Upcoming Turned-based Tactical Combat Games

[Godzilla Blitz]

Not UFO: Aftermath, but these games are on the near horizon and look to fit in the "tactical RPG category" like X-COM:

Silent Storm

Paradise Cracked

Silent Storm sounds outstanding. I've always wanted an X-COM in WWII.

Paradise Cracked won awards in Russia (does that mean anything?), and although it doesn't look to me like it will equal X-COM in gameplay, it does look entertaining.

[Fritz]

not a true turn based game


http://www.greyhawkgame.com/index.php


Surprise #3: I got my turn-based combat.
At its heart, D&D is a turn-based combat game. Its myriad rules for feats, skills, spells and class abilities assume that combat is broken down into rounds. Everything from initiative to spell duration to movement assumed the existence of these distinct combat rounds. Turn-based combat lay at the core of the game's rule set.

So of course, I wanted to keep the computerized version turn-based. I expected resistance on this issue, as most of the modern D&D computer games used real-time combat, and a turn-based combat system meant no multiplayer game component. But I was prepared to fight for this feature, as I had no intention of re-inventing the entire D&D rules system in 18 months.

But the Infogrames people agreed immediately with the decision. They wanted an accurate portrayal of the rules for a single-player, party-based game, and there didn't need to be any multiplayer version. At this point, I think I wet myself again, so let's just finish up this story, okay?

[Calis]

I can't wait for Silent Storm! It looks to be Jagged Alliance 2 in 3D and WW2! They even have the same writer from JA2 working on characters and personality in this one.

One of my most anticipated games, ToEE is also up there. I haven't checked out Paradise Cracked before, will do so now.

Just to throw another game out here for you folks, Titans of Steel: Warring Suns. It came out last week, pretty much under everyone's radar. I'm loving it so far, it's a hex-based Mech Strategy game with RPG elements. You can carry experience over for your pilots from mission to mission building them up. You can take your group through random missions or 3 canned campaigns in there, I haven't touched the campaigns yet..so no idea how good they are, the random battle is quite fun though.

It's a real fun game so far though, basically working on piddly little missions to build my pilots up and try to earn some money to buy them better mechs, keep the ones they're in repaired.

It's very much a traditional hex-based game though, so don't go expecting any fancy 3D Graphics and such.

I've always had a fascination with Mechs, so this is right up my alley.

Gamezone Review of ToS: Warring Suns

There's a review if anyone is interested.

[Godzilla Blitz]

ToEE looks pretty interesting, as does Titans of Steel.

I never thought about D&D being much like a turn-based strategy game, but it makes sense. I'll keep an eye on that one, and would be interested in hearing what you think of it after you pick it up.

Is Titans a bit like Front Mission for the Playstation?

By the way, Fritz, I just traded for Bulge '44 (Panzer Campaigns), and the Few and the Proud (Squad Based Battles). I'll finally get a chance to give a couple of games from that company a shot.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good list, lads. Keep it up.

I love these games, but there are just so few that are decent. I find it mind-boggling why so many of these games fall short. The Jagged Alliance games were very good. X-Com was the best. The Fallout games (turn-based in the same way ToEE is) were amazing. But other than those (all quite dated by now), the majority just suck. I don't understand why it's so hard. I really don't. I can sit down and in 30 minutes come up with small things that could improve these games greatly. Then again, the extent of my programming ability is limited to being able to have the phrase "I Rule!!!!" repeated an infinite number of times on the screeen using BASIC programming.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Godzilla Blitz
By the way, Fritz, I just traded for Bulge '44 (Panzer Campaigns), and the Few and the Proud (Squad Based Battles). I'll finally get a chance to give a couple of games from that company a shot.

I dont have any of the squad battles games, but Bulge is one of their best. If you want to PBEM, any sized, just PM me.

Make sure to go to HPSSIMS and get the patches. The patches dont really update bugs (there are not many) but they do rev the game engine up to the latest product version.

Also, you MUST check out http://members.shaw.ca/gcsaunders/index.html

This unofficial site is put on by one of the developer's lead assistants.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Fritz
Surprise #3: I got my turn-based combat.
At its heart, D&D is a turn-based combat game. Its myriad rules for feats, skills, spells and class abilities assume that combat is broken down into rounds. Everything from initiative to spell duration to movement assumed the existence of these distinct combat rounds. Turn-based combat lay at the core of the game's rule set.

That's exactly how I feel. Well said.

[Calis]

Godzilla- Sorry, I've never played Front Mission. I unfortunately missed the whole Playstation 1 era in consoles, so I'm not sure if it's similiar. Although, now I might have to look into finding it.

Sadly enough I never played the original X-Com either. I remember playing the Demo for the sequel, Terror From the Deep I think it was? Do the X-Com games run under XP? I'm wondering also, do your squaddies have the personalities like JA? That's probably the main kick I got out of JA was how quirky the characters all were, and how they interreacted.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Originally posted by Calis
Godzilla- Sorry, I've never played Front Mission. I unfortunately missed the whole Playstation 1 era in consoles, so I'm not sure if it's similiar. Although, now I might have to look into finding it.

Sadly enough I never played the original X-Com either. I remember playing the Demo for the sequel, Terror From the Deep I think it was? Do the X-Com games run under XP? I'm wondering also, do your squaddies have the personalities like JA? That's probably the main kick I got out of JA was how quirky the characters all were, and how they interreacted.

Actually, I haven't played Front Mission either. I have a copy of one version, but haven't gotten aroudn to playing it yet.

