I am new to Naval Warfare games, but am very interested in learning Harpoon. What books or websites would give a complete newbe the knowledge necessary to enjoy the game? Keep in mind that I haven't served in the military and/or had exposure to military tactics. One thing I have going for me is a patient mind. Also, is there a place where I can download (for free) the classic or other versions to get a feel for the game? Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Lionheart,

The most up to date Harpoon Classic demo (Commander's Edition being of the Harpoon Classic family) is the Harpoon Classic 97 demo, http://www.download.com/Harpoon-Classic-97...4-10001169.html In reality in terms of game mechanics and stability, HC97 is out of date but it does give a very similar look and feel to HCE. We're working on a demo version of HCE but it will be some time before it is ready.

The Harpoon 2/3/ANW series is currently between demo versions but they'll have a new one up soon. Being new to naval warfare I'd probably push you towards the Harpoon Classic family though definitely buy both HCE and ANW if you like one or the other, they both have their charms.

I don't know that there is a single resource to give you everything you'll want to know but there are many good resources and a lifetime of learning to get there . In the short run for taking a look at the game you might enjoy joining us in IRC chatting and we can answer any questions as you play the HC97 demo. From about 2200 GMT (4pm Central Time US) most days either Brad or I are in IRC and available to help out, or just about any other time if you request a meeting time in advance. I often have the chat open while I'm working, so consistently between 10am Central and 6pm.

I made a simplistic tour of the UI video, http://www.harpdb.com/hc/vidcaps/HCEIntro/HCEIntro.htm you can watch. The Matrix Games forum has a lot of good information and screenshots scattered here and there; http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=305

Downloadable chat program, quite new but proving to be easier than most other ways of connecting on IRC, http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.php?a...mp;showfile=281 . There are also the Java chat clients at http://www.harpgamer.com (along the left-hand side).

Tactics and platform wise, you could do worse than read the Tom Clancy (and Larry Bond, the man behind all this) novel Red Storm Rising.

 

It involves a 1980s WW3 between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, with the Harpoon system being used for gaming the convoy battles. Features a lot of the technology for Cold War stuff, such as the Tu-22M "Backfire", the Los Angeles class and Aegis.

 

Easy to find in a book store.

As a patient person, you also might give submarine sims a shot, as they do require time and patience. One of the VERY best sub-sims WAS Fast Attack by Sierra, but they did'nt do much beyond getting the game on the market, and then simply "forgot" about it. One that I have is Sub-Command...a VERY time intensive game with quite a steep learning curve. I had the origional Harpoon at one time, and that was very fun yet without such a steep curve. Best luck and weigh anchor!

I'v been playing Harpoon since the original release by 360 Pacific, and learning isn't really difficult if you're really into the game. The tutorial that comes with the game will quickly get you to the point where you can load and play a scenario successfully, although nobody can guarantee victory. Try to remember that the tactics that result in victory in the game were developed over years of Naval Combat and all the collective experience that entails. Harpoon is so impressive that we used it as a training aid when I did contract work as a Naval Combat Systems instructor for our allies in the Middle East. Also keep in mind that some of the more technical features of the game, such as the platform editor, take time to develop a feel for. While that is being developed, you in no way miss out on any of the fun, however, which is one of the major good points of the package IMHO.

 

Probably one of Harpoon's biggest assets is this group. We have literally thousands of years of collective experience assembled here, and I can't recall a question ever being asked in one of our forums that someone wasn't willing and able to answer. That goes for both technical, software related questions and requests for advice on tactics. And unlike other forums I've found for other subjects, nobody here that I've ever encountered felt the need to demonstrate his "superiority" by belittling a question.

 

Buddha