New Matrix game ?

[Maelstrom]

I read somewhere that Matrix was starting a SP type game from scratch, can we get any details ?

My ideal wargame would go something like this:

There'd be a strategic mode for campaign and coordinated play, think original Harpoon. In this 'map' mode you could position whole armies, defenses, objectives, avenues of trade, etc. If you wanted to attack the country directly to the north of you, you wouldn't have to follow some pre-made string of scenarios, but instead be able to plan your attack from wherever you choose. Doing it this way allows you to manipulate your enemies force concentration as you can conduct feints, probes, amphibious attacks, and main thrusts whose success depends on who has the better plan, equipment, leaders, and logisitics.

Once battle is met, an option to control your forces ala SPWAW would be great. Maybe even create a strategic form of SPWAW's c2 rules that'll determine which battles the player-commander can control at varying times. This would demand good placement of your best generals. Having a poor officer commanding your main thrust just won't do, you're better off assigning him to cover your supply train. Players who don't want to oversee it all can just play as the basic SP 'Colonel' and be assigned to whatever location the AI Commander deems appropriate.

However you play you'd play a part in a dynamic campaign, with varying factors affecting how you play. Scenarios are great, but just about every wargame Iv'e ever played considers a series of linked scenarios to be a campaign. To me the scope should be much broader, and the strategic decisions more in-depth.