Thanks for the welcomes, folks.
Well, sounds like Matrix'll get my $40. Previously, in reading their decision to combine the two games, I thought it a good idea. Exposes both sides to the other game. Including as many versions as they did should help appease those with earlier builds (in theory). A cheapskate like me thinks he's getting two for the price of one. All that.
But after reading this in another thread, and again here: "that also sends a sign Matrix and AGSI understand that there is still interest in the game," I wonder how they'll be able to infer interest between the two, when they only sell them combined. Seems like an easy way for them to phase HCE out, perhaps without intending to.
I don't know. I probably shouldn't even mention the topic, but clearly a lot has gone on with development of the game over the years, and clearly there is a divide. I've read a lot the last couple of weeks since finding that Harpoon was still alive. Very interesting topic, to me, what's gone on these 20 years. Hopefully, all's well, and Matrix'll continue to let y'all do what you do.
"If anybody can get you up and running on whatever OS you have, it's the cats in this group."
I was shocked when I was able to load Classic on my machine. I got through the first three scenarios, before the old crash came back. Decided to give Ebay/Amazon/Google a shot, and found the two communities, and the demo. It seems, reading here, that the current version of the game runs perfectly on XP, now. The only issue I see is the many mentions of the editor not running in 64 bit systems. No worries for me. I'll let y'all design 'em; I just want to play 'em.
Speaking of which, I need to take back saying the entire GIUK is unplayable. I've only tried USNI I, from blue, and I just don't see how that's winnable. I've yet to try the rest. And, to be fair, my concept of winnable is based on the 90's versions of the game, almost entirely from blue. I think those were impossible to lose.
Finally, I suspect a whole lot of folks say the same about San Diego: "I'd probably be there now instead if I could afford it."
I wonder if I ramble more sober or drunk. Too close to call?