Matrix Games To Publish Strategic Studies Group's Korsun Pocket Game

David Heath · Post by **David Heath** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 3:28 am

Matrix Games (http://www.matrixgames.com) and Strategic Studies Group (<http://www.ssg.com.au/>) have anounced that they are working togther on the possibility of creating Korsun Pocket, a successor to SSG’s Ardennes Offensive game.

David Heath Director of Operations at Matrix Games said "I personally have been a big fan of their games since the early eighties. These guys have made some of the best wargames ever played and a new Russian Front game using an improved Ardennes Offensive system is a tremendously exciting prospect. We hope to be able to release some new screenshots in the near future.

Wargamers are also looking forward to two other Matrix titles that should be released this fall. Uncommon Valor, the latest game from legendary designer Gary Grigsby, is an operational-level simulation of the campaign for the South Pacific from 1942 to the end of 1943. Players will have at their disposal every ship and plane that fought in that bitter duel between the Allies and Japan. Also forthcoming is Starships Unlimited II, a space exploration and colonization strategy game combining the flow of real-time strategy games with the detailed control of turn-based games.

Hi guys we had some problems and needed to restart this forum.

[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: David Heath ]</p>

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 5:51 am

Sweet. This is like a wargames sanctuary...

Tomo

KG Erwin · Post by **KG Erwin** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 6:44 pm

A Matrix/SSG alliance? That's great news. SSG games got me into computer wargaming years ago. I still have the classic C-64 versions of Carriers at War, Russia, Battlefront & a few others. Does this mean that The Ardennes Offensive (TAO2) will not be given further updating? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that Korsun Pocket has been given new life, but how about TAO2?

Kent Pfeiffer · Post by **Kent Pfeiffer** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 7:45 pm

How much upgrading does TAO2 need? It's already the best operational-scale wargame ever released for the computer.

Peter Fisla · Post by **Peter Fisla** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 7:59 pm

The Ardennes Offensive scenario will be included in Korsun Pocket (TAO3). With the build that I have seen 5 months ago it had the following scenarios (of course not in complete form): The Ardennes Offensive, Korsun Pocket, Malta, PanzerGruppe Guderian. I don't have the old build anymore but when I will have something new to look at I will let you know more.

Peter

KG Erwin · Post by **KG Erwin** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 8:48 pm

Thanks, Peter. This sounds like the SSG games I'm familiar with, along with the open-ended system that will allow for future scenarios to be added. Am I right on this? If so, then Kursk, anyone? I'm putting this game on my wish-list now. Glenn.

Peter Fisla · Post by **Peter Fisla** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 9:47 pm

Ever since I saw TAO I was thinking how well this system would work on Eastern Front and especially, STALINGRAD !!!

LeibstandartePzD · Post by **LeibstandartePzD** » Sat Oct 06, 2001 6:28 am

I have probably a stupid question.

What does it mean to publish a game? What I mean is does Matrix have a hand in designing it, etc?
Or is Matrix simply going to distribute it and sell it from the Matrix website? Does Matrix gather any profits from it?

I'm just curious about it. If Matrix feels worthy of their attention and putting their name alongside it then that's good enough for me, I'll buy it.

Matrix has earned my respect so as far as I'm conerned if you post it for sale I will buy it.

Thanks for a great job in the past, presently and I'm sure for some time to come!

David Heath · Post by **David Heath** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 8:12 pm

Hi Guys

The major of the development work will be done by SSG. I am sure as we test the game and give ideas etc.... SSG will consider them.

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Tue Oct 09, 2001 5:34 am

I would like to see Kursk from SSG's standpoint, as well as a treatment of Kursk with the PzCamp series. That would be a fun one to play side by side..

Tomo

Fabio Prado · Post by **Fabio Prado** » Tue Oct 09, 2001 7:20 pm

Originally posted by Tombstone:
I would like to see Kursk from SSG's standpoint, as well as a treatment of Kursk with the PzCamp series. That would be a fun one to play side by side..

Tomo

I second that! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Fab

Peter Fisla · Post by **Peter Fisla** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 8:00 pm

I don't know what the future holds for 100% but with TAO3 editor you should be able to make Kursk. I have no question in my mind that since the original TAO as well as KP will be part of TAO3 release that Kursk will be possible with the editor. Mind you all the scenarios that will come with TAO3 will be developed with the TAO3 editor.

Fred98 · Post by **Fred98** » Sun Oct 14, 2001 4:34 am

Myself and Brubaker are now playing TAO2 PBEM.

This is a great game!! We are excited that you are to publish The Korsun Pocket.

Once we have completed a few short games we will post here a list of suggestions/comments to improve Korsun Pocket.

-

rough · Post by **rough** » Sun Oct 14, 2001 9:21 pm

<img src="eek.gif" border="0"> One of the best wargames ever revived. Thank You. Matrixgames is synonymous with grognard's sanctuary.
With all those titles you're releasing I'm looking for a sponsor to provide for my basic needs as I'll have no time to work. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

lx · Post by lx » Sat Oct 20, 2001 2:22 am

I'm posting on behalf of the TAO2 community at TheBlitz.org . Huge thumbs up to Matrix Games for taking on this enterprise. We fully support the venture and anxiously await the release of TAO3 into retail.

On a personal note, it's about time SSG gets some $$$ for their efforts on this great game. It's a real shame that it was not the type of game that appealed to a major sector of the general public. Hopefully with the help of Matrix you guys figure out how to promote it hit time. I have no doubt most, if not all of the members of our community will buy upcoming TAO3. Heck I'd buy TAO2 for sure if it were a retail instead of free game..but no complaints for it being free

. Best operational wargame on a tactical level in history and it has been free al this time. Wow. I can't wait for the game to be out with some new scens and minor (or perhaps major?..although how much can one improve from that great game) updates in the game console. As one poster said in a previous message.."grognards paraside" here.

Al.

Mike Marauder · Post by **Mike Marauder** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 3:05 am

Well two peaces of good news in a day this is fantastic.No i didnt win the lottery i discoverd that matrix are releasing Napoleonic wars. <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Duncan Maggs · Post by **Duncan Maggs** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 11:22 am

I'm not so sure that Kursk would be a great TAO3 game. Apart from the southern pincer there wasn't a great deal of movement. I would prefer to see Operation Star and Manstein's counter-offensive of early 1943 - the "miracle on the Donets". These game would have fluidity of movement and computer fog of war would make these games more of a challenge to the players as they would have only limited knowledge of the other's dispositions unlike in a boardgame.

Whatever scenarios finally make it I am prepared to pay good money for TAO3 if it builds on the qualities of the existing TAO2.

TAO2Wolf · Post by **TAO2Wolf** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 1:58 pm

Hi,

I've seen other operational wargames as TOAW, Stalingrad and the recent Russo-German War but nothing as good as TAO2.

I will buy a copy of TAO3 as soon as Matrix release the game.

Bob Ridall · Post by **Bob Ridall** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 12:31 am

I have played TAO almost every day for the last two years. I think that any expansion into the Korsun Pocket or any other battle in this type of format would be awesome and worth paying for. Go for it Guys! I'll be waiting in line to get the first copy.

peter hellman · Post by **peter hellman** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 8:46 pm

I found computer wargaming through TAO2. And now I'm hooked. So, if you're going to release TAO3 -