Time Commanders

[TengYt]

British people here might remember this gameshow that was on BBC2 a few years ago. Basically, teams of 4 ordinary people had to command armies in famous historical battles using a heavily modified version of Rome Total War. Teamwork was essential as no one had command of a full army themselves, and it was often amusing to see teams break apart or fixate themselves on a totally ridiculous strategy. ("Don't worry about the enemy, we're on a hill" should be familar to fans of this series) Millitary historians and experts were on hand to offer advice and generally snark their way through as teams screwed up.
Sadly, like all good things, it was cancelled and now the only real way of watching them is by checking Youtube. Still, if you like strategy games or are a fan of history, it's well worth watching this series.

[Megatron46]

Yeah, I remember this! It was hillarious as generals paid little attention to anything the experts said and if they did win it was purely by accident!

Occasionally though, you got someone who knew what they were doing and used military strategy effectively!

[TengYt]

Only rarely though Most of the time, the teams were either crushed or somehow blundered their way into victory thanks to the quality of their army rather than their use of tactics.

[Wraithy]

I can barely remember any of it, but wasn't it essentially Rome Total War?

I think everyone remembers the teams ignoring the historians though

[Linkavitch]

That sounds like fun to watch! Are there any episodes on Youtube?

[Dogmantra]

Haha.
I remember this. I also remember thinking that the Total War games were based on this series. Of course, the first (I know of) being Shogun Total War, that puts that theory to bed.

I really liked it, but even my... 15-x (where x= number of years since it was last on) year-old self could see that they sucked at tactics.

[Dragor]

Oh man, I loved Time Commanders! Me and my Dad would just sit down and watch it (both being fans of R:TW and history buffs) and sit there shouting at the screen. I remember early contestants having initial success and winning, but it spiralled downhill soon after.

Great show.

[bosssmiley]

Playing Rome:TW with three layers of command. Generals > lieutenants > keyboard monkeys. It was only ever going to end really badly. That, and the fact that the reps and desk jockey they got in to play hadn't the foggiest idea about concentration of force, or missile fire, or hills.

The only reason to watch that show: the excitable antics of Aryeh (now Lynette) Nusbacher during the post-battle debriefing. Like a war-maddened Hobbit he was.

[Oregano]

I used to love the show. They should do it again!

[Jair Barik]

I remember them winning once in a battle that was historically lost due to poor communication and inept leadership, and once in a battle where historically a win was actually impossible as it would decimate trade for the victor.

Yeah the second one really wasn't fair as they lost if they won... Was curious as to what would have happened if they'd moved their elephants to charge down the length of the enemies army (it was spread out in a long line)

[Dogmantra]

I used to love the show. They should do it again!

But this time it's turn based!

[Comet]

But this time it's turn based!

That would so not make good television.

[Jibar]

The only reason to watch that show: the excitable antics of Aryeh (now Lynette) Nusbacher during the post-battle debriefing. Like a war-maddened Hobbit he was.

Wow. I remember him.
Funny how things work out isn't it?

After loving this show when I was a kid, I can't help but think I should go out and buy Rome: Total War now.

[chiasaur11]

That would so not make good television.

Neither would X-Com, yet I feel a strange urge to see it.

[Dogmantra]

That would so not make good television.

I fail to see the flaw with it.
I'd rather play Wesnoth than a Total War game, so I'd obviously rather watch someone play it. Duh!

[Wraithy]

But this time it's turn based!

...Real history needs more trolls with hammers.

[Jair Barik]

What do you think Bush had them doing in area 41? We all know he was a closet Tolkein fan

[Senator Cybus]

Thank you! I've been trying to remember the name of this show for weeks now!

Back in the day, I toyed with the idea of putting a team together and applying to get on the show - but deep down, I knew that five minutes after the battle started, I'd be jumping up and down on a table, screaming, "Die! Die for my glory, minion scum!" Er, so I didn't bother.

[Freddie]

I remember time commanders!
It always seemed to me that the only teams that did well had one overriding annoying person who just controlled the whole thing, and thus there were no communication problems.
hence, dictatorship

It would appear you don't have time for democracy when someone is actively trying to stick a sword in you and others. funny that!

[thegurullamen]

Thanks for turning me onto this show. Just watched a Macedonian army/Persian defense ep and loved it. The History channel should look into acquiring the rights. This + American generals would be either great or awful(ly great).

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

Two of the ones I remember from watching these on Youtube were the bloodthirsty Friars who did Teutoburg forest, I believe it was, and a team of sailors, both of which one.

[Mando Knight]

But this time it's turn based!

Wesnoth? You want a remake using turn-based combat and you pick Wesnoth? Its combat is even more dependent on a merciful RNG than... anything I've played to completion.

Try...
Fire Emblem or Civilization.

[chiasaur11]

Wesnoth? You want a remake using turn-based combat and you pick Wesnoth? Its combat is even more dependent on a merciful RNG than... anything I've played to completion.

Try...
Fire Emblem or Civilization.

I still say X-Com.

Train mankind for the wars of the future.

Or 1999. Whichever.