Close Combat: The Bloody First 
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Legendary strategies are back!May 16, 2024 - Community AnnouncementsWhile media regularly share news about games disappearing from digital distribution, publishers like SNEG ensure that as many iconic titles as possible are easily accessible to players. The Warlords series and the five original Close Combat games, for the first time, are available on Steam. Generations of players grew up with these titles, and now access to them is easier than ever before. CLOSE COMBAT COLLECTION Today, eight classics fully optimized to the requirements of modern computers and operating systems make their debut on Steam, while the first installment of the Close Combat series premieres in digital distribution as a separate and fully functional title. The publisher has also made every effort to eliminate technical issues, with changes based on fan and community feedback. The Close Combat series immerses players into the time of World War II, where they will encounter challenges across various sides of the conflict. In these games players command troops in diverse historical campaigns, engaging in intense battles across a variety of terrains and scenarios. The first installment hit the market in 1996, surprising players with a combination of strategic gameplay, great graphics, animation, and sound effects. Fans of military strategy games fell in love with attention to detail, historical accuracy, and challenging gameplay, which made these games unique from other titles available at the time. Starting from today, players will once again be able to engage in battle in the five original games from this series developed by Atomic Games that started it all. Close Combat – defeat the enemy in this classic, nonstop World War II battle action. Lead your men through the terror, fatigue, and hell of war to victory. Only you can bring them back alive! For the first time in history, Close Combat is available digitally as a standalone, fully functional game. Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far – take control of five strategic bridges in the most dramatic battle of World War II. From war-room strategy to gritty trench combat, battlefields come to life as you command Allied or Axis powers. It's a fight where every second counts. Close Combat 3: The Russian Front – command a fire brigade of soldiers on the Russian Front in this real-time strategy game set in World War II. Play as either the Soviets or Germans, orchestrating squad attacks, defenses, and survival over four grueling years of the grandest and bloodiest war the world has ever seen. Close Combat 4: The Battle of the Bulge – sneak attacks, stalwart defenders, spies, and saboteurs are among the exciting surprises lurking on both sides of the battle. Whether you command American or German troops, you decide when and where they will be deployed. Launch air attacks against the enemy, but keep your eyes on the skies; random weather patterns can wreak havoc on your offensives from above. Close Combat 5: Invasion: Normandy - Utah Beach to Cherbourg – WWII realism is brought back to the beaches of N...Close Combat: Modern Tactics is now available on SteamApr 15, 2021 - Community AnnouncementsBack in 2007, Matrix Games proudly presented Close Combat: Modern Tactics. A detailed, real-time war simulator based on an actual tool developed for and used by the United States Marine Corps. This fondly remembered classic still holds up today, thanks to its beautiful hand-drawn maps and the depth of the strategy available to players. The attention to detail has been bested by few since, which is why we are now bringing it to Steam for the first time. This also completes the Close Combat collection for Steam users, who will now have access to all of the Close Combat franchise in one place. To celebrate this launch, we are including a substantial 40% discount on Close Combat: Modern Tactics on Steam. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1367330/Close_Combat_Modern_Tactics/ We are also additionally having discounts on the various other Close Combat Series games. Looking to complete your collection at a substantial discount? You can grab all the titles your missing, including Close Combat: Modern Tactics, in the complete collection: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/14953/Close_Combat_Collection/ Note: Some discounts will not be available until after 6pm GMT (UK Time), if you do not find a discount on the Close Combat title you want, try refreshing the page after confirming it is 6pm GMT or later.Close Combat: The Bloody First - "Veteran" mod is now available for downloadApr 1, 2021 - Community AnnouncementsThe first massive mod for Close Combat: The Bloody First is now available. It is called Veteran and it was developed by a well-known modder in the community, Nomada_Firefox. He took upon himself the task of converting maps from Close Combat: the Longest Journey, as well as adding a lot more content. We were so impressed with it that we have worked to bring this content into the game as an optional addition you can directly download from the games client. Nomada_Firefox's Veteran mod main features include: New content that covers the whole of the Normandy landings. Adds British and Commonwealth forces as well as many new units for US and German forces Two new campaigns, one Allied and one Axis Dozens of new battles and operations 20 new maps converted from Close Combat The Longest Day You can now download the Veteran mod directly from the game's download system by doing the following: Click the button ‘User Content’ which will appear on the game main screen next to the game title. Select the ‘Veteran Normandy’ mod from the ‘User Content List’ Click ‘Download.’ We're also going to stream the mod on our Twitch channel tomorrow at 8 pm GMT+1. Last but not least, Close Combat: The Bloody First is currently part of our Easter sale: If you don't have it yet in your game library, you can acquire it at 30% off by entering the "happyeaster30" coupon code. The offer is only valid on the Slitherine and Matrix Games stores. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/58e24fb8fa3f9eb0d3d3089756d6b767e88f0010.jpg Sword and Juno Beaches {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/c74115a1ec6c2df7570b7d066cac4f07d25cc9cf.jpg Sherman Crab The Flare Path: TestyOct 23, 2020 - Rock, Paper, ShotgunMy biggest ludological disappointment of 2019? Close Combat: The Bloody First, without question. Slitherine’s 3D take on Atomic’s gripping top-down wargame series should have been irresistible, but a host of bugs and questionable design decisions left many of the pages in its copybook looking like Rorschach tests. Curious to see what difference a year of fairly regular patches has made, I reinstalled last Friday. (more…) Close Combat - Wacht am Rhein is available on SteamMay 7, 2020 - Community AnnouncementsThe Battle of the Bulge or Hitler's last gambit is the bloodiest battle fought by American soldiers in WWII. If it had succeeded, it would have led to the destruction of 4 Allied armies and, possibly, a separate peace with Germany. Wehrmacht codenamed it Wacht am Rhein. Close Combat - Wacht am Rhein, originally released in 2011, is landed on Steam! This version benefits of many improvements and changes made specifically for this release, including new setting available for HD resolutions. Revive the battle the could have changed World War II. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1272110/Close_Combat_Wacht_am_Rhein/ To celebrate this important event, we have created a Close Combat Collection Bundle (The Bloody First, Gateway to Caen, Panthers in the Fog, Last Stand Arnhem, Wacht am Rhen) at 30% off! Check it out! https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/14953/Close_Combat_Collection/ Important note for Matrix users. Close Combat - Wacht am Rhein Matrix version will need to be uninstalled and installed again to get the improvements working.Map Editor and Modding Tools added in 1.1.1!Mar 30, 2020 - Community Announcements{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/6f7d672ebfcd011f1c83bc3a66303523cdaf8ee9.jpg Close Combat The Bloody First has been updated to version 1.1.1! This is truly the Big 1 update and it is full of nice additions and improvements. The most significative element in this update is the introduction of the Map Editor along with a full range of Modding Tools. The new modding kit allows you to customize single battles, campaigns, scripting custom behaviours for a battle, adding new units and terrain models to the data set using the import tool, and many more additions! The editor is accessible from the game launcher. Take a look at the full changelog here below: Version 1.1.1 Notes Version 1.1.1 Map Editor Changes: • Press ‘P’ key to toggle cursor terrain and coordinate display. • Mouse over an object and hit PgUp/PgDn to cycle through the possible variations in model / texture. • Better alignment of fences and walls when placing them in a row. • Battle damage type objects (foxhole, gun pit, craters) cannot be created via the editor and no longer show up in the object list. May be implemented in the future. • Fix for mods loading custom maps while using the stock campaign. • Fixed missing default textures on dead cow objects. • Fixed incorrect texture names in data file for low stone wall, low mud wall, high mud wall, and wreck objects. • Fix for mouse handling when Scenario Editor screen is up. • Fix for hang when mouse over exactly overlapping buildings. • Fixes for texture loading and saving. Content Creator Update • Force Supply Level now updates correctly after each battle. • Force Supply Level on Planning and Briefing screen now displays correct value. • Fixed case where Kasserine Pass operation would not becoming available when it should. • "PLAY " button only displays for Custom Battle or Saved Games lists if you have at least one item in the list. • Multiplayer: Client now shows correct unit status icons for enemy in sight, firing, etc. • Multiplayer: