Matrix Games Forums

I remember buying a Harpoon game many many years ago (about 1994/95 - don't know what version that was) and I really enjoyed it. And back then I wasn't the military gaming enthusiast I am now.

So I'm keeping my ear to the ground on impressions. Would be nice to see an AAR.

There are a LOT of After Action Reports for scenarios created with HCE's predecessor version(s) available at HarpGamer. I'm sure there will be some new ones whipped up pretty soon, just the same. [;)]

Can I bump this and ask how the game is for beginners (been almost 15 years since I last playe Harpoon)?

Also, the manual. Is it good? Very explanatory? Detailed enough? How many pages?

Also, is this a remake of a previous version or a completely new version?

It's more a update that has been very much improved over the originals.

The manual is some 170 odd pages, very detailed (and pretty).

The game can simulate anything from a middle eastern skirmish to a full blown nuclear exchange between the USSR and the US/NATO. This scale also helps new players as they can "layer" new things by trying different scenarios, and then increasing the level of gameplay (and type of gameplay) by choosing different types and size to play.

I'm in the same boat, I had the original Harpoon way back when.  So I'm definitely classified as a beginner now.  I purchased the game because of the hundreds of scenarios available for download as well as the huge number of scenarios it comes with.  I figured I'd start reading Red Storm Rising to get into the mood for some Harpoon.  From a quick boot up last night, the windows interface looks pretty straight forward.  I'm looking forward to really digging in and learning the game.

Same boat here. Played years ago but never as much as I wanted to.

I kind of liken Harpoon to a naval Tacops. I love Tacops...so I'll probably pick this up again.

I'm sure I've missed this somewhere, but what years does CE have OOB's to simulate?

ORIGINAL: Rebel Yell

I'm sure I've missed this somewhere, but what years does CE have OOB's to simulate?

You'll get an idea by looking thru the HarpGamer HC database downloads:

http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.ph ... &showcat=3

The sweet spot for the game mechanics is blue water Cold War operations, so mid 70s thru early 90s. The most dense database coverage is about 1975 to slightly beyond the present (you'll see JSF in a few database for instance).

Thanks, Tony.

Can you play either side in the scenarios?

Depends. Some are written for one side only, some for both. Either way, you are looking at over 200 missions.

Most (if not all) the EC2003 are in a "storyline" with the playable side being given a mission, and then the next scenario often deals with the other side trying to stop it.

k...so all I'm waiting for is the Physical option and I'll take it.

ORIGINAL: TonyE

ORIGINAL: Rebel Yell

I'm sure I've missed this somewhere, but what years does CE have OOB's to simulate?

You'll get an idea by looking thru the HarpGamer HC database downloads:

http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.ph ... &showcat=3

The sweet spot for the game mechanics is blue water Cold War operations, so mid 70s thru early 90s. The most dense database coverage is about 1975 to slightly beyond the present (you'll see JSF in a few database for instance).

Sweet!

I just *love* the Cold War, computer-game-wise.

None of those fancy "regional conflicts" for me, where the biggest combatant is an obsolete FRAM-II frigate. Give me a big, world-wide war. Give me a multi-regiment Backfire raids beating the everloving crap out of a USN carrier task force, or vice versa.

(Have I read too much Red Storm Rising? Probably, but who cares? [;)])

Imo the game is well worth the money. Multiplayer could have been fun but i can do without it since it would properly be some long sessions in realtime.
 
Only real major complain about this game is the group display being unable to show single units.
 
Otherwise then that its great fun to control your fleet and launching missions.