Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm

[Scott Tortorice]

I know Wodin and some others have raved about this wargame here and elsewhere, but I haven't had a chance to take a look at it since it was released. I was following it in development - which, in an of itself, says a lot! - but that was about it. Well, last night I watched this vid and I have to say that I am impressed!

[video=youtube_share;XKES4F5vuLg]http://youtu.be/XKES4F5vuLg[/video]

Wow! The UI is clean and modern for a hex-based wargame. At last! And the gameplay seems like it strikes that oh-so-difficult balance between realism and playability. I particularly like the asynchronous turn-structure, that's pretty clever and adds a nice twist. And the limited orders feature is pretty cool too as it not only limits the tedium of feeling obligated to order every unit on the map every turn, but it also makes the game a bit more realistic as the player isn't a god on the battlefield in total control at all times. And, best of all, it seems to be easily modable, allowing for lots of user-generated content. Nice!

Yes, this definitely seems like a very smart and polished wargame - and how often do I say that? :laugh: Truth is, if it was on sale, I probably would have snatched it up by now (again, how often do I say that about a wargame? :laugh. It reminds me of one of my favorite wargames from back in the day: Fire Brigade from Panther Games (and maybe a bit of SSI's Reforger '88?). Eh, maybe I will make it a Christmas gift even if I am trying to get away from video games.

BTW: I have noticed that WWIII seems to be popular again. I have seen board games & miniatures, as well as PC titles like Wargame: ALB and this, popping up a lot lately. It this a reflection of the zeitgeist, or just Gen X'ers recalling the glory that was the 1980s?

 

[Wodin]

Tis a great game..best wargame in a long time. Still needs work and tweaking which it will get but on release well good enough. Infact since release we've had one new standalone scenario and a new West German campaign for free.

I'm running a competition at my FB page to win a copy.

 

[Scott Tortorice]

Tis a great game..best wargame in a long time. Still needs work and tweaking which it will get but on release well good enough. Infact since release we've had one new standalone scenario and a new West German campaign for free.

I'm running a competition at my FB page to win a copy.

I am curious: what type of tweaking/work does it need?

And tell us more about the competition!

 

[Wodin]

Well it needs work on a few things in general.. everything could be tweaked some things like Helicopters and LOF\LOS and FOW more so than others. However they are aware and have stated as time goes on we will see more detail in the combat mechanics. Saying this these things should in no way put you off a purchase.

As for the competition go to the link in my sig..like the page..share the comp post and comment and like it and your in.

 

[Scott Tortorice]

Well it needs work on a few things in general.. everything could be tweaked some things like Helicopters and LOF\LOS and FOW more so than others. However they are aware and have stated as time goes on we will see more detail in the combat mechanics. Saying this these things should in no way put you off a purchase.

I've been reading the manual and I have to say the game sounds better and better. It really seems to have a ton of potential. I think I am going to try and wait to get it until it is patched a little more as I see some of the minor stuff the game needs (such as being able to set different orders for each waypoint, etc). But no guarantees. This is the first really interesting hex wargame I've seen in a while. If it wasn't for the fact I am in my miniatures mode, I probably would have jumped on it already.

I hope OTS beings releasing new theaters for the game quickly (as soon as the core issues are patched, enhanced, of course). We haven't had a PC WWIII wargame in a long time where all the different possible theaters were explored. Be nice to see Red Storm: Gulf Strike, Red Storm: Aegean Strike, Red Storm: Norway, etc.

 

[Wodin]

Scott honestly if the game wasn't patched again I'd say buy it instantly! It's current state is no reason at all to hold off mate.

They are going to give out free content like scenarios and campaigns aswell as slowly upgrade\enhance the core game. The next expansion I believe brings in some new Warsaw and NATO forces.

HOWEVER the future is only as bright as Slitherine allows..if they game doesn't sell well we wont see any new games...which would be a crying shame and a huge loss to the wargaming hobby.

Had another awesome game today testing a user made scenario by TAZAK. Thats another bonus we have several user map makers and scenario designers!!

