From: pnatta <pnatta@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Great Battles of Alexander

In article <5obdrl$pvf@nntp4.u.washington.edu>,
	donan@u.washington.edu (Don Anglin) wrote:

> got this yesterday and played thru the 'QuickStart' and 7 turns
>of the first scenario (Chaeronea) with Philip II in command. I 
>have a p5/90w/32 megs and it was a bit sluggish (they recommend
>a 486D4X100 or P100), but playable for sure. The graphics are
>nice. The manual is adequate and there is lot's of on-line information.
>The interface is fine and functional. There are 10 scenarios and
>a campaign that you get graded on at the end (Alexander the Great to
>Alexander the Cretin). And this appears to be more then just the
>10 connected battles (and they recommend to practice up first). Actually
>upon reflection the manual is good too. Lot's of information and charts.
>
>The cool thing imho is the leadership aspect of intiative and momentum.
>Leaders are rated for initiative and this allows them to have up to
>3 active phases (ther are three phases in a turn for one side). The 
>active phase allows the leader to issue orders:i.e.move, rally etc.
>When Alexander is the main leader he gets additional active phases
>at the start of a scenari to represent his command edge of the day.
>Each leader has a command range. Only units in this range can be
>giving orders to move etc. (otherwise they can't). Each leader has
>'x' amount of order points (equals their intiative rating) and anytime
>you do anything, it is counts against this (higher/better). So you need
>to move him around to get all your troops on the move. There is 
>seperate movement and group movement (although the later does not
>allow for 'momentum'(allows more movement) and uses all your order
>points (you probably should only use this at the start of a scnenario.
>
>You get to see battle results and routing is what you are trying to do.
>Each unit has a minimum route total of 'cohesion hits' and if they get
>this they route. And this total is added from all the units for a max
>total you need to win the overall all battle (and you can see how
>this is going at anytime and at the end of each turn). Terrain is
>important (cause cohesion hits); Lot's of units including chariots,
>elephants, Heavy Cavalry/infantry, lancers, light cavalry/infantry  
>skirmishers etc. There's javeling throwing and arrow shooting before
>a 'shock attack (i.e. the former is a 'distance' attack of a hex usually.
>
>Let's see, there's probably more fine points I'm missing but this gives
>you and idea. Looks good (oh yea, for those that care there's internet/
>multiplayer functions.) In the scenarios you can play either side, but
>in the campaign just Alexander.
>
>Well this gives you an idea. So far, looks good.
>
>Donald
>
>

 Donald,
Glad to hear you like the game! I had the privilege of beta testing it 
and had a blast. It's a great game, and it's about time a serious treatment 
of this age of warfare was brought to the PC. I'd be more than happy to 
respond to any questions should you have any. (Hannibal, Caesar,and Mongols 
are planned for the series.)

Phil Natta