Grognards: How good is Combat Mission Beyond Overlord?

[Tingkai]

I came across a review for Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord. The review was saying this is one of the best wargames in the style of the old board games.

What do you think about it. Is it that good?

Thing is, if I want to get the game I'll have to mail order it so I want to be sure before I buy it.

[MichaeltheGreat]

I have both CM:BO and CM:Barbarossa to Berlin. They absolutely rock, and there are great skins and sound mods available as well.

The graphics, orders system, relative value of units (for balance during purchase), number of pre-built scenarios, game stability, etc. are the best by far for PC wargames.

Gameplay is a very cool hybrid between TBS and RTS. You have TBS orders phases (for each minute of combat) and RTS execution phases. This gives you a great ability to screw up and run into ambushes, or to be bold and seize key objectives.

If you're into the type of game and historical detail, I recommend them both highly.

The game supports PBEM very well, as well as hotseat MP and IP play.

In 2004 and 2006, the next installments in the series are due, covering the North African campaign and the early western front.

[Ubergeek]

The short answer is absolutely yes, the CM series is simply the best wargaming you can get on the computer. It takes some getting used to because the fundamentals are a little different from other games out there, but once you become accustomed to it you'll find an absolutely riveting gaming experience.

And furthermore, it's an experience that you can only have on the computer. It's a step beyond cardboard wargames, and I strongly believe it's the next step in the evolution of wargames as a whole. Buy it. And while you're at it, buy CM: Barbarossa to Berlin.

Also, they've got a new game scheduled that takes the same basic engine and applies it to Mediterranean conflicts such as North Africa, Greece and Italy. Sounds like pretty much fun to me.

[Sava]

I can't find these games any where. MtG, where did you get them?

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by Sava
I can't find these games any where. MtG, where did you get them?

http://www.battlefront.com/index.htm

[Sava]

ty DD

[Tingkai]

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely get this game.

[MichaeltheGreat]

If you're ever up for a lesson by PBEM, let me know, I'd be happy to oblige.

[Max Webster]

Awesome simulation of ww2 combat

I will have you a game of cmbb MTG

[MichaeltheGreat]

I'll install it on my work comp tomorrow (well, later today)

What do you want to do, random map, seen scenario, or double blind scenario? For pickup games, I've mostly done meeting engagements on random maps, with manual force selection.

[MichaeltheGreat]

Originally posted by Tingkai
Thanks for the info. I'll definitely get this game.

CM:BB adds factors such as spreading fires, and wind strength and direction.

[Tingkai]

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
CM:BB adds factors such as spreading fires, and wind strength and direction.

Reminds me of the old Avalon Hill Squad Leader, Cross of Iron. Start a fire and get the other guy running.

Thanks for the offer. I think I'll spend sometime learning the game before I allow myself to be humiliated.

[Max Webster]

How about a 1500-2000 point meeting engagement with manual force selection on a pre-made map. I can send you some maps and you can pick which one you like.

I'm not a big fan of the map generator of this game. Its alright but there alot of excellent pre-made maps at the Scenario Depot.

[Kramerman]

sounds awesome. im DLing the demo now

[Hurricane]

Big thumbs up from me too. The biggest problem with Beyond Overlord (which is older) and Barbarossa (which is newer) is that the graphics look pretty dull compared to many other games. But don't let that fool you; you can download some very nice graphics mods, and most important, gameplay is FUN! I mean, yes, it's the most realistic tactical wargame around, yes those Finns really speak native Finnish (well, with WW2 vocabulary and slang) and yes, you can play any weather condition, time of day or time of year, but it's the fun factor which is the best bit of combat mission. Not to mention that it runs TCP/IP smoothly over a 56K modem.