The game series really knows how to mess with our feelings, and I wanted to relate it to the struggles of commanders and soldiers back in the day.
When we jump into a PBEM scenario, we never know what surprises it will bring. This is especially true when playing a Campaign mode with FOW. It's interesting to admit how invested we get in our PBEM battles. When things go well, or even better than expected, we're filled with a surge of creativity and joy. It gets us pumped up to keep playing and dive deeper into the scenario.
But let's be honest, when our plans and execution fails and everything turns into a disaster, it's like a punch in the gut. It can kill our interest in that particular battle or even the whole series.
That's exactly what warfare is all about. Breaking the enemy's will to fight. In real life, there's no quitting and picking up a different hobby. If the enemy's morale crumbled, you'd see a massive rout (Jena) or a complete surrender without a fight (Ulm).
Looking at the PBEM results from the NWC records, it's clear that most of the outcomes lean heavily towards major victories or defeats. It's like we're programmed to give up if things aren't going our way, even though we could still salvage a minor defeat or perhaps even a draw. If we do some cool-headed calculations of VPs and consider projected losses, along with a few enemy mistakes, we might turn the tables in our favor.
We also tend to underestimate the challenges our opponents face and the desperation and fears they're dealing with. It's hard to appreciate all that when the fog of war clouds our judgment. The opponent might be losing their nerve too.
Even a small tactical setback, like losing a heavy battery due to enemy action, can crush our spirits. It feels like a big deal, even if strategically it's not that dramatic, and statistically the odds will even out later in the battle. But emotions take over, and we are quick to give up and move on.
In my experience one the most rewarding moments come when faced with those tough situations but manage to pull the best out it. Keeping a cool head, planning, not rushing the turn (or even taking a day break to cool our emotions down), analysing the situation, and execute our moves with precision, even when we're suffering heavy losses and our plans fail. There's something deeply satisfying about overcoming difficult challenges with calculated decision-making. That is human nature I suppose.
I suppose there is also a trick in mixing up your opponents. There's no point in constantly subjecting yourself to the pain of playing against superior players. Sure, it's great to learn from them and improve your skills, but you also need victories to boost your confidence. Seek out less experienced players occasionally to get practice the acquired skills and score some wins and then find someone on your level for a real challenge.
In the end, what matters most is the experience itself. Whether you're easily crushing the French as the Allied player at Waterloo or fighting “all lost” Leipzig battle against the Allied in the hard times of 1813, it's all about immersing yourself in the historical setting and enjoying the thrill of the game.
The emotional roller-coaster of the series perfectly simulates the unpredictability of warfare and the crucial role morale plays in determining the outcome. So, let's embrace the challenges, analyse the situation with a cool head, and pull the best we can. The sweet taste of victory will be all more satisfying.
