Matrix Games to End Publishing of Computer Harpoon

[TonyE]

Matrix Games will stop publishing Computer Harpoon no later than April 30, 2025.  

This action is at the direction of the rights holders of Computer Harpoon.  The team at HarpGamer has been dedicated to maintaining and developing Computer Harpoon. However, we do not hold the rights to the game nor to publish the game.  As a result, Harpoon Classic/Commander's/Ultimate and Harpoon 3/ANW licenses will no longer be available for purchase.

If you would like to buy a copy, visit https://www.matrixgames.com/game/larry-bonds-harpoon-ultimate-edition

This ends development of a simulation package first published in December of 1989, 35 years ago as of April, 2025.  That is an impressive run of which I've been a part of as a player since 1992, tester since 2002, and programmer since 2003.  

We had hoped Matrix would publish a patch for Harpoon Classic in March but due to the impending end of publishing, declined to invest the resources in packaging the update I made available to them.  Larry Bond gave me approval on April 3rd to distribute a last patch which you should see by the end of June.  I have asked the rights holders if we can distribute a patch but haven't received a response so while I'm hopeful, it is not guaranteed.  At the very least, the latest beta builds don't expire until 2030.

The community's dedication has been instrumental in Computer Harpoon’s longevity. A key focus has been on enabling community-created enhancements through ExportDLLs, allowing players to expand and customize the game experience without requiring updates to the core program.

Harpooners like donaldseadog in Australia have developed innovative tools that demonstrate the potential for community-driven enhancements, including platform modifications, weapon adjustments, and expanded data capacity.  While the core game's distribution will end, those of you with licenses can continue to experience new functionality thanks the community, which kept the game going since the release of Harpoon 97.  

We intend to keep HarpGamer up and running for many years to come, tweaking platforms, writing scenarios, and crafting addons.  The Harpoon community has always been vital to its success. We encourage players to continue supporting and expanding the game.

Edited May 7, 2025 by TonyE
Final patch distribution approved

[NigelS58]

Count me in, I was there in 83, it’s not time for Davey Jones locker. Sad day. My heart goes out to Tony and his crew. Thank you .

 

 

[TonyE]

2025-05-01 MatrixGames.com 

[mack]

Damn.

[CV32]

There aren't many sims that can claim the longevity of Harpoon.

As TonyE has said, the community has been the key factor to both its success and long life.

[YBC007]

Hi there, I am new to this forum and this game and apologies if I am asking something that is of a noob.  I have Larry Bond's Harpoon Commander's Edition and have updated with patch "HCE-UpdateComprehensiveInstaller-2009.050.exe" which is the latest I can find.  However, I noticed there is a version called Larry Bond's Harpoon Ultimate Commander's Edition where this final patch seems to be related and I tried to update my Commander's Edition with this final patch but it does not work.  Several questions I have and hope some of the seasoned enjoyers can help me"

1. Is there anyway I can still buy the Ultimate Commander's Edition? (I assumed no, as I was 2 weeks late!)

2. What is the latest patch version for the Commander's Edition (not Ultimate) that I can patch?  Is the 2009.50 patch I have applied the latest?

3. Are there any manual database or user mods or patches that I can apply to my version of the game that can keep it the most updated?

4. For education, much appreciate if someone can help me understand the difference between Harpoon Commander's Edition (the one I have) vs. Harpoon Ultimate Commander's Edition... I just want to know what I am missing

The goal here is for me to get the most updated for my Commander's Edition. (BTW, I do have CMO on steam but I am keen to revisit this gem)

 

Much appreciated in advance for your help!

[TonyE]

Welcome!

1. You can't buy a new license but you could buy one second-hand.  

2. 2009.050 is the latest patch for Commander's Edition.  There is a reasonable chance the final patch for Ultimate Edition that we publish here at HarpGamer in the next month or two will work for Commander's Edition as well.

3. Yes, you can still play most of the user-created scenarios available here on HarpGamer.  Platform databases and ExportDLLs will be more tricky, most list a minimum game version but not all.  

4. You can read the release notes since 2009.050 which start at HCE Release Notes - Page 3 - General - HarpGamer  The super quick summary is that many bugs were fixed, what addons/ExportDLLs are allowed to do is much increased, and that larger scenarios hit limits/crash less often.  You can also take a look at Larry Bond’s Harpoon Ultimate - CE Version 2022.027 is live! - Matrix Games Forums and the following for a summary of changes since 2022.027:

2025.016 Changelog:

 

DB Structure:

• Added submarine flag UF_A2_nonmagnetic that when applied means a submarine will not be detectable by MAD sensors.

