Matrix Games Forums

I think that I could find all the answers in the FAQ, but I'm lazy (not too much) [:)]

I just discovered Tom Clancy (I think I'm the last one on Earth [:D]) in my father's library. Red Storm Rising made me interested in modern warfare (like Lord of the Rings made me interested in RPGs). I bought TacOps 4, and it is good.

Next I tried Naval War Arctic Circle. It was interesting, but TacOps made me interested in real wargames. Red Storm Rising was based on Harpoon and so I am here [:D] (I'm also looking at Flashpoint Germany and Modern Campaigns).

I'm not used to play wargames and my strategy games are limited to Civilization IV and Galactic Civilizations II. I see there are different versions of Harpoon. I checked the videos but I have some questions.

I want to try a real wargame. TacOps 4 is good and I like its realism. Which version of Harpoon has the same realism? I didn't understood it from the videos.

I see that Harpoon Ultimate Edition has all the Harpoons. There are differences between two Harpoons even if they are from the same "line" (I understand there are two lines for this game). The Advanced Naval Warfare is different from the Ultimate Edition? I understand they are in the same "line" so what is the difference?

There are a lot of databases for the Harpoons. This is a bit confusing: for what reason they were created? Some databases are more simple than others? If I buy I will start with the base one but I want to have the best experience. I don't fear a complex game anymore [:D]

I see that my message was long. I could have checked the FAQs [:D] I will do that but if the "veterans" can help I will thank them.

One last question. Can I ask about game of other companies or it is forbidden by the forum policy?

Thanks for the help [:)]

Adlerland80

EDIT: I can find good strategies for modern naval warfare in the manuals? TacOps 4 had the official US Army manuals. Or where I can find them. My English is not good but I read it without problems [:)]

ORIGINAL: Adlerland80
I want to try a real wargame. TacOps 4 is good and I like its realism. Which version of Harpoon has the same realism? I didn't understood it from the videos.

Realism is a tough question that is highly dependent upon the game itself, database, and scenario. There are wildly unrealistic HC (Harpoon Classic/Commander's Edition/...) scenarios and wildly unrealistic H3 (ANW/H2/...) scenarios. Just the same there are very realistic scenarios for both games. H3 is definitely more detailed in most models and that is probably the question you meant to ask.

I see that Harpoon Ultimate Edition has all the Harpoons. There are differences between two Harpoons even if they are from the same "line" (I understand there are two lines for this game). The Advanced Naval Warfare is different from the Ultimate Edition? I understand they are in the same "line" so what is the difference?

Play them both and see for yourself. I find it difficult to put into words. One I usually enjoy playing, the other only very rarely but both are good at what they do.

There are a lot of databases for the Harpoons. This is a bit confusing: for what reason they were created? Some databases are more simple than others? If I buy I will start with the base one but I want to have the best experience. I don't fear a complex game anymore [:D]

Database authors are very unique people and part of that is a strong belief that their own approach is most correct. One database author will insist it takes 120 minutes to re-load AAMs on an F-15 while the next insists it is 60 minutes and suddenly two different databases are born. Some are more simple than others (usually to improve gameplay and make it less of a technical jungle to even launch a weapon). Some go for breadth of platforms and some focus deeply on a few platforms, and on and on and on.

On the HC side I would definitely suggest grabbing the current HCDB from HarpGamer.com and play scenarios from the EC2003 and newer battlesets. Those are the only ones that will take advantage of the HCDB, the earlier battlesets use their own built-in databases. Others have surely approached you already about the H3 side and I don't want to partake in that fight right now so I'll keep quiet.

One last question. Can I ask about game of other companies or it is forbidden by the forum policy?

It is not forbidden but it sure isn't good form or appreciated.

EDIT: I can find good strategies for modern naval warfare in the manuals? TacOps 4 had the official US Army manuals.

You will find an introduction to naval warfare in the manuals but not deep tactics. I'll point you to the HC Tactics series http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.php?showtopic=3608 .

Other users have had the same questions so videos were prepared on the Harpoon for Dummies channel to help them navigate through their concerns:

Harpoon Classic and Harpoon3 Comparison

Trying to work out the best version for a novice

If you have further questions, please feel free to post them on Harpoon for Dummies and additional videos can be made upon request.

The Advanced Naval Warfare is different from the Ultimate Edition? I understand they are in the same "line" so what is the difference?

The biggest difference is the inability to use the multiplayer function in HUE as it is currently broken.
tm.asp?m=2758934

There are a lot of databases for the Harpoons. This is a bit confusing: for what reason they were created? Some databases are more simple than others? If I buy I will start with the base one but I want to have the best experience. I don't fear a complex game anymore

There's no reason to not test-drive them all to find out which ones work (or work better.) To save you time, I would recommend starting with the PlayersDB.

Installing the PlayersDB

One last question. Can I ask about game of other companies or it is forbidden by the forum policy?

fb.asp?m=2629560

Thank you for your help TonyE nd Vincenzo [:)] I'm looking at the videos again and the Player's Database battles are exciting! I think the best thing is "jump" [:D] I but the game and ask you if I have problems [:D]

Thanks again!

Adlerland80