@Krieghund:
Frankly, I’m amazed at all the hate that this little game has generated, particularly since most people haven’t even really seen it yet. What AH has done here is to create a new entry-level A&A game. They took the Revised map and threw out the rules, which many people didn’t like a lot of the elements of anyway (hence LHTR), and applied the highly praised and successful AA50 rules. The result is a new introduction to the game system for new players, as well as a cornerstone for A&A games to come. They cut more corners than I would have liked, but the lower price may make it more attractive to potential new players.
If you don’t plan on buying this game because it’s a “step down” from Anniversary, so be it. I understand perfectly. However, dismissing it completely out of hand is very short-sighted. You guys aren’t really the target audience this time around, anyway. As for me, I’m pretty excited that all of the cool new rules from AA50 weren’t just a flash in the pan. This edition proves that those concepts will go forward to future games, and there will be future games.
If you’re upset about the cutting back on components such as IPCs, write to customer service and complain. That will send the message that you don’t like things going in that direction. Doing so in a manner that expresses concerns about quality and its impact on your future purchases will get much better results than reviling a game you haven’t even played based simply on component issues.
No, you’re wrong. And I’ll tell you why. Though I believe squirecam and allboxcars put forth the necessary arguments.
The notion of AA1942 being a “entry-level” game is fanciful – to say the least. Does someone looking to get into Monopoly start by playing Junior Monopoly? No, he begins with Monopoly – the real deal – and learns from other players. I would wager that the transition from AA1942 to AA50 is less steep than in Jr. Monopoly to Monpoly. After all, the pieces are the same, the rules are the same (mostly), and the territories are the same (again, mostly). You, Kreighund, praised the very rules found in AA50. Why couldn’t Wizards just reprint AA50? I don’t get it.
If Wizards was worried AA50 was too daunting to new customers, then there were alternatives to this spit pile.
(Though based on experience, new players are enthusiastic when they see the oversized board and quality game components)
What Wizards COULD HAVE done was re-release AA50, but packaged with a set of rules tailored for beginnings, intermediates, and junkies. This could have included optional rules for Technology, National Objectives, Strategic Bombing, and Extra Powers. What I’m preaching is nothing new. In fact, MOST strategy games do this already. See “Conquest of the Empire” for an example of modular rules done right.
The point is new players don’t like being babied. They don’t like playing an inferior game when they know a more complete game already exists. Veteran players don’t like to pay for game that delivers NO VALUE OTHER THAN AS A TRAINING AID TO NEW PLAYERS. Sorry for the all caps but this point can’t be stressed enough. Personally, I hate it when I’m told I have to play a “beginners game” because I’m incapable of learning the real thing.
(History Lesson: Wizard’s actually tried doing this with their cash cow, Magic the Gathering. They released a beginner’s version of the game entitled “Portal.” It was pulled after two seasons due to abysmal sales)
Finally, I don’t agree with this whole “cornerstone” business. In my mind AA50 is the cornerstone of the A&A Franchise – not this cheap imitation. Cornerstone in that AA50 will be the game played most often by local playgroups and tournament organizers. Cornerstone because it’ll be the game discussed most often by fans of A&A, such as the ones on this website.
PS: Why should I be forced buy to Wizard’s product before I have the “right to complain?” Is that not perpetuating a broken system? No, I should be free to express my disapproval for a product whether I purchase it or not. To me this 1942 foray screams “Cash Grab” by Wizards and I’ll respond in due kindness.
PPS: Keep up the good work Kreighund! I find your rules clearifications to be extremely informative. :wink: