Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: Peter Fisla

I bought few HPS titles in the past, like Tigers on the Prowl 2 (still have it on my computer and few of the campaign disks) and Panther in the Shadows. I'm currently waiting for Tigers on the Prowl 3 using Points of Attack 2 game engine. I like the HPSSIMS view on DRM, I hopefully I won't have to wait for too long for TOP3.

As someone who still has TOP2, PITS, BA & DIM on my hard drive as well, is that TOP3 official? Is that what Scott's letter alludes to? Any real hints on when? (A TOP3 would be an automatic-buy alone, and even more so by a desire to return the loyalty shown by their sentiments)

Yep, Tigers on the Prowl 3 would be a sure buy.

I lost countless hours playing that series of games.

Anyone here have the current Point of Attack? I bought Decisive Action and could never wrap my pea brain around it. I liked what it represented, I just couldn't figure it out.

ORIGINAL: Capt Cliff
Isn't about time HPS provided a map editior for their games?? I know I would use it to play balance and enhance the game. Come on HPS it is standard fair these days to have a map editor.

As all Panzer Campaign games are pretty equal giving away the map-editor is about equal to giving away the keys to the store. That said, the map-data is (very weakly) protected and almost trivial to crack (*), so I'm sure that when HPS and JT stop producing games in this series someone will release a map editor.

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

(*) I did it in an afternoon, just to see if it could be done and warned HPS about their weak protection. They didn't care.

I never pulled the trigger on a JT game.

How's the AI and realism in game play?

Where do people go to discuss and find reviews on HPS games, if I may ask? Musket and Pike: The Renaissance looks sort of interesting, but I'm having a hard time finding reviews and discussions on it, apart from one review at wargamer.com.

HPS does not have a forum. There is one at wargamer.com , gamesquad has forums for some of the games as does the blitz club. Maybe HPS website has links to reviews?

ORIGINAL: E

ORIGINAL: Peter Fisla

I bought few HPS titles in the past, like Tigers on the Prowl 2 (still have it on my computer and few of the campaign disks) and Panther in the Shadows. I'm currently waiting for Tigers on the Prowl 3 using Points of Attack 2 game engine. I like the HPSSIMS view on DRM, I hopefully I won't have to wait for too long for TOP3.

As someone who still has TOP2, PITS, BA & DIM on my hard drive as well, is that TOP3 official? Is that what Scott's letter alludes to? Any real hints on when? (A TOP3 would be an automatic-buy alone, and even more so by a desire to return the loyalty shown by their sentiments)

I know HPS is working on TOP3...however I don't know when it will be released, there hasn't been an update from HPS on TOP3 for 6 months now. www.gamesquad.com has a forum for POA2...that's where the discussion about TOP3 was.

Thanks for the update on TOP3 Peter!

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

HPS does not have a forum. There is one at wargamer.com , gamesquad has forums for some of the games as does the blitz club. Maybe HPS website has links to reviews?

Thanks for the tips. Still not much information to be found on Renaissance, but I guess that's just the way it is.

ORIGINAL: E

ORIGINAL: Peter Fisla

I bought few HPS titles in the past, like Tigers on the Prowl 2 (still have it on my computer and few of the campaign disks) and Panther in the Shadows. I'm currently waiting for Tigers on the Prowl 3 using Points of Attack 2 game engine. I like the HPSSIMS view on DRM, I hopefully I won't have to wait for too long for TOP3.

As someone who still has TOP2, PITS, BA & DIM on my hard drive as well, is that TOP3 official? Is that what Scott's letter alludes to? Any real hints on when? (A TOP3 would be an automatic-buy alone, and even more so by a desire to return the loyalty shown by their sentiments)

I've asked about the game a few times over the last few years and the answer is yes it will come out as Scott is working on it but as to when who knows...could be next year could be in 5 years time.

ORIGINAL: wodin

I've asked about the game a few times over the last few years and the answer is yes it will come out as Scott is working on it but as to when who knows...could be next year could be in 5 years time.

And yet...

ORIGINAL: Scott Hamilton

HPS has several new games scheduled for release in the next few months, including titles from Jim, Paul, Jeff and Scott.

Am I reading too much into the fact that Scott will release a game in the next few months then? Does he have something else brewing?

ORIGINAL: Razz

I never pulled the trigger on a JT game.

How's the AI and realism in game play?

The AI is lame, best do against a human. Tiller uses the same game engine for Squads, companies, division ... and for WWII, WbtS, Napoleonic's. Medievil ... you know war is war. [8|] IMHO the game system is best at the company and battalion level. The software programing also leaves a lot to be desired. I reloaded Bulge 44 and was playing along solo, hotseat, when I inadvertantly hit the advance turn button, which is right next to the travel mode button. Well the game advanced, no asking if that's what you want .. AND it saved the game on top of my old save file. [:@] Siince I was writing to that file it's now toast ... I have to start all over. An example of HPS mediocre software programing.

ORIGINAL: Capt Cliff

I reloaded Bulge 44 and was playing along solo, hotseat, when I inadvertantly hit the advance turn button, which is right next to the travel mode button. Well the game advanced, no asking if that's what you want .. AND it saved the game on top of my old save file. [:@] Siince I was writing to that file it's now toast ... I have to start all over. An example of HPS mediocre software programing.

Actually under settings you can check ask before advance. At least on the updated versions which you can download free from HPS. I do agree on most of the games that the AI is poor at least on the panzer and civil war campaign series. The Squad Battle series has tougher AI. Many also complaing about the graphics, but for old grognards they are actually a nice comfort reminder about our old AH or SPI boardgaming start.

but for old grognards they are actually a nice comfort reminder about our old AH or SPI boardgaming start.

As much fun as looking at pictures of your wife naked.

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

As much fun as looking at pictures of your wife naked.

Dam! If those pictures are back on the internet it isn't really fun for me! [;)]

The pictures of her now, not back when you thought she was hot.

(god I hope she doesn't look over my shoulder)

ORIGINAL: Razz

I never pulled the trigger on a JT game.

How's the AI and realism in game play?

Based on my experience in Squad Battles:

AI is ok but not very good. In balanced battles, once you know the game mechanics, you can beat it. But the fun in Squad Battles (SB) is the scenario design. With good scenario design (force mix, terrain, objectives, time limit), you don't need a good AI for it to be enjoyable. Later titles have very good scenario design (the ones made by Ozgur Budak).

As for realism, I find the combat, tactics used, and the way the battle turns out in SB to be pretty realistic despite some funny game mechanics (% effectiveness rule for weapons).


The move of HPS to DD sounds good. And their DRM scheme seems to be less stringent than JT. But I mostly buy JT games from HPS.
I'm interested in the Modern Campaign titles so maybe I will jump into it some time.