Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC)

Hi, just got this game and have noticed that if i move a unit in line formation, it stays in the same direction it was in before i moved, which is quite unrealistic if an enemy is met and my units are looking the other way! Am i doing something wrong? Thanks.

You can use the red arrow buttons in the toolbar to turn your units and adjust their facing. It has to be done manually.

If you are already a member of this fine club, would you mind indicating your rank and army affiliation in the signature of your messages?

If you are not, may I suggest you join us? I trust you will pick the side of law and order, civilization, legitimate rule, which alone can provide you with a decent uniform and a musket that really fires (at least once in a while). [:D]

Ah, these radical Colonial Yankee Rebel ideas ... haven't heard about them in quite a while. Still amusing. [:p]

Sir,
Aside from Gen Walter and very soon to be general Amos's antics (by the way, join the Revolution! We have better health insurance [:o)]), to get back to your specific question.

You are right, any unit that moves in line, or extended line, retains their original facing when moving. Thus, when moving units in that formation, you need to be careful. There will indeed be times where you will accidently expose a flank (if you are facing up-right, and your enemy is to your up-left for example). There are a few things you can do to help with this though. Though normally I recommend moving complete stacks as one (because of defensive fire issues), when moving into terrain where hidden units can be lurking, it may be best to first move a couple of scouts in, then when they have found the enemy positions, move the rest of your forces in as appropriate. Also, this is a game that rewards you keeping some form of a line formation (as it should), so you shouldn't have individual units running around, other than maybe the odd cav scout.

Good luck, and feel free to find the Colonial Army Recruiters! George Washington wants YOU!

Drummer - the User's manual help file is very useful in finding out things about this series like what you mention. I highly recommend it!
I read it now and then to refresh myself on items that are in the game.
The manual is 1776.hlp
The Getting Started scenario and help file of the same name are a must for someone that hasnt played John Tiller's games before. The menus for his game are very similar for the most part.
Learn the highlighting keys as well. It helps to find leaders and formations and other items like low ammo units (which will lead to NO ammo and rout real quick!).
We joke about the sides in this club alot - really there are times when a member has joined and because of a need on one side or the other ended up on the other side. Now if you can understand that join the British side.
On the other hand - rephrasing the above in Colonial lingo - this is dangerous business and taxes stink - join the American Army and fight for King, er General George!!
Or the French King Louis!

I think what Drummer means is that it looks ridiculous to be able to move a unit in line formation sideways without being forced to change facing to the direction of march. I brought this point up in a recent playtest session and, I don't think it's going to change anytime soon. [;)][V]

Phil

Right, what I had in mind was a long 6 hex march sideways while facing forward.

Phil

Yes Al and Phil are right. There were commands to move obliquely, basically a 45 degree move to the right or left, but always facing front. There was no such thing as moving sideways in battle line. To do that, the command would have been to face either side, march, then face front. All this could be done quickly, ( covered within the 5 minute turns of the game,) however, as soon as they faced, the line would actually be in column with their flank exposed. The oblique command accomplishes a side ways movement without exposing a large flank, but it can only be accomplished during a movement forward.
Phil makes a good point. This is why in my opinion, line disruption should be the default, and no line disruption the optional rule.