CC General Information, FAQs and the Momstitution©
Posted: 2019-09-22 11:44, Sunday
CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE INTRODUCTION:
(by Whoopy-Cat)
Please let me explain. We are operating on an honor system with the Challenge Campaigns. The non-competitive nature of the Challenge Campaigns is what we think separates them from PBEM or live on-line multiplayer. It's what sets the Challenge Campaign format apart. And we think it's why you are playing the Challenge Campaigns with us... at least that's why some of you are here with us!
In the Challenge Campaigns we all play together as a team. Yes, we're playing the "stupid" A.I. (the only possible criticism of the format); but the advantage is not only does it allow you the opportunity to push yourself, if that is what you want to do. But also to just have fun and share a mutual experience with your "mates" -- which can be at least as much fun as actually playing the game.
I found PBEM to be the same way -- playing the game was indeed half the fun. But the other things that went along with playing a game by e-mail -- the chat messages in the "scenario description" dialogue box; the chit-chat in the e-mail message to which my turn was attached; watching the replay of my opponent's turn; sharing the experience with him -- all this was at least as much fun as actually playing the PG2. And I think these are very similar to the enjoyment we hope to provide in playing our Challenge Campaigns.
Posting your results. Reading the other guys' posts if you want. Describing your experience. Striving for the best, if that's your style. You can stick with something slightly challenging, but mostly fun, if that's what you like best. Pick the Challenge that fits you best. And feel free to change sizes as you see fit.
The idea is to have fun. The idea is to share a common experience. The idea is to make it through the Challenge Campaign no matter what level you play it at! So if you need to reload rather than restart the whole scenario or campaign over again, feel free to do so. You would have anyway, right? It still would have been your choice to announce to the world that you did so, or keep it to yourself, right? And no one would have thought badly of you even if you had reloaded. And we never could have proved you did anyway. So why not just make it officially acceptable.
Each time we play a Challenge Campaign, you will be asked to choose your own level of difficulty. We hope this will keep the Challenge Campaigns more suited for players of all skill levels.
Here are your choices (with their approximate prestige settings) :
1. The General of the Army Challenge- 0%. - this level is not always an option
2. The Field Marshal's Challenge - 25%. - this must always be very VERY hard - only the very best will ever complete this.
3. The General's Challenge - 50%.
4. The Officer's Challenge - 75%.
5. The NCO's Challenge - 100%.
6. The Troopie's Challenge - 100+% (any setting above 100%).
Please note that these prestige settings are variable with each new campaign, but these (above) are the general prestige guidelines.
Also, after finishing a challenge you will be added to the Scroll of Honor, in which we will list the names of everyone who finishes a Challenge Campaign victoriously. The difficulty level will be listed with each name. A specific medal will be awarded to you, accompanying your name on the scroll, depending on which level you played the Challenge Campaign.
To be eligible for the Scroll of Honor, we ask that you comply with the following rules:
CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE RULES:
1. Play with the specified Campaign and Equipment File for the current Challenge.
Do not update the campaign or E-file during the Challenge -- use the same one throughout (unless we find a radical error which needs fixed). The only variable will be the prestige setting; choose your own level from the five possible choices listed with each new Challenge Campaign.
2. Report your progress in the CC Campaign Progress Thread.
In the header please register your name and, at what level you're playing
Then report your progress scenario by scenario (BV, V, TV or Loss)..If you want to add aditional information like prototypes or core losses, please feel free to do so, but it isn't mandatory.
For example:
PzManiac CC 3 @ 50%
Scenario Result Prototype Loss
1. Madrid..............................BV....PzIVD..... One Infanterie
3. When using "the General of the Army Challenge, "Field Marshal's Challenge" or "General's Challenge" settings,
(The last rule applies ONLY to those playing at General of the Army level, the Field Marshal's or General's Challenge level), you will have to adhere to the following 2 rules
No reloading of a turn AND No reloading to get a prototype. The only way to correct your mistakes will be to restart the scenario from the beginning (so always keep a save game from the end of the previous scenario)
4. No editing
In addition regardless of what level you're playing at the use of a scenario editor to change a save game is strictly prohibited UNLESS you receive a Recon Movement leader on a towed arty or AD. In these cases you are allowed to switch leader to another type.
5. Post your AARs [optional rule]
Writing comments on your campaign progress, or so-called After Action Reports (AARs) is optional, but it can provide help for other players, and many of us like to read other players AARs and compare core army composition. Not all of us are as skilled as Daerandir or Highlander, but a few comments on a scenario is very much appreciated.
CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE PHILOSOPHY:
(by Whoopy-Cat)
I wanted to make several comments about our Challenge Campaigns, and the philosophy behind them.
Yes, we hope to teach players how to download, install and use different equipment files, campaigns, etc.
Yes, we think it's fun to share the experience of playing a campaign with a bunch of friends who are playing the same campaign.
Yes, it can be fun to challenge yourself to try to do better than you were previously capable of.
Yes, it can be fun to have a little friendly competition... a kind of non-competitive competition. (Who wouldn't love to be Jacek or one of the other Field Marshals, playing every campaign at the F.M. Level and kicking the computer's @ss?!?)
And, yes, we think that a bunch of buddies playing the exact same campaign will be able to learn and teach each other many things much quicker than simple hypothetical discussions about strategies and tactics. Hands-on learning is the best, no matter what your experience level is.
The Challenge Campaigns provide all these things, it's true...
BUT...
The one, the only, the overriding goal and purpose behind the Challenge Campaigns is the same as the Foundation Principle upon which JP's Panzers is founded: FUN!
But it should be remembered that "fun" is defined differently for different players. Just as we each have our own personalities, and playing styles, we also have our own definitions of "fun".
One player may find that "fun", to him, is being challenged every step of the way -- Having to fight for every hex -- Being pushed to his limit every single turn of every single scenario. That's great! We hope we always make the Field Marshal's Level hard enough for that kind of general.
But another player may find that he defines "fun" in the same way that a kid playing with a yo-yo would: something done for pure enjoyment. This kind of player might want to play every Challenge Campaign at 300%. If the only way you can truly enjoy the game is to have an entire core army made up of King Tigers and JagdPanthers, then I hope you will understand that the Challenge Campaigns are for you too! No one will chastise you for the way you decided to seek fun in the Challenge Campaigns! You may not be learning as much as other generals are. You may not be pushing yourself to the limits of your abilities. But if that's how you define fun, please, be our guest! Play however you like!
And I think many of us are in the middle between these two extremems. We do want to be challenged, but if it means extreme frustration, then the fun has been diminished, not enhanced. While the first group I mentioned might thrive on the overwhelming frustration of being constantly pushed to his limits, some others may find that to be less fun than those people do. Some of us seek only a moderate challenge. We want to learn. We want to improve our skills. But if it means decreased levels of FUN, then something is wrong!
I was so pleased to see our good friend Bismark13 restart the Challenge. He realized that the level he was playing at was just too hard. You could read the frustration in his reports. He didn't sound like a general who was enjoying being pushed to his limits -- he sounded like a general who was at his wits' end!
And when he did restart, what word did he use to describe playing at an easier level? "FUN"!!!! He found his level!
I hope no one who plays at harder prestige levels, or anyone of our generals who belong to the first group I mentioned would ever think badly about Bismark for playing at an easier level. Because whatever else our Challenge Campaigns are designed to bring, FUN is the ultimate goal! Everything else is just icing on the cake!
And, quite frankly, I would put myself in that middle category (the third group I mentioned), and I think Bill would too. We want to be challenged. We want to learn. But, quite honestly, we aren't up to dazzling challenges designed to rip our heart out before we are finished using it. Some guys thrive on that kind of challenge. Not me! It only aggrevates me.
When I finish playing a session of PG2, I expect to walk away with a smile at least 90% of the time! And getting my @ss kicked does not generate a smile in this Whoopy-Cat! Playing above my skill level does not make me smile. It makes my head hurt! hee hee hee
I guess all I wanted to convey in this thread is that we all find different types of activities to be fun. And fun is what the Challenge Campaigns are all about. Anyone not in that first group I mentioned --the ones who thrive on the ultimate challenges-- should take a look at the prestige level they're playing these challenges at. If you are walking away from PG2 frustrated more often than not, you are playing at TOO HARD a level! Start over. Find a level at which you ARE comfortable. And then ENJOY it!
Someone somewhere might be snickering at you for playing at such an "easy" level, but let's face it, someone somewhere is probably snickering at you no matter what level you're playing at! Some are snickering at you because you're playing the A.I. Some people are snickering at you because you play silly little war games! Don't let any of those people bother you. NO ONE HERE IS GOING TO SNICKER AT YOU not matter WHAT level you play at!
