HistWar: Les Grognards, a true Napoleonic Wargame

HistWar: Les Grognards FAQ


Contents


-Official Links, Updates and Fixes
-General Info
-Game Play
-Graphics
-Sound
-Multilayer
-Modding
-Misc (Interviews, Previews, and Reviews)
-Screenshots
-HistWar Promotional Banners

-Official Links, Updates and Fixes-


The game is yet to be released.
The HistWar: Les Grognards game is coming closer, the game is progressing into it`s final stage.
I think it is realistic to assume we can expect to fight large Napoleonic battles before this Summer.
It will be smashing and a must have for any true Napoleonic warfare fan.


The HistWar websites

http://www.histwar.com/

http://www.battlefront.com/products/les_grog/index.html

The HistWar forums:

http://www.histwar.com/forum/

http://www.battlefront.com/cgi-bin/b...=0;DaysPrune=0


-General Info-


What are the system requirements?
Currently specs are aimed for... though are subject to change.
1.5GHz CPU or better
5200 Nvidia or Radeon 9500 GPU or better
384mb+ RAM
x amount of harddrive space

For a below recommended configuration, it will be possible to play without the 3D animation... just a 2D map AND a 3D Symbolic view.

When is the planned release date?
Q1-Q2 2006, based on statements in this forum.

Where can I purchase Les Grognards?
Battlefront.com is a internet publisher as such the game will be available worldwide via mail order or credit card through their online store.

Will the game ship with a printed manaual?
Yes!

How big is the manual? Is there an option to buy the game with a PDF manual only?
That information is currently unavailble.

What role does the player take?
The player’s main role is Commander-in-Chief. His duty is to create his armies, define his doctrine and, once on the battlefield, tactically command those armies.

Which armies are represented?
Primarily the French, Russians and Austrian and various secondary states. Around 15 are in game as well as some legion armies like Irish, Portuguese, Wurtenmberg, Saxony, Poland, Italy and Naples.

What scale does the 3d engine use?
The in game scale will be one 3d man = 10 men, with support up to 50,000 3d units!

Where are the British? Prussians? etc?
They are not covered in the scope of this release, a possible future expansion would/could add them.

So what battles does the game cover?
The game will ship with 10 historical battles... Austerlitz, Eylau, Friedland, Wagram, Borodino, Haslach, Hanu, La Rothiere, Friedland and Eckmul

Is this real time?
Yes, 1 game minute equals 1 minute of real-time. In other words a 10 hours battle will take 10 hours to play if not paused. You can't issue orders during pause. You have the opportunity to speed the game up to 10 times. However in PBEM games it will be played as WE-GO much like combat mission.

How large are the maps?
Based on game scale the maps can be up to 600 square kilometers! Or be as small as 6 X 4.5 kilometers.

Is victory based on objectives?
As of right now it is based on "breaking" the enemy army. (ie. shatter their morale)

Will there be a playable demo?
Yes a playable demo will be released. (hopefully before the full release)

What about future expansions?
If all works out, the planned next game of this series will include operational level command as well covering the Prussian Campiagn of 1806

Are beta testing positions open?
No, Battlefront as well as the developer are handling all internal testing matters.


-Game play-

What types of units are modeled?
A large variety of troops, among them; Sappers, Skirmishers, Grenadiers, Fusiliers, Chasseurs, Imperial, Middle and Young Guards, Hussars, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Gendarmes, Voltigeurs, Carbiniers, Lancers and Mameluks.

Are Flag Bearers modeled?
Yes they are, please take a look in the screenshot thread here.

Are different uniforms in game? Or are we stuck with a whole bunch of generic uniforms?
There are in fact many different uniforms (color/style etc.) as of now there are around 550 different uniforms.

Are the historical units/commanders modeled and at what kind of detail?
Currently there is almost 1200 regiments in the data base. With 4000 historical commanders in the data base!

What types of weather are modeled?
Fog, snow and rain will be modeled and will thus have an effect on combat.

Are tutorials included with the game?
Yes! the demo will also include a turtorial.

How will the command structure work?
Basically there are 3 levels of AI each working together to follow your orders. From grand tactical to regiment.

What's this about an operational map?
There is a 2d map which offers an overview of the battle, it is of the same scale as the 3d map.

Is there a campaign?
In a sense yes, battles can be linked together giving the player a mini-campaign to play.

Are reinforcements modeled?
Yes, they will show up in game based on a delayed arrivial in the OOB.

How are wounded troops modeled?
Troops are wounded during the battle (tactical) phase. This stat is handed to the strategic engine after the battle is over. A certain amount of these wounded troops are lost, however the some will return to your ranks for the next battle.

Will cavalry units be able to dismount?
No, the only units able to mount/dismount will be the artillery train.

Are couriers modeled?
To a degree yes, though you will not "see" them. Though their getting across the battlefield will directly influence whether your orders are followed or not...

How is scouting modeled?
Basically you send either light infantry or light cavalry to patrol which will send you back a general message on enemy strength.

Does the artillery model take into accound weather and terrain types?
Yes shot effectivness will be influnced by ground conditions. (Mud causing less ricochet from solid shot)

Are different shell types modeled for the artillery?
Yes, among them solid, and canister.

