Harpoon

[Herman Hum 1]

A demo for Harpoon Ultimate Edition [HUE] v3.10.1 is now available for download:

http://www.computerharpoon.com/downloads/2011/Public/ANW/Harpoon3ANW-SetupRelease-v3101_Timeout_20110310.exe

This features a restricted set of scenarios, is not capable of multi-player operation, and will expire June 01, 2012

* Known Harpoon [ANW] Issues

A demo also exists for the Harpoon Commanders' Edition:

http://tinyurl.com/HCEDemo-2009-050

This demo will expire January 01, 2012

* Known Harpoon Classic Issues

[mikew 4]

Not that I've had time to read the instructions...but how can I get this to run full screen?

[Herman Hum 1]

I am assuming you are referring to the ANW/HUE version of the demo since the HCE version pretty much runs full screen already.

De-select the "Run In Windowed mode" box.

[mikew 4]

Thank you! I hadn't noticed the launcher program.

A pity that I don't have any time to play around with this right now....and it look likes a game which you need to put a bit of effort into.

I did try the most basic tutorial, called 'Orientation'. However, the orders for 'USS Lewis B Puller' hadn't arrived after 6 hours of game time. I haven't RTFM though.

Anyway, this looks like a game that doesn't require a huge amount of system resources, so a scenario could be run in the background while the PC is used for other tasks. Cool.

[Herman Hum 1]

CPU usage all depends on the particular scenario. There are some very simple 1:1 encounters and then there are Monster-Sized ones that have been known to crash even fast computers with hundreds of missiles in the air at a time. But you are right. It may take a bit to get accustomed to the controls, but once you get past your first couple of scenarios, all the commands come second-nature. IMO, it is far less complicated (command-wise) than the simplest flight sim.

[mikew 4]

I've just watched a couple of Youtube videos showing the game in action and I see what you mean about 'Monster-sized' scenarios.

As I understand it, this game has been in continuous development since Harpoon 3 came out. If that's the case, the developers have to be applauded for not taking the flashy graphics approach.

[Herman Hum 1]

Er, those videos are of the 'med-small' scenario variety.

To their credit, Harpoon has always focused more on function than form. The simple radar displays are pretty much the same as what AEgis battle centres saw.

Here is a game view:

and here is the real thing:

if only they could get their huge list of bugs fixed, this would be an incredible simulation.

[mikew 4]

Thanks. Yes, we're spoilt these days with a God type situational awareness in games. The last naval game I played for any length of time was Silent Hunter 3....but always with the camera enabled.

That list of bugs you link to in the first post is last updated May 2008. Has nothing happened since then?

[Herman Hum 1]

The list was originally compiled and posted 2006, but has been updated constantly. The last one was just May 20, 2011.

The current count is 240 Issues

[mikew 4]

Ooops, that thread is 16 pages long. Sorry.

Will try to pose a more intelligent question next time....