Differences between Harpoon 2 and 3

[Don Maddox]

We have a lot of gamers here who may not be entirely familiar with the system and differences between the major versions. I understand that there is still and active community and loyal following for both. Can someone please take a moment and outline what the differences are?

[Sunburn]

The two main current versions of Harpoon are Harpoon Classic 2003 and Harpoon 3.

Harpoon 3 is a descendant of Harpoon 2, with full Windows compatibility and a mile-long list of new features (including the upcoming multiplayer) and bugfixes.

Harpoon Classic 2003 is a much improved descendant of Harpoon Classic 97, itself a Windows port of the original DOS (1989) Harpoon Classic.

Both major versions are similar in their basic user interface: Select unit(s) or group(s), issue orders and observe the results (all in real time).

There are various differences on the undelrying datasets and physics/sensor/weapon models employed, but the fundamental premise behind all versions of the simulation is the same: You are a commander of combined air/naval/ground(limited) forces, not an individual pilot or captain. As such, you focus primarily on operational (even sometimes strategic) decisions: "Should I move the carrier group closer to the shore, or hold back and rely on Tomahawks?" The nice thing about all versions is that they do allow you to get down and dirty with individual unit tactics when you feel like micromanaging an engagement.

For more details:
http://www.advancedgaming.biz/
http://www.harpoonhq.com/whatis.htm

[Herman Hum]

There are various differences on the underlying datasets and physics/sensor/weapon models employed, but the fundamental premise behind all versions of the simulation is the same: You are a commander of combined air/naval/ground(limited) forces, not an individual pilot or captain. As such, you focus primarily on operational (even sometimes strategic) decisions: "Should I move the carrier group closer to the shore, or hold back and rely on Tomahawks?" The nice thing about all versions is that they do allow you to get down and dirty with individual unit tactics when you feel like micro-managing an engagement.
Clarification:

The majority of scenarios are built with multiple units. However, there are scenarios where you only have a single unit under your command. There is no good or bad size for a scenario.

The size of a scenario is totally up to the discretion of the designer. Some 'Monster' scenarios have hundreds of units and platforms. :)

Play the type that you enjoy and that your computer can handle comfortably. :D

[Herman Hum]

For your convenience, here are a couple of screen shots from the different versions of Harpoon.

MedWar1 - is a screenshot from the Harpoon Classic Gold version
BekaaNT - is a screenshot of a contemporary display (Harpoon3)
MatchPlay Aegis Display - is how the game is displayed resembling real life Aegis displays in Harpoon3.

http://img185.exs.cx/img185/3055/medwar12tr.th.jpg (http://img185.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img185&image=medwar12tr.jpg)

http://img185.exs.cx/img185/7285/bekaant0wl.th.jpg (http://img185.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img185&image=bekaant0wl.jpg)

http://img185.exs.cx/img185/8866/matchplay3aegis5lk.th.jpg (http://img185.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img185&image=matchplay3aegis5lk.jpg)

[JanMasterson]

Note that most recent Aegis system looks more like this:
http://www.npc.nato.int/booklet/images/c05-03.jpg
(Aegis Site Emulator display)

[JClark_1]

Note that most recent Aegis system looks more like this:

Jan, where did you find this image? I've been trying to find a decent represenation of what CIC looks like on either a Nimitz or Tico.

[JanMasterson]

http://www.npc.nato.int/booklet/c05.htm

http://www.npc.nato.int/booklet/images/c04-05.jpg

CG67:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/cg-67_aadc_030316-n-3783h-321.jpg

CVN75:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/cvn-75_cdc_030320-n-1058w-007.jpg

JFK:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/cv-67_cbt-dir-cntr_jfk0012s.jpg