Matrix Games Forums

Hi guys

I am finding that I am struggling more and more to get SP, in any version (Both Matrix and Camo) to run happily on my computer.

I am no expert, but I am guessing that the game is just getting too old for newer PC's. It's a shame, because I have always loved that game, from the very first day it came out.

So, I am wondering, what would people say is the closest 'spiritual successor' to SP that is on the market today.

Many thanks in advance

Wyke/Dave

PS
Oh yes, I am using a newish computer running Windows Vista

For squad level troops and single vehicle scale, with hexes or squares, the only choices I can think of are the SP variants, HPS Squad Battles, Battle Academy, and the not yet released Conflict of Heroes.

I never played the Squad Battles series as it sounded to tedious.

I played Battle Academy to death. Great "fun" game. Not too serious. Has some limitations such as only ground level and one height level.

COH looks like a serious game that can be played with 3D units or counters.

We are never going to see the all in one games like SP. There is no financial future with that. We will get theatres or battles with pay for additional content.

Are you familiar with Shrapnel games free version of Steel Panthers, winSPWW2?

I'd echo the sentiment that Battle Academy might interest you although nothing will ever be SP except for SP, both good and bad.

Thanks for the replies guys. I am familiar with Battle Academy, I have a copy on the iPad. It's OK, but I do find the lack of depth and some of the convoluted game play frustrating (Not being able to have more then on unit in a square, or even have another pass though).

I don't actually mind the idea of paying for different theaters/periods/etc, so long as it's a good game.

Yes, I am familiar with the Shrapnel version. But again, I am finding that it is just getting too temperamental.

If you don't mind real time with pause, acceleration and slowdown, check out Armored Brigade. Steel Panther was one of its inspirations.

Have you played John Tiller's Campaign Series (formerly Talonsoft) here at Matrix? It is platoon scale but similar to SP. All in one for a low price. Good enough graphics with a 3D mode or 2D mode, still supported and updated, active (sometimes opinionated) community.

ORIGINAL: Perturabo

If you don't mind real time with pause, acceleration and slowdown, check out Armored Brigade. Steel Panther was one of its inspirations.

This little game is pretty cool. I like it much better than SPMBT, other than fewer choices for equipment, OOBs, etc.

But for free it's a winner.

Look into the latest MATRIX/Slitherine Release "Panzer Corps"

ORIGINAL: planner 3

Look into the latest MATRIX/Slitherine Release "Panzer Corps"

But that isn't squad level. I played the original Panzer General on a Playstation and it was fun then. Not my cup of tea these days.

If there is a game thats missing in the wargamers arsenal it's a updated Steel panthers game. No game that has come out recently or is due out is really similar.

Matrix killed of my hope with Combat Leaders demise.

That's one thing board wargames have over computer wargames.....they last for a life time....baring - tornado's, fire, children.[;)]

You mean your dinner table never goes out of date or doesn't meet the minimum requirements of the latest game?

SP has a reasonably challenging AI and depending on the designer can give you a good solo game. Combine that with a random battle and campaign generator that covers just about every country and year of WWII and it is tough to match. SPMBT takes it to another level.

For me, it just got to be too hard to see the units and terrain on modern screens. Large battles take forever to play out with lots of tedious clicking. Too bad the group movement never worked right.

As I mentioned above, I played John Tiller's Campaign Series for a while. It is platoon level with a 3D or 2D view and map. Good game and good value. Still being updated but slowly. Modern versions being worked on too. Again, it is getting harder to see things on the map with my old eyes.

The screenshots for COH look good. The 3D units are nice enough and large enough. 3D terrain looks a lot better than the stepped terrain of JTCS or the color coded 2D maps.

Hopefully COH will get campaigns and random generators.

Wyke, What problems are you having getting the Shrapnel/Camo version of Steel Panthers running stable on your system. I am playing it on a Win7 x64 widescreen laptop with zero problems...in all its old 256 color palette glory. I am running the next to latest version (4.5) but 5.0 is out now. Both versions added better support for win7 and widescreen monitors. It is actually on of the most stable games I play. Now, the Matrix version...slightly different story, it took a bit of work to get running well...but it is not quite as pain free...and is limited in resolution.

ORIGINAL: wodin

If there is a game thats missing in the wargamers arsenal it's a updated Steel panthers game. No game that has come out recently or is due out is really similar.

Well said, that's a plus one.

I guess it's like Panzer General. There were many "successors", they looked like it and played like it but they weren't PG. Until the recently released PC ofcourse, IMHO that's the true spiritual successor of PG.
So will we ever see a true spiritual successor of SP? I think so, probably will take a while...

(man I can *still* hear the sound enemy rounds made when they ricocheted off my tanks, KA-CHING!)

ORIGINAL: wodin

If there is a game thats missing in the wargamers arsenal it's a updated Steel panthers game. No game that has come out recently or is due out is really similar.

+1000000

That and an updated "Master of Orion", those two would make me happy for the rest of my lifetime, most other games coming out now are not half as engaging as those two!

No, my 6 x 4 gaming table, that never goes out of date.

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

You mean your dinner table never goes out of date or doesn't meet the minimum requirements of the latest game?

I'll get you a cat so that you can have a CTTT

(crash to table top)

How does the tactical level of Steel Panthers differ from PCO?

I have a dog.....and a baby gate. Works great. [:)][:D]

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

I'll get you a cat so that you can have a CTTT

(crash to table top)