This version vs winSPWW2

[jjdenver]

Hi,

I perused the forum for a few minutes and didn't see an answer to my questions so hopefully someone can answer or point me to a thread.

I'm interested in picking up the game. I saw a post today announcing v4.0 of winSPWW2. From what I can tell this is a windows (not DOS) version of the game.

I guess that this version (on this forum) is a DOS version of the game?

Can someone help me figure out what the difference is? Ideally I'd like a stable version of the game to run on Windows7 and running windowed would be fantastic so that I can play the game and still alt-tab to other apps.

I'd also like the option of playing/buying/downloading mega-campaigns that I see mentioned here. If I buy the winSPWW2 version can I still buy these mega campaigns and use them with it?

Any simplified explanation would help. Also if I buy a specific version such as winSPWW2 and patch it (say to v4.0) what other downloads/updates will I need to get?

Thanks

[planner 3]

jjdenver: Since you mentioned the MEGA CAMPAIGNS they cannot be played with SPWW2 or SPMBT, they can only be played with SPWAW ver 7.1 and up. For more info on this go to: www.spwaw.com, this site is dedicated to SPwaw. You can download SPWW2 free from the Shrapnel Games site, they also have a Pay for version which has improvements. SPwaw is a free game but the Megas must be purchased and are only available with the Generals Edition by MATRIX. Sorry I can't be more specific, hope this helps you.

[JEB Davis]

What's to stop you from downloading BOTH of the games?
Both are free.
They are completely different games, not really related.
Try them both and you decide which you like best.

[jjdenver]

Honestly - time is what prevents me from downloading everything. The series to a relative newcomer (I played SP 1 when it was released but that's the last time I touched it) - anyway the series is really confusing. There are different versions, mods, patches, packages, etc. I was hoping someone who is steeped in SP lore could just kind of explain the basics to me so I can make a decision which to try out.

I read the SP Wiki and it appears that the SP WAW version from Matrix is based on SP III engine - which allows platoon level units. This seems more interesting to me than squad level units. The same wiki says that the winSPWW2 version is based on SP II engine which allows only squad based units - so smaller scale battles. I guess I might not be as interested in this. Is this accurate?

As for patches - I guess I can buy the version from Matrix which comes with all of the mega campaigns then patch it up to whatever the latest patch level I can find is?

Thanks for any help - this is a really confusing game with lots of variants, mods, versions, communities. It's daunting.

[junk2drive]

SPWAW is based on SP3 and converted to squad level. SP3 was windows native. It has limits on how much can be crammed into it. WinSPWW2 came from the DOS SPWW2 based on SP2 that was DOS. The Camo group converted it to windows and made the file spaces larger to get more into it.

There are a lot of gameplay differences. The only way to tell which flavour you like is to play them both for a long time.

If you want a platoon level WWII game, JTCS here at Matrix is great.

[JEB Davis]

If you're only getting one, the best choice is SP:WaW, and upgrade it to version 8.403.
I wouldn't jump on the mega campaigns until you have played it, there are enough free
scenarios & campaigns to keep you busy for years without spending a dime.

Go to the Depot and join up, you will get any support you need there.

http://www.spwaw.com ... then click Forums, and then Register.