Unit action string now updated correctly on client during a co-op battle. • Multiplayer: Queued orders are displayed correctly on the client. • Multiplayer: Default Defend/Ambush order arcs appear correctly on the client. • A unit's current order line/arcs are no longer displayed while unit is broken or routing. • Tooltips added to the Soldier screen weapon, achievement, and medal icons. • A battle map preview can now be accessed from the Force Selection screen (image in the upper left.) • Fix for bridge not overwritting deep water terrain (Cerisy) • Left click on a live soldier in soldier list centers camera on soldier. • Fix for separated soldier failing to rejoin unit if unit aborted a movement order while soldier was separated. • Game now allows a battle scenario to begin even if battle end conditions are already in effect. • Vehicle kill chance and counter-kill chance now has more influence when choosing a default target. • Soldier walking and crawling speeds now less effected by terrain and slope. • V...Close Combat: The Bloody First updated to Version 1.0.6Nov 20, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsClose Combat: The Bloody First has been updated to v1.00.06. This update brings many improvements to the game: • The FIRE order line now shows where line of sight is first obscured, where it becomes a blind shot, and where it becomes impossible to target; • Soldier fatigue and morale levels now recover every time you start a new Operation; • AI units with existing orders won't be given a new order unless their situation changes; • Fix for possible crash when the last weapon in battery of artillery or mortar support fires; and many more! Have a look at the changelog below. v1.00.06 • The FIRE order line now shows where line of sight is first obscured, where it becomes a blind shot, and where it becomes impossible to target. • Warning icons and tooltips now indicate when a FIRE order has no line of sight, is partially obscured, is out of range, or is a hard shot due to range, limited visibility, or a hull down / partially visible target vehicle. • Warning icons now appear in the UI screens to indicate when a unit is low on strength, morale, or ammo. Unit tooltips on the Force Selection screen include these warnings as well and indicate when a unit's main weapon is out of ammo. • Exiting a saved game from the Debrief screen and reloading the save now returns to the Debrief Screen instead of the Planning Screen. • Returning to the Planning Screen after having selecting your order choice will show only the order info for the order you selected. • Cursor no longer moves itself when entering / deleting text in the saved game name field. • Soldier fatigue and morale levels now recover every time you start a new Operation. • Operations are no longer shown as 'Completed' on the saved game list unless they really are. • Added better fallback handling for unusual deployment situations -- units should always be placed somewhere in player controlled territory at the start of a battle. • Pathfinder no longer avoids stationary vehicles that are not visible to the player. • AI recon units no longer repeatedly switch destinations while seeking contact. • AI command units no longer move to rally distant units if there are units to be rallied where they are. • An AI unit assigned to capture a VL won't keep trying to move toward the VL if it is engaging a target. • AI units with existing orders won't be given a new order unless their situation changes. • Fixed case where dynamic terrain damage objects could appear at 100x normal size. • Fix for possible crash when the last weapon in battery of artillery or mortar support fires. • Fix for possible crash when expending last use of Illumination support. • Fix for host stuck on the save dialog starting a new multiplayer game after disconnecting from a previous game. • Fix for case where soldiers / vehicles could spin in place after unit was given a Defend or Ambush order while the mouse was over the unit itself. • Fixed case where machine gun weapon model was not visible until the gunner moved. • Fix for Fire Support 'Ar...Close Combat: The Bloody First has been officially updated to version 1.0.2Oct 24, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsClose Combat: The Bloody First has been officially updated to version 1.0.2. As stated previously, this version brings quite a few changes, including the frequently asked for free camera mode as well as further improvements to the accuracy model for vehicles and guns. Changelog: Version 1.0.2 • AI no longer causes brief pauses when trying to find a firing position from which to attack a player unit. • New 'Free Camera' added to game options. • Basic skybox and horizon plane added for those playing with lower camera angles. • Unit icons and other in-battle UI updated for better display at lower camera angles. • Rendering performce when showing ground clutter improved. • Subsequent shot accuracy bonus increased for tank and anti-tank guns. • A tank or anti-tank shot that hits the