Are defensive structures in game?
Yes!

Is there a square formation avalible?
Yes! along with 4 other formations. (see below)

So how does the game handle melee/charges?
There are 3 formations: line, column by platoon, column by division.
Line fights by the fire, and tries to stop the opponent during the charge. If it's not possible, the unit quickly routs. (there are some exceptions : ie the Imperial Guard)
Column by platoon: this unit charges on the last 100 meters... If the opponent is in the Column too, it's possible there is a melee. LG use the parameters (moral, fatigue, type, strength...)to find the behavior of each unit.
Column by division: this unit shoots its opponent before charging.
To summarize, melees are quick; there is a melee when the 2 opponents have a good moral and all parameters are close.

How are prisoners handled?
Prisoners move to the Operational line but it can try to escape if no unit controls them. (Within 1,000m for control) Take a look at some pictures here.

Is there a follow unit key for the camera?
Yes there is too modes of tracking...
a) subjective view.. the camera is around 2 meters above the unit you have choosen.
b) locked view.. camera locked at the middle of the unit.

How is morale handled?
Take a look at the below summary of morale factors.
-Losses (instantaneous, global, mean on the march)
-Losses : Chief of Corps(+-), colonel(+-), flags(-)
-Routed units (-) for the unit itself or (+) if the unit routs his opponent
-Seen by either Commander in Chief or Chief of Corps(+)
-Visiblity of a friendly Guard unit or elite Unit(+)
-Threaten against the line of operation(+)
-Deployement on a defensive line(+)
-Victorious fighting of a friendly unit(+)
-Threaten against his line of operation(-)
-Friendly Guard or Elite routed(-)
-Attacked by bombardement(-)
-Fatigue(-)
-Formation (moral decreases with the density... column of platoon, column of divison, line...)

How is rallying handled?
For internal engine.. there are 2 major parameters : type of unit , losses... when the losses are important, the unit routs towards a free area (if possible, if not it is captive)
The rallying begins after the unit reaching a free area. Time varies with some parameters : charisma, level of losses, flag.. 10 minuts at least.


-Graphics-


So what's so different with this engine?
Notice that the engine uses fully 3d objects and not 2d sprites...

Screenshot "x" had such and such wrong!
Take note that some of the screenshots in circulation are from older builds and do not reflect the final product.


-Sound-


What types of sound modeling can we expect?
Various drums beating to signal orders to the troops, the sounds of movement and battle.


-Modding-


Does the game ship with modding tools?
Yes the game will ship with editors which will allow the changing of Maps, Orders of Battle and Unit Doctrines (AI scripting).

Which 3d objects in game can be replaced?
All 3d objects other than the soldiers themselves should be fully moddable.

Do the models features LODs?
Yes all in games models feature Level Of Detail Layers.

Which in game textures can be changed/modded?
You will be able to change all textures (soldier, ground, building...)


-Multiplayer-


Which modes of MP are supported and through what types of connection?
Les Grognards can be either played against the computer (solo), or Multi-player via LAN or Internet (TCP/IP) with up to 6 players divided into 2 sides with each player controlling either all or a part of an Army. Play by e-mail (PBEM) with 15 minute game sequences (turns) is also supported.

-Misc-


PC-DOME's Developer Interview:

http://www.battlefront.com/products/...g/dev_int.html

Wargamer's Developer Interview:

http://www.wargamer.com/articles/histwar_interview/


-Screenshots-

http://www.histwar.com/screenshots/C.../060106-01.jpg

http://www.histwar.com/screenshots/C.../060106-10.jpg

http://www.histwar.com/screenshots/C.../260106-01.jpg


A direct link to the Les Grognards screenshot section:

http://www.battlefront.com/products/...ots/index.html


-HistWar Promotional Banners-

http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/files/ban260206-05_187.jpg

http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/files/ban260206-17_211.jpg

A link to a complete set of HistWar banners

http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/download.php?id=558


Cheers,

LZoF

Yes, I've had my eye on this and it does look gorgeous. However, IIRC, you just fight battles - there's no campaign to hold things together? It's that hook of a campaign that so attracts me to TW - I'm not sure I would play it much without the campaign map to motivate me.

There are serious plans to add a Campaign, consisting out of a series of battles where the results of every previous battle will be taken into account while you progress the Campaign.

Also there is work going on into the next game HistWar: 1806 around the German/Prussian campaigns and it is a goal to progress the series and expand it with more campaign futures, as this is a very small production, things will be added along the way.

Depending on the success of this release, but I can assure you HistWar is not neglecting that part and has every intention to expand the series and develop a campaign future.

LZoF

I'm looking forward to this game. Keep in mind that, unlike Total War, the combat is deterministic. The same conditions will always produce the same number of casualties.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simon Appleton

Yes, I've had my eye on this and it does look gorgeous.

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Ditto.

I just wish that Brit and Prussian units had been included in the original release. I do hope it is mod friendly.

Odd that the soldiers are not moddable... seems like the first thing you would want to mod would be the soldiers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zorba

...the soldiers are not moddable...

