Matrix Games Forums

The "thumb up" icon was meant to come after the "-". Well, now I see the instant graemlins are down there <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

From my point of view TAO is the best operational wargame system there ever was for a PC and I'm sure happy that TAO3 will soon see the light of the day. What I like is the clean and powerful rules, elegant design, love the interface as well. AI is the most deadliest I have ever seen in any operational wargame. Based on from what I know about TAO3, it sure will be a great wargame to play <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Peter

[ October 21, 2001: Message edited by: Peter Fisla ]</p>

Since discovering TAO2 quite by accident last year I've been playing like a war game junkie. It really is a superb game, clean rules, well paced, lovely to look at, excellent user interface. The AI is good, but PBEM is addictive! I have thoroughly enjoyed playing the good wargamers over at the Blitz web site. When they gave me the heads up about TAO3 over here I felt compelled to write and offer some encouragement. My only worry is that TAO3 will prove so engaging that my wife and family will feel negelected - but its a risk I'll take.

Please publish TA03, and even charge for it if you like - I'll pay!

If you need any help play testing don't hestitate to ask!

I wanna echo what seems to be the theme of this board: I have yet to find any system comparable to TAO2 and ANY expansion, improvement or adaptation is like sprinkles on your ice cream <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> I honestly can't believe that this game wasn't a huge hit. (I have the same view of the rest of 2x3's games) I can only hope that Battline, and Napoleon absorb some of this silky smooth coding. sign me up! Thanks <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

This is great news for all wargame lovers out there! I for once will definitely buy TAO3 if it's ever released.

BEEN WAITING FOR IT!!!

Couldn't wait any longer!

Will buy at least half a dozen for friends, etc.

Please, please, please.

Another thumbs up here. I will buy this game as soon as it is available.

I plan on buying 2 copies just to increase sales a little bit.

Yea, I'd probably get two copies as well to try to get a friend into it. I like the idea that it wouldn't be just Korsun, but include Malta, Ardennes and others... BvB

2x3 had a Mayalan game that should be adaptable to the TAO2/3 system. Of course, I am just a fan, what do I know.

Near the top of this thread, somebody asked about the difference between the developer and the publisher.

The developer writes the code for the game and produces the graphics for the game and writes the basic manual.

All of this data is transmitted to the publisher. The publisher puts the data onto CDs and arranges the printing of the manual and the box.

The publisher also arranges the promotion of the game and the distribution.

Sometimes the 2 roles can be totally separate and sometimes the separation of the roles becomes a bit blurred.

Theoretically, the developer receives a set fee from the publisher and the publisher takes the risk in the market &#8211; and their profits increase with sales. I suppose from time to time a further fee is paid based on sales. But that would depend on the terms of the contract.

Once the developer finds a publisher, the developer has little risk for the term of the contract. It is the publisher who takes most of the risk. And therefore the profits.

Originally posted by Peter Fisla:
Ever since I saw TAO I was thinking how well this system would work on Eastern Front and especially, STALINGRAD !!!

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I have to agree with you. I'd go for Operation Barbarossa! I've just downloaded TAO2, it rocks! it's a Top Dog at [url=http://www.theunderdogs.org,]www.theunderdogs.org,[/url] which means it's one of the best games!! 2 thumbs up!!

Congratulations to Matrix Games for once again making the right move! With SPWAW and TAO3 you have the two best games ever produced for a PC Grognard!

Thanks!

So just what can this game engine accommodate in terms of number of units, map size and time length. Barbarossa would seem kind of formidable.
Are extended campaigns possible, even excluding the necessity of some form of logical production and reinforcement effect.

Paul

Paul,

I'm not involved in the production of TAO3 but if it builds on TAO2 which I have played extensively it will be an operational game par excellence and not a strategic one. I could envisage certain Russian Front campaigns being featured e.g. TAO3 is planned to include Korsun Pocket but I don't see it competing on the territory that RGW or War in Russia have made their own. Therefore I don't see production being a necessary of the game.

Hi All,

I have seen TAO3 design document and I would have to say that at this point Old Bill is right, TAO3 will focus on operational warfare. I haven't seen yet a build of the game engine only an early version of the editor (don't have it anymore) so I can't say what's in the game and what is not. Roger is hard at work on the game itself right now, hopefully I will see a build soon so I can share some information with you.

Peter

Hi Al,

I just wanted to add my endorsement to those here. I 'm anxiously waiting for this one. I bought TAO when it first came out, and was disappointed when SSG elected to drop there commercial wargame line ( I had been a loyal purchaser of their Battleground seriers as well as their ACW series).

TAO took a different approach than the other two series, but was still an excellent game. I'm looking forward to Korsun pocket and will definitely order it as soon as it's released.

Rick

Hi Peter,

One question though, will this run on Windows 2000?

If you have need for a tester on win 200 let me know.

Rick

Hi Rick,

I do have Windows 2000 Pro and the early version of TAO3 editor worked fine as the graphics framework that is used with TAO3 editor will be used for the game itself as well. I didn't have a chance to see the game engine itself yet but I don't see at this point why it shouldn't work. As soon as I will find out more I will let you know.

Peter