Matrix Games Forums

I'm an inexperienced wargamer at best and am looking for a game to get into that isn't overly complicated. Does Flashpoint fit? The reason I'm asking is because it deals with units I can relate to, I like modern hardware. It seems every wargame is WWII.

Does it have a campaign? Does every scenario play out the same like a puzzle? Meaning is there only one way to go about business in the game?

The last real wargames I can actually say that ever kept my interest has been TACOPs, Combat Mission and the original Blitzkrieg(I know it's debateable but hey, its fun).

rpommier,

I'm an inexperienced wargamer at best and am looking for a game to get into that isn't overly complicated. Does Flashpoint fit? The reason I'm asking is because it deals with units I can relate to, I like modern hardware. It seems every wargame is WWII.

Flashpoint was designed to be a game that both beginners and hardcore wargames could enjoy. The interface and play is simple enough for the beginner and the tactics and use of forces and terrain will keep a hardcore gamer happy.

Does it have a campaign? Does every scenario play out the same like a puzzle? Meaning is there only one way to go about business in the game?

It does not have a campaign feature in this version. There are sets of scenarios for each NATO side that are setup in a timeline order. Each scenario can be played out as the player sees fit. Good use of terrain, taking advantage of your equipment strengths and the enemies weaknesses will make a difference in the outcome of the battle. It is not rock, paper, scissors in the least.

The last real wargames I can actually say that ever kept my interest has been TACOPs, Combat Mission and the original Blitzkrieg(I know it's debateable but hey, its fun).

I've played TACOPs and CM both. They are a step more complex in orders and interface, but similar in unit details. If you enjoyed those you should enjoy Flashpoint. We are very close to releasing a major update too.

I hope this helps.

How many scenarios are included with the game? Are there any random elements in the the campaigns?

I've been reading the forum and the game did seem a bit daunting. Especially the posts about the lethality of modern weapons and how quickly forces can be decimated if solid doctrine isn't followed.

Are there any other online resources with tutorials and such?

Thanks,
Roderick

There are 17 scenerios included with the origonal game, playable from both the NATO and WP side, plus two mission editers that will allow you to either make a fast simple mission and run through it or create a much more complex mission exactly like those shipped with the game. There are 4 large maps included with the game; while this is a fairly limted number of maps, they are large enough that many different missions can take place on the same map, but using different terrain every time.
There is no randomness built into the missions themselves, forces and objectives will be the same every time; but the AI tactics may change from time to time.

It may seem a bit overwhelming at first but the game is really very aproachable and the interface is quite simple and easy to learn. Tactis you will get the hang of quickly, they are not all that complicated. There are 2 tutorials shipped with the game, I'm not aware of any online anywhere but the ones in the game are very comprehensive. Additionaly you can turn on/off certain options to make the game a bit easier, such as being able to see all enemy units and the like.

It is a great game and I highly recomend it!

Viper