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They aren't??? Rats...

The units will be moddable, only not with a build in modding tool. Not much different than the TW series regarding modding the models. Cheers, LZoF

Ah ok that isn't so bad at all.

Just re-acquainted myself with the website.This is a game that I want to stay mad at, because of the Brit / Prussian thing, but just can't. It seems that it will have so many things going for it. I hope CA is paying attention and incorporates some, if not all, of these features in M2:TW.

There's been some news on this title recently after being stuck forever in development. A closed beta was released last week and there's a new video of the gameplay showing the abstract map view and 3D scenes.
Looks better and better, I only hope that the MP part (sounds great in the interview) will work.
JMM, the developer, even said that a release prior to Christmas is possible.

:bow:

Nice necrothread...

:grin2: Heh, I just realized that it's 18 months old. I thought the last post was April 2007. Anyway, it's not my fault that this game takes forever to develop. :beam:

AFAIk from a recent french interview JMM is aiming for early 2008. The beta is set for around 3 months it seems.

Yes this game has been in development for a long time, but hopefully that means it is well done and not like the other recent titles from Battlefront.


CBR

Looks good Right now. If MP is any good on it (which I hope it is!), Expect me to pick it up :beam:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CBR

AFAIk from a recent french interview JMM is aiming for early 2008. The beta is set for around 3 months it seems.

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Yes, I saw that in the meantime. 1st quarter of 2008.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CBR

Yes this game has been in development for a long time, but hopefully that means it is well done and not like the other recent titles from Battlefront.
CBR

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I've read it's been developed for 10 years. :stunned:
Judging from the videos so far it seems very well done.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warman

Expect me to pick it up

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We all shudder in fear...:surrender2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by R'as al Ghul

We all shudder in fear...:surrender2:

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You Shoud Be, Because I am King Warman88 :-) :charge: :duel: ~:grouphug:

If this game wasn't so horrible to look at I might be able to look forward to it. But as ugly as the graphics are I don't think I could play it.

That was over a year ago. Since it's still in development, I guess it looks better now.
And, anyway, if the AI surpasses all other AIs, I'll take it. Gameplay over graphics, for me.

I can't believe this game isn't out yet !!
I will probably wait for a demo to try and see how it is.
While my craving for a napoleonic game is huge I don't want another failure like Imperial Glory.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warmaster Horus

That was over a year ago. Since it's still in development, I guess it looks better now.
And, anyway, if the AI surpasses all other AIs, I'll take it. Gameplay over graphics, for me.

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Same. Graphics mean nothing to me. As long as the Gameplay is good, I'm fine with it. :yes:

Well of course graphics could be better but since this game is supposed to handle up to 127 units per side and 50,000 soldiers in total it will not be able to reach ETW.

If JMM and his team does it well this game will be the best Napoleonic game ever seen, and then I couldnt care less about unique soldier graphics, finishing moves or jumping horses.

Im still worried about the deterministic combat engine and the (apparent) lack of a MP lobby which means it will direct IP only.


CBR

Bumping an old topic insted of starting a new one.

HistWar finally has a release date. It'll be available for download on the Battlefront site from the end of September. Announced today itself.

http://www.histwar.com/newsletter/august-15th-2009.html

Yeah was just reading the newsletter. After years of waiting we will finally see if this really is wargaming heaven as I'm hoping it will be :beam:

Vive l'Empereur!


CBR

OH MY GOD! This makes my week!

For those who are interested there is a very nice preview here on what exactly the game entails.

One thing of which you guys might want to be aware:

Apparently Les Grognards is shipping with a form of DRM called "eLicense". I don't really know that much about it myself, but it's causing some backlash with people who'd previously intended on purchasing the game.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by From the FAQ

Your license key will never expire as long as you do not forget to unlicense previously activated copies of the game when you're done with them. The 2 activation limit only has to do with how many games can be activated at the same time, but you can install and activate hundreds of games throughout the years. What you cannot do is have more than 2 activations at the same time.

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Gah! ~:( I refuse absolutely to buy any PC game with an activation limit.

Please tell me that there's going to be a version without the activation limits. Maybe on a download portal like gamersgate or impulse? I'd rather hoped to try this game.

This doesn't sound right.....I mean after taking such a long time to develop such a deep game....and listening to what everyone wanted.....having such a DRM is out of joint.
EA does stuff like this, but now after Spore even they have changed for better....

Edit :
This sounds rather unfair....seems like if I have activated a game on a system, and for some reason the whole thing is formatted before I can deactivate it, then I'm stuck with just one activation insted of two.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by india

This sounds rather unfair....seems like if I have activated a game on a system, and for some reason the whole thing is formatted before I can deactivate it, then I'm stuck with just one activation insted of two.....

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Yeah it seems that way to me... I thought Indie developers were on our side :sad:

I would have preferred they didn't use it and IMO their reasons for using it are pretty flimsy but that is another discussion.

According to them, and what a few costumers have reported IIRC, if anything bad happens (HDD crash etc) then one can send an email to them and they will fix it. So a dead PC or HDD does not mean one less activation.


CBR