Matrix Games

Before we start..

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Unit and combat factors

The game incorporates a number of factors that influence to the combat. Some, such as terrain features and ground cover, have already been discussed.

We will now examine factors directly related to the combat operations of a given units.

Ammo

Ammunition is crucial for conducting armed combat. To streamline the information of supply status, ammunition levels in the game are categorized as follows:

Ammo green -> 40 - 100 %

Ammo yellow -> 20 - 40 %

Ammo red -> 0 - 20 %

Ammo depleted -> 0 %

If a unit’s ammunition drops to the "red" level, it is in serious trouble.

Fuel

For certain units—specifically tanks and self-propelled artillery—fuel level is a critical factor. If fuel runs out, tanks become immobilized. It is therefore important to monitor fuel levels and refuel whenever a field base becomes available.

Aircraft also consume fuel, though in this case, it depends on the type of mission. Bombers carry out a single bombing run and then return to base. Reconnaissance aircraft, by contrast, remain in flight until their fuel reaches a level that still allows for a safe return; once this point is reached, they report that they are terminating the mission and heading back.

Morale

This is Napoleon who said that in combat, the power of morale relates to physical strength by a ratio of three to one. History confirms that units with high morale achieve far more than those with low. A decline in morale signifies reduced resilience to the stress of the battlefield, a diminished willingness to endure casualties, and an overall weakening of the will to fight. The game simulates this: as morale drops, a unit becomes more likely to surrender.

While units can fight in isolation, prolonged combat without support—compounded by fatigue, enemy pressure, and the sheer number of opposing forces—will lower their morale. Morale can be restored through rest and resupply.

Casualty levels also affect morale; the higher the losses, the lower the morale.

The situation is similar for the opponent. We can, however, attempt to lower their morale using propaganda shells.

Stamina

Stamina is an important factor. The more fatigued a unit becomes, the slower it reacts to orders; furthermore, if it enters combat, its morale will drop more rapidly.

Fatigue can accumulate through combat or during movement. Units can march at a normal, fast ("double time"), or slow pace. Naturally, a unit experiences the least fatigue when moving slowly, though it will reach its destination later. A "normal" pace is optimal, offering the best balance between reaching the destination quickly and minimizing fatigue.

Moving at a "double time" pace causes fatigue to build up faster. It should therefore be used judiciously, with the understanding that the unit will likely require a rest period immediately afterward.

To quickly assess these factors, you can call a unit for its status; this will provide a comprehensive update in a single message.

Ranges

Units have specific operational ranges. It is important to keep these in mind, as any events occurring within a unit's range are reported to the commander—that is, to you, the player. During intense operations or combat, this can lead to a flood of radio messages.

Units possess the following ranges (listed from the furthest to the nearest):

Hearing – the unit detects the sounds of gunfire within this range and reports them. Occasionally, it may report combat that you are already aware of, but this serves as additional confirmation.

Spotting – this is the range within which a unit can detect movement—specifically, the movement of other units. While it is not yet possible to determine which side a detected unit belongs to, the player is at least alerted to the fact that a unit has appeared within range. If the detected unit happens to be one of the player’s own, the report is verified accordingly. This simulates monitoring one’s own communication frequencies and provides the player with an additional tool for maintaining ongoing situational awareness.

Identification – a unit identifies a detected contact as either friendly or hostile. This is crucial information for a commander, allowing them to accurately update the operational map.

Attack – the effective range of an enemy’s weaponry. Knowing this range allows a commander to keep the enemy at a distance—a factor of particular importance when planning artillery support or aerial bombardment. In the heat of intense combat, units can end up in very close proximity, or even become intermingled. In such scenarios, artillery fire might inadvertently strike one’s own forces, resulting in casualties. Since the player determines the target coordinates for artillery and bombardment, it is vital to ensure the enemy is kept at a safe distance. After all, as Murphy’s Law of combat states: "The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is incoming friendly fire."

Other factors and modifiers accounted for in the game include, for example, the level of damage a given unit can inflict and its average rate of fire (shots per minute), terrain visibility modifier, terrain stamina consumption, etc.

As you can see, the player must constantly analyze various factors that influence the performance of their units, as well as the consequences of their own decisions. Every choice on the battlefield carries repercussions—which is precisely why the game is titled Radio Commander.

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