Difference between this and Harpoon Classic 1.55b?

[leastonh1]

Hi,

I have Harpoon Classic for Windows v1.55b (unpatched), by Softkey Multimedia Inc (1994). Could you tell me what the differences are between the new version and the one I have please? There have been so many versions over the years, I'm a bit confused.

The one by Softkey works fine on XP, though the graphics look very dated now. It has the following battlesets included on disc: GIUK, HDS1, HDS2, HDS3, HDS9, HDSA, HDSB, HDSC, IOPG, MEDC and NACV.

Regards,
Jim

[CV32]

ORIGINAL: Jim_H
Hi,
I have Harpoon Classic for Windows v1.55b (unpatched), by Softkey Multimedia Inc (1994). Could you tell me what the differences are between the new version and the one I have please? There have been so many versions over the years, I'm a bit confused. The one by Softkey works fine on XP, though the graphics look very dated now. It has the following battlesets included on disc: GIUK, HDS1, HDS2, HDS3, HDS9, HDSA, HDSB, HDSC, IOPG, MEDC and NACV.
Regards,
Jim

Harpoon Classic (HC) has went through several iterations since the one you have.
-> HC v1.55b became v1.63 (with the patch, iirc)
-> Harpoon Classic 97 (HC97)
-> Harpoon Classic 2002 (HC2002) was an upgrade to HC97
-> HC2002 Gold
-> Harpoon Commander's Edition (HCE), the latest version

Some of the most significant differences you would see include several new Battle Sets, including EC2003 Battle for the GIUK Gap, EC2003 Battle for the Atlantic, EC2003 Battle for the Mediterranean, EC2003 Battle for the IOPG, and Westpac (Western Pacific); an editable Database; and improved game play in just about every respect.

Since you have one of the oldest versions available, you may be in a position to help out with a bit of a mystery. Can you check your HDSIII Battle Set for a scenario called "Exodus" (it should be last in the list) ? Is it different from HDSIII scenario 11, "Run from the Beach" ?

[leastonh1]

Hi Brad,
 
Thanks for the reply. Based on the age and versions released since mine came out, I'm going to buy the new one today I think. I've probably spent hundreds of hours playing Harpoon, so this one should keep me going for a while.
 
Ok, as for your question, I'll gladly help if I can. Here's what I know after a quick look: "Exodus" is scenario no 12 in battleset HDS9, which is part of "Harpoon Designer's Series III - GIUK", according to the selection screen anyway. "Run from the Beach" is scenario no 11 in the same set.
 
I will do a comparison for you now. I'll post as soon as I know more......watch this space...
 
Regards,
Jim

[leastonh1]

Interesting...the two scenarios have different orders (which I can post if you like). The OOB is the same for Blue in both scenarios, as follows:
Submarine Group: AIU
Surface Group: AHS
Carrier Group: AAC
Surface Group: ADS
Port: AEp
Surface Group: AGS
Airfield: ABa
Airfield: ACa
Submarine Group: AFU

The OOB is the same for Red in both, as follows:
Submarine Group: ZRU
Submarine Group: ZMU
Port & Airfield: ZXb
Airfield: ZTa
Submarine Group: ZQU
Airfield: ZZa
Airfield: ZYa
Submarine Group: ZJU
Submarine Group: ZOU
Airfield: ZVa
Submarine Group: ZKU
Submarine Group: ZWU
Submarine Group: ZPU
Submarine Group: ZLU
Airfield: ZSa
Surface Group: ZNS
Airfield: ZUa

Upon loading and playing as Blue, the surface and sub groups are in virtually identical postions on the map in both scenarios. Playing Red, there appears to be quite some variation in the initial position of the subs.

I hope that helps? If you need anything else, just let me know and I'll do my best.

Regards,
Jim

[CV32]

Thanks, Jim. That's very helpful. Your information seems to confirm our suspicion that the "Exodus" scenario has always been buggered up somehow. One other question of confirmation: Are there any Haze helicopters available to the Red player ?

[leastonh1]

Glad to help [:)]
 
I've been through each airfield and the single surface group and there are no Haze helicopters listed for Red.

Regards,
Jim

[CV32]

Thanks a lot, Jim. That would appear to provide confirmation.