 

[Redwolf]

Wait this is WeGo?

 

[Wodin]

Yep kind off...your command cycle depends on your C&C usually as NATO I am giving orders around 20 to 25 mins mark, where the Warsaw Pact is about 40 odd mins. Keep you units with in command range keeps the turn cycle down also keep your HQ's alive and finally try not to issue loads of orders (though his really doesn't happen). You keep good command and control means you can be giving orders before the enemy and therefore react better than him..or if it goes belly up they will be getting more chances to issue orders than yourself.

So yes it's WEGO variable turn length. Totally unique and a ruddy superb mechanic.

 

[Redwolf]

Is that related to the Flashpoint Germany game?

 

[Scott Tortorice]

Is that related to the Flashpoint Germany game?

From what I understand, this is the follow on game. FG 2.0, so to speak.

 

[Wodin]

Is that related to the Flashpoint Germany game?

It's a new game and it's streets ahead. This is the actual start of a new series.

 

[Redwolf]

Yeah but my question was, is it the same people?

 

[Wodin]

A bigger team than previously but yeah the coder is the same.

 

[Mad Russian]

Yeah but my question was, is it the same people?

Yes and no Redwolf. The original people that created Flashpoint Germany are still a part of the team. But since that time two more members were added. The original two members of the development team had no actual military experience. The two new members do.

The only thing that is the same between Flashpoint Germany and Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm is the battle area and time frame. Everything else has been reworked.

Good Hunting.

MR

 

[Scott Tortorice]

Any word on the next update?

 

[kawaiku]

Any chance you guys will release a demo?

 

[Scott Tortorice]

There is a demo (I provide the link in this entry):

http://forums.gamesquad.com/entry.php?1437-FCRS-The-Thieving-Bear

 

[kawaiku]

Awesome! Btw, there are some great map and counter mods being created for the game if you haven't seen them already.

 

[Scott Tortorice]

The most entertaining hex-based wargame in a long time just got better!

Acclaimed by both wargaming specialists and Cold War enthusiasts, Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm swept many prestigious awards last year (Game of the Year 2013 on The Wargamer and Silver medal for the Usenet’s Wargame of the Year 2013 award). However, the developers from On Target Simulations wanted to turn this diamond in the rough into an epic game able to touch wargamer’s souls for many years to come.

More than a year after its initial release, Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm offers a totally different experience due to many updates that introduced new features, tons of fixes, and plenty of gameplay enhancements. Today, the game is reaching a new level with a major patch and a release on the Steam platform, and we are very excited to be able to show this revolutionary strategy title to a whole new audience!

This new version is the result of the unique relationship established between the developers and their community. Indeed, the player’s feedback was an unmatched asset for On Target Simulations. And this new update, that improves visuals and brings a host of improvements, was created to satisfy the community’s requests. It is in their honour that the game gets a new-remaster and is now called Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm Player’s Edition!

In order to celebrate this important milestone, we are offering a 40% discount during the week of the launch! We are also going to offer a free Steam key to anyone who bought a copy of the game from the Matrix Games or Slitherine store. All they have to do is register their game here.

Of course the Player’s Edition comes as a free update to all those who already own Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm. They can download the files here or run the updater tool from the game launcher.

Get more information on Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm Player’s Edition from its official Steam page.



New for the Player's Edition

New OTS Standard Maps by William!
Sudden Death Multiplayer Setting
Added ATGM Launch Hint
Clarified Fallen Out versus Destroyed Subunit
Expanded Scenario Editor Date Selection Range
Corrected Artillery Fire Kill Percentages
Many Label Changes for Better Information
Improved Helo Combat Logic
Improved Scooting/Standoff Range/Resupply AI Logic
Fixed Counter Battery (CB) Fire and Direct Support (DS) not Working Properly
Added new scenario playable from either side or head to head

Time to jump in again!

 

[kawaiku]

Wow! Major props to them and congratulations for getting the game onto Steam!