Matrix Games Forums

I had Harpoon and Harpoon 2 when they first came so I`m interested in getting either H£ ANW or the new HCE and wondering what the difference between them is?

My take on reading the forums is that:-

HCE-Revampt old version.Better UI. Can use bigger forces/less micromanagement.

H3ANW-Greater complexity. Not as nice GI. Engagements smaller and more detailed.

Am I anywhere near the mark?

Anybody`s views welcome.

H3ANW - Buggy.

Since you asked... It seems to me the difference is really the amount of detail. H3 has smaller scenarios both in numbers of ships and aircraft and each scenario covers a smaller geographical area. But you can see how much ammo is remaining, how much fuel is remaining both for your battle group and each unit.
 
HCE is for the type (like me) that wants to be in charge of a vast array of battle groups, airfields, bases and now ground troops on a continental level. This leaves the details of refueling and supplying the ships, rearming the aircraft etc for the "staff" to manage. HCE really gives you the large-scale battle and leaves the details to the "staff" whereas H3 allows you to control those details.
 
I know that there are many other differences but that's my take on the major difference between the two.
Happy 'Pooning!
 

[left]Can you still micro-manage airstrikes on targets if you want to?  I used to enjoy that, arranging the EW, SEAD, Strike, and escorts, timing arrivals from different point s of the compass and all that.[/left]

ORIGINAL: Swamp_Yankee
[left]Can you still micro-manage airstrikes on targets if you want to? I used to enjoy that, arranging the EW, SEAD, Strike, and escorts, timing arrivals from different point s of the compass and all that.[/left]

Yessir, very much so.

in Both games even, ANW and HCE, micro manage airstrikes in both.

Sweet.