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After, performing a search on TAO2 I noticed that it was mentioned that a revised Ardennes scenario has been included. Does this include all of the features of Korsun Pocket and has the map been updated?

Correct Gfish. Updated map and using the new engine.

Brubaker

Brubaker thanks for the reply. I can hardly wait to get ahold of this game, or should I say two great games one low price. TAO/TAO2, which I still have the CD-ROM for, is one of my favorite games of all time.

Originally posted by gfish22
or should I say two great games one low price.

Hey you don't work for Matrix do you G? :p

Truthfully though, what you say is tur about the TAO series. Never have I played a wargame that is so easy to get into and so addictive. Even now after play testing this baby every night for a couple of months, I still check my inbox anxiously waiting for the next turn(s) to arrive.

Brubaker

Isn't it really nearly an infinite number of games for one low (? $60!) price? You are still planning on releasing the game with and editor, right?

I have read several threads referencing the inclusion of The Ardennes Offensive into the soon? forthcoming Korsun Pocket. However, each reference used the singular term of "scenario;" in fact, will Korsun include ALL of the previous scenarios and full campaigns from TAO?

Thanks, Bob Cohen:

What kind of editor package will be included here? Peter Fisla had an editor for TAO/TAO2, but it did not include a way to alter pre-existing scenarios that came with the package. Has that been changed now? Peter may not remember, but I've lobbied for a comprehensive TAO2 stock scenario editor for the last three years. Now, can we change scenario parameters in KP/TAO (such as unit locations) without creating a new scenario from scratch? Will I have to manually edit the computer opponent AI? As a caveat, I thought that Roger Keating's AI programming for TAO2 was excellent, and I hope you guys have done the same for Korsun Pocket. Both games seem to allow for solitaire play, so I hope it will be worthwhile to invest time into AI opponents. This neglect has been the downfall of so many games, and it is the most difficult aspect of design, but, in the tradition of SSG, don't let us down.

Wow, that is great to be getting an even more updated TAO game. Still was the best PC wargame I've ever enjoyed.

I still think SSG's original video intro and music for TAO was classic and would hope it would also be included with the reissue, if possible. That will keep the spirit of the original alive!

In reply to KG Erwin - although SSG AI has always been a cut above the rest (Carriers at War for example) I don't think too much time should be spent on its development.

I have played a number of confident rookies at TAO2 who have played the AI to death and licked it hollow (not difficult to do) and when faced with a human intellect (even mine!) have rapidly come to the conclusion that AI is no preparation for a real opponent.

Besides in the days before the internet, AI was necessary for a computer game if no wargame buddy was available for face to face play but now that we can e-mail or even play online is there a role for the AI anymore?

Thanks for the reply, Duncan. As for TAO2, the AI in the smaller scenarios is adequate, not good in the larger campaigns. The worst aspect of the computer opponent is its inability to blow bridges. However, this is no place to dredge up the single player issue, so I'll leave it at that. I'm just glad that TAO2 or 3 will be part of the KP package.

KG,

Have you checked out the Korsun Pocket AAR: Ardennes scenario thread (in the Korsun Pocket main menu)?

This game of the Ardennes being played between Chris Merchant and Rob Gjessing is the version currently included in KP (I know because I am a KP beta tester). Like Brubaker and Josan's KP AAR there are commentary and screenshots.

Duncan

Hey guys.. I have just updated and posted Chris and my turn 5 on the website

http://stuff.robjess.com

The game really is getting interesting.. feel free to leave comments either on the website [there] or here..

I heard that only the 32 turn Last Blitzkrieg scenario is included in KP. Is there any chance to also include the full Bulge campaign with 64 turns? Or are we (the players) are able to create the scenrio by ourselves?

It would be sooo great to play "The Bulge" again, because in the campaign scenario both sides have their "Happy Time"

Hanno

I heard that only the 32 turn Last Blitzkrieg scenario is included in KP. Is there any chance to also include the full Bulge campaign with 64 turns? Or are we (the players) are able to create the scenrio by ourselves?

Kp will be released with the 32 turn Ardennes Offensive scenario, known as "The Last Blitzkrieg" in the TAO system. SSG may re-do the other TAO scenarios later and put them on their website.

Once I have more details about the editor I'll post them. Suffice it to say that the editor will blow you away

For those wondering about included Korsun Pocket scenarios - there will be 3.

- The campaign game as seen here,

- A scenario starting around 2nd February, with the pocket just formed,

-And a scenario starting around 9th February, with the last serious German breakout attempt.

Cheers, Chris