We don't all define "fun" the same way. But we can all enjoy the same Challenge Campaign no matter how you define "fun".
(by Whoopy-Cat)
Please let me explain. We are operating on an honor system with the Challenge Campaigns. The non-competitive nature of the Challenge Campaigns is what we think separates them from PBEM or live on-line multiplayer. It's what sets the Challenge Campaign format apart. And we think it's why you are playing the Challenge Campaigns with us... at least that's why some of you are here with us!
In the Challenge Campaigns we all play together as a team. Yes, we're playing the "stupid" A.I. (the only possible criticism of the format); but the advantage is not only does it allow you the opportunity to push yourself, if that is what you want to do. But also to just have fun and share a mutual experience with your "mates" -- which can be at least as much fun as actually playing the game.
I found PBEM to be the same way -- playing the game was indeed half the fun. But the other things that went along with playing a game by e-mail -- the chat messages in the "scenario description" dialogue box; the chit-chat in the e-mail message to which my turn was attached; watching the replay of my opponent's turn; sharing the experience with him -- all this was at least as much fun as actually playing the PG2. And I think these are very similar to the enjoyment we hope to provide in playing our Challenge Campaigns.
Posting your results. Reading the other guys' posts if you want. Describing your experience. Striving for the best, if that's your style. You can stick with something slightly challenging, but mostly fun, if that's what you like best. Pick the Challenge that fits you best. And feel free to change sizes as you see fit.
The idea is to have fun. The idea is to share a common experience. The idea is to make it through the Challenge Campaign no matter what level you play it at! So if you need to reload rather than restart the whole scenario or campaign over again, feel free to do so. You would have anyway, right? It still would have been your choice to announce to the world that you did so, or keep it to yourself, right? And no one would have thought badly of you even if you had reloaded. And we never could have proved you did anyway. So why not just make it officially acceptable.
Each time we play a Challenge Campaign, you will be asked to choose your own level of difficulty. We hope this will keep the Challenge Campaigns more suited for players of all skill levels.
Here are your choices (with their approximate prestige settings) :
1. The General of the Army Challenge- 0%. - this level is not always an option
2. The Field Marshal's Challenge - 25%. - this must always be very VERY hard - only the very best will ever complete this.
3. The General's Challenge - 50%.
4. The Officer's Challenge - 75%.
5. The NCO's Challenge - 100%.
6. The Troopie's Challenge - 100+% (any setting above 100%).
Please note that these prestige settings are variable with each new campaign, but these (above) are the general prestige guidelines.
Also, after finishing a challenge you will be added to the Scroll of Honor, in which we will list the names of everyone who finishes a Challenge Campaign victoriously. The difficulty level will be listed with each name. A specific medal will be awarded to you, accompanying your name on the scroll, depending on which level you played the Challenge Campaign.
To be eligible for the Scroll of Honor, we ask that you comply with the following rules:
CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE RULES:
1. Play with the specified Campaign and Equipment File for the current Challenge.
Do not update the campaign or E-file during the Challenge -- use the same one throughout (unless we find a radical error which needs fixed). The only variable will be the prestige setting; choose your own level from the five possible choices listed with each new Challenge Campaign.
2. Report your progress in the CC Campaign Progress Thread.
In the header please register your name and, at what level you're playing
Then report your progress scenario by scenario (BV, V, TV or Loss)..If you want to add aditional information like prototypes or core losses, please feel free to do so, but it isn't mandatory.
For example:
PzManiac CC 3 @ 50%
Scenario Result Prototype Loss
1. Madrid..............................BV....PzIVD..... One Infanterie
3. When using "the General of the Army Challenge, "Field Marshal's Challenge" or "General's Challenge" settings,
(The last rule applies ONLY to those playing at General of the Army level, the Field Marshal's or General's Challenge level), you will have to adhere to the following 2 rules
No reloading of a turn AND No reloading to get a prototype. The only way to correct your mistakes will be to restart the scenario from the beginning (so always keep a save game from the end of the previous scenario)
4. No editing
In addition regardless of what level you're playing at the use of a scenario editor to change a save game is strictly prohibited UNLESS you receive a Recon Movement leader on a towed arty or AD. In these cases you are allowed to switch leader to another type.
5. Post your AARs [optional rule]
Writing comments on your campaign progress, or so-called After Action Reports (AARs) is optional, but it can provide help for other players, and many of us like to read other players AARs and compare core army composition. Not all of us are as skilled as Daerandir or Highlander, but a few comments on a scenario is very much appreciated.
CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE PHILOSOPHY:
(by Whoopy-Cat)
I wanted to make several comments about our Challenge Campaigns, and the philosophy behind them.
Yes, we hope to teach players how to download, install and use different equipment files, campaigns, etc.
Yes, we think it's fun to share the experience of playing a campaign with a bunch of friends who are playing the same campaign.
Yes, it can be fun to challenge yourself to try to do better than you were previously capable of.
Yes, it can be fun to have a little friendly competition... a kind of non-competitive competition. (Who wouldn't love to be Jacek or one of the other Field Marshals, playing every campaign at the F.M. Level and kicking the computer's @ss?!?)
And, yes, we think that a bunch of buddies playing the exact same campaign will be able to learn and teach each other many things much quicker than simple hypothetical discussions about strategies and tactics. Hands-on learning is the best, no matter what your experience level is.
The Challenge Campaigns provide all these things, it's true...
BUT...
The one, the only, the overriding goal and purpose behind the Challenge Campaigns is the same as the Foundation Principle upon which JP's Panzers is founded: FUN!
But it should be remembered that "fun" is defined differently for different players. Just as we each have our own personalities, and playing styles, we also have our own definitions of "fun".
One player may find that "fun", to him, is being challenged every step of the way -- Having to fight for every hex -- Being pushed to his limit every single turn of every single scenario. That's great! We hope we always make the Field Marshal's Level hard enough for that kind of general.
But another player may find that he defines "fun" in the same way that a kid playing with a yo-yo would: something done for pure enjoyment. This kind of player might want to play every Challenge Campaign at 300%. If the only way you can truly enjoy the game is to have an entire core army made up of King Tigers and JagdPanthers, then I hope you will understand that the Challenge Campaigns are for you too! No one will chastise you for the way you decided to seek fun in the Challenge Campaigns! You may not be learning as much as other generals are. You may not be pushing yourself to the limits of your abilities. But if that's how you define fun, please, be our guest! Play however you like!
And I think many of us are in the middle between these two extremems. We do want to be challenged, but if it means extreme frustration, then the fun has been diminished, not enhanced. While the first group I mentioned might thrive on the overwhelming frustration of being constantly pushed to his limits, some others may find that to be less fun than those people do. Some of us seek only a moderate challenge. We want to learn. We want to improve our skills. But if it means decreased levels of FUN, then something is wrong!
I was so pleased to see our good friend Bismark13 restart the Challenge. He realized that the level he was playing at was just too hard. You could read the frustration in his reports. He didn't sound like a general who was enjoying being pushed to his limits -- he sounded like a general who was at his wits' end!
And when he did restart, what word did he use to describe playing at an easier level? "FUN"!!!! He found his level!
I hope no one who plays at harder prestige levels, or anyone of our generals who belong to the first group I mentioned would ever think badly about Bismark for playing at an easier level. Because whatever else our Challenge Campaigns are designed to bring, FUN is the ultimate goal! Everything else is just icing on the cake!
And, quite frankly, I would put myself in that middle category (the third group I mentioned), and I think Bill would too. We want to be challenged. We want to learn. But, quite honestly, we aren't up to dazzling challenges designed to rip our heart out before we are finished using it. Some guys thrive on that kind of challenge. Not me! It only aggrevates me.
When I finish playing a session of PG2, I expect to walk away with a smile at least 90% of the time! And getting my @ss kicked does not generate a smile in this Whoopy-Cat! Playing above my skill level does not make me smile. It makes my head hurt! hee hee hee
I guess all I wanted to convey in this thread is that we all find different types of activities to be fun. And fun is what the Challenge Campaigns are all about. Anyone not in that first group I mentioned --the ones who thrive on the ultimate challenges-- should take a look at the prestige level they're playing these challenges at. If you are walking away from PG2 frustrated more often than not, you are playing at TOO HARD a level! Start over. Find a level at which you ARE comfortable. And then ENJOY it!
Someone somewhere might be snickering at you for playing at such an "easy" level, but let's face it, someone somewhere is probably snickering at you no matter what level you're playing at! Some are snickering at you because you're playing the A.I. Some people are snickering at you because you play silly little war games! Don't let any of those people bother you. NO ONE HERE IS GOING TO SNICKER AT YOU not matter WHAT level you play at!
We don't all define "fun" the same way. But we can all enjoy the same Challenge Campaign no matter how you define "fun".