Steam release? How does Warplan compare to Strategic Command etc.?

[drommarnas]

I want to purchase Warplan, but the available information is sparse to say the least. Only found one review and a couple of let's play videos.

Since the price is rather steep, I don't want to buy it without being able to test it first. Steam purchases are risk-free cause you have 2 hours to figure out if the game is worth its mettle. Any plans regarding a Steam release?

I'm an avid Hearts of Iron fan since its first incarnation with 2100+ hours down in HoI4 alone.
On the other hand I grew up in the 1980s and still enjoy turn-based hex strategy games like Strategic Command, Commander:Europe at War, Decisive Campaigns: Barbarossa and so forth.

So how does Warplan compare to those?
I figure it should be comparable to the first two. I really could use some more information on the game. Are there any other reviews out there besides Wargamer?
Thanks for your help!

[ncc1701e]

Please read this thread:
https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4707907

[AlvaroSousa]

I'd say this is the most accurate review of the pros and cons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrPo1itvSpc&t=9s

WarGamer put a neutral review
Another small wargaming site put a neutral review.

My opinion of these is that they didn't realize best part of the game is strategic depth and replay-ability.

There is another review that liked it.

It's a different model than what people are used to. I took a large risk of time and investment to break the rules. WarPlan is a very complex game to code.

If you are a wargamer form the 1980s then you will really like it. I get many PMs from older players who love the game most of all.
If you like RTS wargamers then this is very likely not for you.

But the video review above is very precise on what it is and what it isn't.

PBEM is great.
A.I. keeps improving as I get more player feedback.

Game did better than I hoped so I am also making a Pacific version.

If you think $40 is steep you don't remember paying $70 for War in Russia in the 1980s Now adjust for inflation.

[MorningDew]

IMHO, $40 is NOT steep for this game. Worth every penny.

[drommarnas]

Thanks for your answers! I'll probably cave into my desire to play this game soon enough. Still hoping for some more reviews. Matrix doesn't seem to do a good marketing job to be honest.

If Warplan is as good as it sounds like, then a Steam release could solve the lack of media attention. Just consider how well "Unity of Command" and "Panzer Corps" are doing with both of them apparently selling enough to warrant a sequel.

[Zovs]

The price of $40 is not steep and is slightly below average (I think the average game sells for $49.95), some games sell for $59 and higher.

Reviews to me don't mean squat, I could care less what other thinks about games, I can make up my own mind. I have about 50 Matrix games and only really play about 5 now. Its just the way it is.

I still play Shrapnel's Steel Panthers WW2 and MBT, Decision Games Computer War in Europe, Schwerpunkt WWIIe, Matrix's WarPlan, TOAW III and IV, GG War in the East, DC Barbarossa, and Panzer General from time to time. Don't really need a review to let me know how I may like something.

[AlvaroSousa]

In today's dollars War in Russia 1993 would be $121.

[FelixCulpa]

Game did better than I hoped so I am also making a Pacific version.

Great news re sales!

I think your assessment and design for the game has been excellent - well researched. Obviously something this complex is going to need some balancing and bug squashing. But I think most of us would be happy with the direction you are going.

[James Taylor]

I think your assessment and design for the game has been excellent - well researched. Obviously something this complex is going to need some balancing and bug squashing. But I think most of us would be happy with the direction you are going.

No doubt about it. The only thing I'm concerned with is Al's energy level and how long he can keep this up. May need to look for a little help like Hubert did so he can concentrate on the important things.

Someone who knows the game well could answer most of the forum questions because the majority are from not reading/understanding the manual.