target vehicle automatically informs the gunner of the correct range. • Very rapid click and double click on and off units can no longer cause a crash. • Units disbanded as a result of the last battle before a campaign transition now carry forward normally. • Unit custom names are no longer lost during a campaign transition when the main force converts to a new organization. • Range factor rebalanced in unit exposure check to extend spotting ranges for most units when they are highly exposed. • Unit exposure check now correctly handles one-way LOS with flares at night. • Corrected LOS and targeting check for separated soldiers. • Vehicles can no longer deploy inside buildings.Version 1.0.1 UpdateOct 10, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsHi everyone, Close Combat: The Bloody First has been updated. Version 1.0.1 fixes many bugs encountered, from fixing the crash/save file corruption, tanks accuracy in close range, the STEEP ANGLE ISSUE and more. Please check the full changelog below • Fix for crash / save file corruption that could occur after saving in a battle. • Soldier name or portrait pic no longer changed incorrectly after saving in battle. • Campaign no longer stops early when playing with a language other than English set. • Fix for incorrect 'STEEP ANGLE' state with vehicles targeting another vehicle at very close range. • German units no longer redeploy into original positions after first battle on Omaha Beach. • Fixed missing string error when initiative changes during an Operation. • Original order choice now shown correctly if you return to the Planning Screen. • Original order choice now shown correctly if you return to the Planning Screen. • Fixed Accuracy for tanks and guns in close range IMPORTANT ISSUES WITH SAVED GAMES CREATED UNDER VERSION 1.0.0 Several issues related to saved games have been addressed in the 1.0.1 update. For best results it is recommend that you start new games after installing the update. The game will attempt to restore and continue saved games that were effected by the earlier problems but may not be able to do so in all cases.Close Combat: The Bloody First gets its Official Wiki PageOct 9, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsThe Official Close Combat: The Bloody First Wiki is live and it is open to the contribution of everyone. The Wiki includes detailed statistics for weapons, ammunition, vehicles, special teams, divisions, and many other important topics. Given the extreme amount of information the game features, this could be very helpful if you need to compare the different assets and see their general performances or against specific enemies. Click here to reach the page and give your contribution. See you on the battlefield, commanders. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/ede2e3006fc2d02b19bdf7affffc8e1c32da670f.jpgCheck The ManualOct 4, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsDid you know that Close Combat: The Bloody First has 115 pages of Manual? Check it out now and find precious information about basic gameplay, key concepts (like coverage or units replacement during the Grand Campaign), Editor, and more. The Manual has been added to the Steam Page dedicated section, you can download it from there. Or alternatively you can click on the link below {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/e7349bc0ee15061c328e619907f87d495cf8197e.jpg https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steam/apps/811880/manuals/Close_Combat_Bloody_First_Manual_EBOOK.pdf?t=1570174665 Important, The Manual is in PDF format only.Close Combat: The Bloody First charges into the third dimensionOct 3, 2019 - Rock, Paper, Shotgun What time do you call this, soldier? It’s been over a year since Fraser Brown bothered some Nazis in Normandy, and Close Combat: The Bloody First was already four years past its due date by then. Ah, well, I suppose it takes time to put together the perfect battle-plan. Developers Slitherine are finally ready to give Axis forces a bloody nose, marching The Bloody First into release today. (more…) Close Combat: The Bloody First is being deployedOct 3, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsFollowing the German invasion of Poland, US forces started relocating their forces in preparation of possible operations in Europe. As part of the partial mobilization, the 1st Infantry Division got more personnel and equipment, ready to be deployed for Operation Torch within the II Corps. But Algeria and Tunisia were only the beginning. Soldiers previously unknown to each other became brothers, forged by the fire of dozens of battles. After the fall of Tunisia was the turn of Sicily and then Normandy to get stormed. The time to reverse the tide has come. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/da844e7d0d066c2bbd12aecfc24ad2279dbbf54c.jpg The Bloody First, the latest release in the critically-acclaimed Close Combat series, is out. Take your chance to lead your men through a Grand Campaign covering three theatres, and watch them fight with tooth and nails against a variety of different enemies, from hardened veterans to kampfgruppen quickly gathered. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/5f83f6117dc84f47c0708e292af342f9e543c722.jpg The new 3D Archon Engine has expanded the level of detail of the battlefields, making every position on the map critical and important. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/6aa5d19bf2d161643542a8714805f0f282afa824.jpg Multiplayer has always been an acclaimed feature of the series and in The Bloody First this is truer than ever. Fight in bitter 1 vs 1 battles or team up in co-op against the AI to better coordinate your actions. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/85655c5661a99d9b4544c29cf4ffb465b8564e12.jpg Do you want to see the game in action? Don’t miss our Twitch Stream today with DasTactic! {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/6830ae4e716853b81871aef283af341fcf1095e0.jpg Now Available on Steam - Close Combat: The Bloody FirstOct 3, 2019 - Product ReleaseClose Combat: The Bloody First is Now Available on Steam! Close Combat: The Bloody First is the latest release in the critically-acclaimed Close Combat series, and the first using the new 3D Archon engine. With this Close Combat: The Bloody First combines classic Close Combat tactical gameplay with battles fought across a wide variety of diverse 3D landscapes including craggy ridgelines, narrow valleys and dense villages. The switch to 3D also allows an increase in the level of detail (e.g. the specific types of ammunition used by each weapon are now modelled) with more realistic movement and projectile physics. Close Combat: The Bloody First live on TwitchSep 24, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsClose Combat: The Bloody First will be released on October 3rd, so it's the perfect time to show it live. Tomorrow, Agrippa Maxentius will be trying to survive Operation Torch, fighting its way to Kasserine Pass and beyond. The Twitch Stream will be happening tomorrow at 6 pm BST / 1 pm EDT / 10 am PDT on our official channel. https://www.twitch.tv/slitherinegroup Stay tuned for further updates. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35019843/3e30c29396e1bcff2075388eaa5a0c21ee8bb053.jpgClose Combat: The Bloody First out on October, 3rdSep 20, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsClose Combat: The Bloody First, the upcoming title in the famous Close Combat series, will be released on October 3rd. What is CLOSE COMBAT: THE BLOODY FIRST in 2 minutes! Will you sacrifice your most experienced units in order to hold a flank key for the whole campaign? Or will you go slowly and steadily with your fighting to bring home alive more soldiers as possible? With Close Combat: The Bloody First you will experience what a Brotherhood of Soldiers really means. Stay tuned for further updates!Close Combat: The Bloody First Screenshots, with New Icons!Jul 9, 2019 - Community Announcementshttps://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/35019843/39d7d44f5edc466987fc0980d329d3ff6ad6e3de.jpg Hi everybody! Ladt week, on Monday 1st during the fifth Home of Wargamers, we had the chance to talk a little about the progression with Close Combat: The Bloddy First. One of the areas of improvements is the visual representation of the unit's status, to help players getting a faster idea on what’s going on the battlefield. Icons in different colors now deliver this kind of information and during the event we showed some of screenshots featuring some of these new icons. Have a closer look to them below! https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/35019843/24209f359fd4d8dda5a12e4077f00a12df46ad03.jpg https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/35019843/14fc9d22bd8a614af7005a8eecd6053c694d2a46.jpg https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/35019843/7d7107d5b3b2cdae10d825c3af032cb405631986.jpgClose Combat: The Bloody First Interview - by HelpingHansJun 14, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsHi everybody, HelpingHans - famous Company of Heroes player - has interviewed Richard Evans from Slitherine about Close Combat: The Bloody First! They talked about game's features and mechanics, the carryover campaign system, tactics and more! Take a look at it here (the interview starts at 01:02:05) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/438465180Close Combat: The Bloody First on GameStar (DE)Jun 7, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsWarum die Prügelknaben der US-Armee eine gute Wahl fürs neue Close Combat sind www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQYQ8naYfToHome of Wargamers Live - Ep. 4 Close Combat The Bloody FirstJun 5, 2019 - Community AnnouncementsHi everybody, HOW LIVE IV is on Youtube. Check it out and Bart from Slitherine talking while showing some nice Close Combat: The Bloody First videos about Force Selection, Infantry Tactics, Tanks support and more! https://youtu.be/XbItET6HNfY
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