I bought CoH some time ago and have been playing and replaying the first firefight (just started the second one at the weekend) to get used to the rules.

I was interested to see that Vassal has a mod for it and whilst I've heard and know of Vassal, I'm not exactly sure how it all works.

Can someone explain to me in simple terms how Vassal works (specifically with CoH) please?

Is play broken (kind of like PBEM)?
Do you play a scenario in one sitting?
If so, is there a point where both parties can say "That's enough for tonight" and end, saving progress?
How are things goverened? Do you just take your opponents word that he rolled a 12 or does the Vassal module do the rolling?
What about movement? Are the units on the screen and moved by the player?

Sorry for all the questions, but I really have no idea how it all works and don't want to dive in only to annoy someone because they have a complete n00b to play against and hand hold.

Anything else that explains how it all works (I'm sure I haven't asked all my questions), I'd appreciate it.

Thx

hope i don't make any mistakes ;)


I think you can PBEM or normally. It's up to you. I played only normally, so im not sure about PBEM.


Yes, you can play scenario in one sitting, hovewer when you don't have enough time, or someone has to leave you can save progress and continue later.


Both sides can move chits on board. Just like when you play F2F. Other side immediately sees everything you doo. For dice rolling there's button on the toolbar, which does rolling for you and sends the result to your opponent (or maybe server is doing the rolling, don't know that exactly)


It would be best if you try downloading VASSAL and CoH module and try it yourself offline or online. It is fairly easy to learn and very good module to play.

PS: i think that anybody will teach you when you log in, including me ;)

I can help you with some answers.

Vassal is a computer program, written in java, that allows you to 'mimic' a board game and play it online. At its core, it lets you add graphics for the board and pieces and gives you a facility to move those pieces around. You can play either online real time or pbem with Vassal storing a log of your moves so that your opponent can play back your turn.

So as to your questions, the answers are:
Yes, it can be. With CoH it's better to perform all of your activation and then let your opponent step through the log until he wants to react. He can then start a new log file with his reaction to send to you from where you can start a new activation (or continue with the current one if his reaction doesn't alter your action)

Yes, you can play in one sitting but don't have to.

You can save a game in progress to pick up later.

There are features in the module to roll dice and see the results. Some people don't trust the in game dice roller and prefer to use a dice server.

Yes everything is on screen and you can move your pieces and your opponent will see the movement either realtime or in a log file.

In the CoH module there are lots of automated features such as a LOS string and being able to hide pieces so that you can still see them, but your opponent can't. The in game text files cover these.

The website www.vassalengine.org has a lot of info on getting started. It's also where you get the vassal software as well as the CoH module.

Thx for the answers.

From the first answer...is it possible to play yourself? I presume I would need two accounts on Vassal or something? What about in one sitting and seeing moves etc?

I ask because I think it would be very beneficial to play via vassal by myself to get the hang of it.

Thx for your replies...very helpful. I might fire it up tonight if I have time

It is possible to play solo, but access to your reinforcements and action cards is restricted to a specific side. What you have to do is switch sides when you need to access pieces belonging to a side. There is a retire button on the toolbar that lets you do that while playing.

Hi Billy.

I'll be on-line tonight UK time at 9pm.
Happy to show you the ropes if you have time to get on-line.

If you need any help getting vassal up and running just drop me a line to my home email ( ingrambj -at- aol.com )

I guarantee you will not be disappointed with how the game plays. It's almost as good as playing face-to-face. In some cases (IMO) it's even better... hidden units, plotting artillery spotting rounds, minefields etc.


Regards

Barry

Thx Barry - I might take you up on that. I'll email you if I'm going to be on.

As for playing...do you actually have to have the board and counters all laid out, or is it like a computerised, non-AI version of the boardgame?

It is exactly as you describe - a computerised version of the boardgame without AI.
All you will need is your rule-book.

You will need to load the CoH module from the vassal programme manager screen.
The first time you load a new module the programme prompts you for a username (most players use their real names - but you don't have to). Then click the option to play on-line and the module automatically takes you to the 'main room' on the server and the name you selected as your username will appear in the current game window showing you are in the room.

Wait there and I'll join you. There's a function that allows players to send each other a 'wake-up' call that sends a telephone dial tone through to your PC's speakers so it's a good idea to leave your volume setting on 'high' in case you happen to be away from the keyboard when someone is trying to attract your attention.

It's all fairly intuitive once you get up and running but the learning curve is that much easier when you have someone to help you with the basics.

I won't be on tonight Barry...too much to do and I've just got back from the gym.

I've dropped you an email though...maybe I can contact you if you are available for a game?

Thx
Billy