Some newb questions.

[Cleft_Asunder]

1) Why am I able to fire the M2 unbuttoned? I thought I was only supposed to be able to use it while buttoned, but I can use it in both cases. Is the M1A1 still modeled? (SB GOLD)

2)I feel like the tutorial should have gone more indepth on the TC position. I don't understand, for example, how to properly alert my gunner to a threat I've seen using my binoculars. Or do I have to switch to GPSE to do that?

3)Specifically, how does the unbuttoned TC position work in regards to spotting and gunner/TC coordination?

4)Why is the GPSE accessible unbuttoned? Does the M1A1 have a periscope on top of the turret like the Leapord?

4)When viewing multiple targets in the GPSE (lets say 5), how do I tell the gunner to select a specific target?

5)Why is the shift+space command not mentioned in the manual? Are there other hidden commands that I'm not aware of?

6)Is it common for veterans to play with medium (or even low) realism settings? I still don't understand what the red box is used for in medium/low settings. Specific target accusition by the gunner? If so, why would turning it off be more realistic?

I'll probably have more, but thanks in advance.

[DrDevice]

1) The M2 HMG may be fired from the unbuttoned state. The TC uses it that way under normal firing conditions, AFAIK.

2) You should override the gunner (button 3) and slew the turret to align with the target. Wait for the gunner to say "identified" and release control back to him. Using the GPSE is a good way to "fine tune" the shot if the gunner isn't IDing the target fast enough.

3) See above. It takes practice to get the gun tube aligned quickly, but it can be done. With the wide perspective of the TC and the ability to override the gunner to take the shot if the AI is having trouble, I like the M1 TC position and play from there 80% of the time.

4) This assumes you drop into the turret to view. You do not button up, just drop inside. This may explain 1) as well.

4b) I find that forcing the zoom and placing the reticule on target is the best way. There is no command for "2 tanks - right tank" in the game.

5) No idea. The "replay camera" commands are not documented, either, IIRC. W,X,A,D for Fwd/Bck/Lft/Rgt ; Q,Z for up/down and shift+key for faster movement in all of the above. You can move the camera (F1) around from the planning or AAR view to watch the battlefield.

6) No. Almost everyone plays with the highest settings, since MP settings are drawn from the host PC, and it would suck not to be proficient in that difficulty level. :mrgreen:
The high difficulty has other challenges too, in AI behavior.

See 4b for directing specific targets. It's also not possible (that I am aware of) to cease acquisition of a target. Once a gunner has it, they tend to want to stick to it, even if they lose LOS. There is no "disengage" key. Very frustrating when your gunner is locked on a single infantry guy at 3000m, keeps slewing the turret 90 degrees off target as you maneuver and you KNOW a tank is over the nearby ridge!

If you'd like, an MP session with someone familiar with the M1 TC spot might help. PM me if you'd like a run down and practice session, or get with one of the other frequent MP vets. Good luck!

[Cleft_Asunder]

Fantastic replies, thanks. Some more for you:

1)Wouldn't the hold fire command cancel the engagement of the current target?

2)I mistook the golden binoculars on the leo as the GPSE. Whoops.

3)Why is this forum so slow?

Thanks for the invite. Unfortunately my phone line + rain = DSL connection fluctuation so I'm experiencing random down time. I will certainly remember the offer though, but for now it doesn't matter since I need to learn more of the basics. I want to ask, since SB PRO (and 2) are coming out, will the multiplayer community for SB1 dissappear? I would like to be good enough to play well online, but hopefully there's people to play with.

[mapman]

The update history found on the esim site shows all the readme files with each patch. Most of these are not found in the manual.

See: http://www.esimgames.com/Upgrade_history.htm

That being said, I never knew about the Shift+Spacebar command (Fire and Adjust) until I read this here now and went and tried it out...learn something new every day...LOL

[TopKick]

I still don't understand what the red box is used for in medium/low settings

If you are unbuttoned in the TC position, when you hit the override the red box [ ] brackets will appear. They show you where your gun in pointed. Use the overide to place the gun on the target you observed and the gunner will spot it. Release the override, Hit the space bar or trigger and the gunner will fire at it. The brackets work only on medium or low settings.

[Cleft_Asunder]

Guys is there any way to adjust the volume ingame?

[Sean]

No, not yet. I'd recommend a good headset with a volume dial on it.

[3Star]

1) Why am I able to fire the M2 unbuttoned? I thought I was only supposed to be able to use it while buttoned, but I can use it in both cases

Of all the times I've played with SB, I don't think I can ever recall having tried to hipshoot the .50 cal from the TC's external view. But yes, it can be done, and I have done it in real life in the past. It's just of questionable accuracy. (Left/right is easy, up/down is a problem)

NTM

[Cleft_Asunder]

Thanks.

In regards to triggers, I don't understand how you change the names from generic 'trigger 1' to whatever you want. It doesn't cover this in the manual.

Also, what the heck am I supposed to do with the M2a2's on map Ambush? I understand the concept from playing combat mission, but I don't understand how you properly use them in SB. The infantry get on and off when I don't want them to. They don't seem to use their 50mm cannons, although they use their AT missles. Hrrmmm... no clue.

[DrDevice]

You cannot change the trigger names in the planning stage. It must be done when designing the scenario.

[Lone*star49]

Also, what the heck am I supposed to do with the M2a2's on map Ambush? I understand the concept from playing combat mission, but I don't understand how you properly use them in SB.

:arrow: The infantry get on and off when I don't want them to. They don't seem to use their 50mm cannons, although they use their AT missles. Hrrmmm... no clue.
...

They're best used in a deep OW BP IMHO, hopefully from a flanking position or, run them to edge of a forrest, :arrow: when troops disembark, route troops minimum 500m, or further, away from M2 with either a scouting or defend BP for them at end of their route. Then when you move your Brad, they will stay put. But do not route your Brad to within 400m of them or it will stop, and the troops will return, taking up a huge amount of time..

One other thing that has worked for me is route your Brad to just inside trees, let troops out and go out scouting or to defend, and let Brad watch your rear areas from just inside the tree line. If they see an enemy unit, it is usually looking at it's flank or rear, and can get a clean shot off without being seen in time, and make a kill. But your troops tell you what's where, and you can jump into the troops and "hear" and sometimes see, what type of force, APC, or Tank/s, is passing by, and in what direction. Remember too, that if they (the troops are armed) with Bazookas, then consider their range at or below 1000m, but if the have ATGM, then the range for them is greater, 1000m plus..

They use the (30mm, I think) cannon on enemy troops and hard or soft targets if they're out of Tows, or inbetween reloading, or do not have clear shot (thru trees, etc.) with a Tow. However, it is dismal to see one firing its cannon at a tank, till the tank blows it away..





LS