• Added submarine flag UF_A2_nocavitate.  It previously existed in the DB but was not in the GE.  Now it is in the GE but there is no game logic applied to it yet.

 

Game Engine:

• Re-enabled map grid line dialog even though the grid lines may be wildly inaccurate in many situations.

• Let AI submarine groups fire missiles against player ships again.

• Standoff ASW weapons (ANNEX_E) greatly improved guidance logic.

• Standoff ASW weapons greatly improved targeting so the missile to torpedo transition happens right over the estimated target position instead of 30 seconds away.

• Tightenedd up torpedo targeting to not fire at extreme range where the target may escape.

• Improved Linux/WINE compatibility, fixed some display artifacts.

• Started adding unit type of Satellite, ExportDLLs will have to be created to make them useful.

• ExportDLL interface expansion. StoreConsumed function added that game addons can use to be notified when weapons are fired to track expenditures.

• ExportDLL interface expansion. StaffAssistant function added allowing game addons to supplement or supplant the built-in dialog.

• ExportDLLs can be GE specific by placing them in \ExportDLLs\GE\, both GE & SE by placing in \ExportDLLs\

 

Scenario Editor:

• Clicking on the map will show location of click, water depth, and distance from prior click just like the GE.

• Allow more than one copy of the SE to run simultaneously.

• ExportDLL interface enabled for the SE.  This allows addons to be written to allow features such as saving ancillary information about groups and units, special missions, etc.

• ExportDLLs can be SE specific by placing them in \ExportDLLs\SE\, both GE & SE by placing in \ExportDLLs\

 

General:

• Many bug fixes.

 

[YBC007]

Hi Tony,  thank you for your thoughtful reply!  I am intrigued!

1. I am not aware you can purchase a secondary license for Harpoon Ultimate Commander's Edition (I tried to search ebay but did not see anything one on sale). Is there a forum for this? I searched here but did not sell anything (but I am new so may be I missed it).   I don't have facebook so I have no access to facebook market place for purchase. If you can point me in the right direction and share with me the general price range I would be most grateful.

2. I am very intrigue about the possible final patch coming to the Commander's edition!  Can you share a bit more and also will you anticipate to bring the bug fix and functionalities to that of the Ultimate Commander's edition.

3. I tried the Taiwan Blockade scenario but unfortunately it did not work, despite I downloaded the required DB and the battleset (souch pacific).  It appears South Pacific battleset wouldn't load so I am wondering if that particular battleset or scenario will not work with CE? 

 

Thank you again for your help!

 

[TonyE]

On 5/16/2025 at 8:09 PM, YBC007 said:

Hi Tony,  thank you for your thoughtful reply!  I am intrigued!

1. I am not aware you can purchase a secondary license for Harpoon Ultimate Commander's Edition (I tried to search ebay but did not see anything one on sale). Is there a forum for this? I searched here but did not sell anything (but I am new so may be I missed it).   I don't have facebook so I have no access to facebook market place for purchase. If you can point me in the right direction and share with me the general price range I would be most grateful.

2. I am very intrigue about the possible final patch coming to the Commander's edition!  Can you share a bit more and also will you anticipate to bring the bug fix and functionalities to that of the Ultimate Commander's edition.

3. I tried the Taiwan Blockade scenario but unfortunately it did not work, despite I downloaded the required DB and the battleset (souch pacific).  It appears South Pacific battleset wouldn't load so I am wondering if that particular battleset or scenario will not work with CE? 

 

Thank you again for your help!

 

1. eBay has been the usual place but I agree, haven't seen much there since the physical disks stopped shipping.  

2. The final patch is for Ultimate Commander's, it might just happen to work for Commander's edition.

3. Haven't looked yet.

[timewind]

I guess, this is somehow tied to the fact that MicroProse plans to re-release Harpoon Classic '97 soon? I.e. they are the new owner of the brand.

[TonyE]

3 minutes ago, timewind said:

I guess, this is somehow tied to the fact that MicroProse plans to re-release Harpoon Classic '97 soon? I.e. they are the new owner of the brand.

They are separate activities on separate timelines with separate impetus but that doesn't mean it all won't come together in the end.

[TonyE]

Speaking of the final patch, you can grab it here: 

 

[timewind]

11 minutes ago, TonyE said:

They are separate activities on separate timelines with separate impetus but that doesn't mean it all won't come together in the end.

Well, al least it all means Harpoon still has some future.