Scenario DLCs

[motrek]

I see the four scenario DLC are quite an attractive $1.99 each, and I'm tempted to get
them. I just wonder if they are worth my time, though. I haven't been able to find any reviews
of them on these forums.

So, then, are they any good? Thanks, your opinions will be greatly valued!

[Durk]

The battle DLCs are an opportunity to explore some of the more familiar wars of this era in the PON format. In the battle games the production interface is not the focus, but rather the conflict. These DLCs are useful for exploring how to use the game's battle systems, especially if you have not had too many major wars in your play. Each DLC only focuses upon the period of the historical event. The battle games are not detailed treatments of the conflicts as they operate at a higher level of abstraction. However, the combat system of this game has some nice simplicity in the more familiar American Civil War. In both the Franco-Prussian War and the Spanish-American War you get studies in two wars rarely depicted in computer games.

The Scramble for Africa 1880 is very different from the other DLCs. It is the full campaign game, but with a later start. The wars of the mid-century are done. Italy and Germany have unified. The economies of all nations are much more mature. There are still almost 1000 turns ahead, so plenty of play time awaits. I do think this is a scenario well worth playing as many players never last until the latter decades of the game.

My conclusion, the opportunity to experience the battle side of PON and the opportunity to begin the game decades later are well worth the modest cost.

[motrek]

Thank you, Durk! The Spanish- American and Franco-Prussian Wars sound ideal for some quicker,
combat-based play, and the Civil war perhaps with a bit more involvement. The Africa game's later
start gives PON a whole new perspective.

I will definitely get them!