Please Author: Pete, Location: Nijmegen, NetherlandsPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:10 pm — To make your units more visible go to the options menu and in the tab 'game play' choose your preferred setting for Team Info icons and soldier outlines. Furthermore, you can hotkey your units (CTRL + 0-9) so that you can easily switch between units. And you should use the inset map on which all your units are shown. The first time I played Close Combat I was at a loss too. I had to play with all enemy info on (Realism settings in the Command screen) for a while before I got to understand and defeat the AI. And make sure to read the game manual. It's there for a reason
Other than that it is just a matter of playing it until you are about to drop and still continue .
Have fun!
#4: Re: New to Close Combat - Help Please Author: EGoglas, Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:52 am — Thanks guys. The outline thing is really helpful. I'll also try the hot-keys next time I play.
I'm really starting to get into the game. Flanking, assaulting, different types of weaponry. I also tried out the first campaign, and it's just as confusing as the rest of the game. For example, how do I get my battle-groups fully supported, or whatever it calls it, to be able to give them artillery? I'm sure I'll get it eventually though. I'll be sure to take a peek at the manual like you said.
The game seems so complex. I just wish the tutorial was more thorough.
Anyway, thanks again guys. If you can think of any other little beginner's tips you can throw my way, it'd be appreciated.
#5: Re: New to Close Combat - Help Please Author: kweniston, Location: NetherlandsPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 6:40 pm — Tip: use CTRL + T to toggle the trees on or off.
Your units need to be connected to a large supply depot (in LSA it's at Valkenswaard, all the way in the south) in order to receive artillery support, with no Axis controlled ground in between.
That means you will have to linkup XXX corps to the scattered units in the north.