I just spent a half hour reading about Titans of Steel, though. Looks to be exactly the type of game that I think I will enjoy: turn-based tactical warfare with a role-playing twist. From what I've been able to figure out, it looks to be an amazingly deep game as well. It's at GoGamer for $24.90, so I think I may pick it up when they have a 48-hour special on something else that interests me. With their 3 games for $6 shipping charge, I like to bundle things up when I buy. Thanks for the heads up, though. I would have missed this one for sure. Matter of fact, I'm sure I saw it a couple of weeks ago and said, "Another mechwarrior game? Bah, not for me."

X-COM soldiers don't have personalities at all. They are all randomly generated. Funny though, for me, it's the randomness that I like about X-COM. As much as I like the Jagged Alliance games and the personalities of the soliders, the fact that the soldiers are always the same makes the replay value a bit less.

Fritz,

Thanks for the heads up on the patches and for the link. I'd like to try a PBEM game at some point, but want to try a couple of solo games first to get the feel of things.

Man, so many potential winners coming up or just out: Korsun Pocket, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic, Titans of Steel, ToEE, Silent Storm, Paradise Cracked, UFO: Aftermath. I wish I could clone myself: one of me to live a productive life, the other to play games.

[thesloppy]

You can still get the original Titans of Steel here:

http://www.dosgamesarchive.com/download/game/197

It 's well worth the download.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Godzilla Blitz


X-COM soldiers don't have personalities at all. They are all randomly generated. Funny though, for me, it's the randomness that I like about X-COM. As much as I like the Jagged Alliance games and the personalities of the soliders, the fact that the soldiers are always the same makes the replay value a bit less.

I have to agree with this. One thing I think that really works with X-Com (and should be implemented in more games, but isn't) is the randomly generated, endless supply of soldiers. Soldiers' skills should be randomly generated, increased with experience (which they do in X-Com), and you should be able to change their names if you want to (which you can do with X-Com). It adds to the replayability and lets you shape the story as you like. If you get a guy, call him "Jungo Markov" who has decent skills. You should be able to change his name to "Drake Phoenix" if you want and make him your sniper or heavy weapons guy and give him all the personality you want (through how you play him in combat) and go with it from there.

Granted in some scenarios an endless supply of troops wont make sense (post-apocalyptic ones for example, where the population may be decimated), but where it can be it should. Another thing that you should be able to do, which you can't in X-Com, is promote who you want to promote, instead of the computer doing it for you.

The Titans of Steele game looks pretty good. Very good. I think I will pick it up.

[Bee]

BTW, there's a demo for Paradise Cracked floating around on the internet but it's in Russian. It might at least give you an idea of what the graphics will look like and how the game will play. The previews I've found so far haven't been kind, but I might give the demo a try over the weekend.

[Runtheball]

Count me among the XCOM/Jagged Alliance/Fallout Tactics fans! Fallout tactics was possibly the most enjoyable game I've ever played (next to FBPRO). Does anyone know if the makers of Fallout Tactics are planning any sequels?

What is ToEE?

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Godzilla Blitz
Fritz,

Thanks for the heads up on the patches and for the link. I'd like to try a PBEM game at some point, but want to try a couple of solo games first to get the feel of things.

Bulge introduced deception units (german). What a bitch they can be! Please let me know if you have any questions about the game. The selection of optional rules have very important imacts on game play, so if you have any questions, please ask.

[Calis]

No news about a sequel to Fallout Tactics. I'm doubting it.

I actually was pretty dissapointed in Fallout Tactics, the game was just missing something in my opinion. It seemed to me to be more tedious than fun at times. Although, I did still enjoy the game, don't get me wrong, It just annoyed me more than the others.

They're probably frightened to make a sequel, in case you don't know..the Fallout fans are probably the most psychotic bunch of people you'll ever meet...there was a pretty big backlash in the hardcore community about Fallout Tactics...they're seriously scary.


ToEE = Temple of Elemental Evil....Fritz posted a link to some info early on this thread. It's an RPG with TB combat, not a straight Tactical TB game.

[Runtheball]

I agree that at times Fallout Tactics was pretty annoying, like travelling between mission areas and running into tedious random encounters. But I thought the combat itself was the best since XCOM, and I always felt that I was a step behind the opponents in technology (which is how it should be to keep it challenging). Best of all was the artwork, which was unbelievably well-done! Found this game got my heart pounding like no other (since XCOM).

I don't know anything about 'the hardcore community' of Fallout Tactics. But I'd hate to think they have discouraged the developer from making a sequel.

[Calis]

Anyone know much about this?

All American The 82nd Airborne Over Normandy

I'm not even sure if it's Turn Based, just ran across it. Actually looks like a pretty neat game. I'll have to snoop around some more.

Runtheball- Very true, I loved the artwork in Tactics, of course, I just love the whole look and feel of Fallout games in general. It wasn't the Tactics fans bashing it, it was the Fallout RPG fans bashing it. Honestly, I don't think it had an effect on a sequel being made, but I just remember when it first came out, there was a huge uproar...this was back when I used to frequent Duck & Cover, the main Fallout fansite on the net...that place is horrible. You've never met a more bitter group of fans for a game.


Back to my baby Jagged Alliance, anyone hear anymore news, I know the rights to Wizardry/JA and I heard some rumors that maybe a sequel was being designed, no clue though...I can dream though.

[Bee]

How annoying is Fallout Tactics? I actually picked this game up the other day in the bargain bin and haven't loaded it up yet. I was planning on starting it up the next time I had a desire to play a turn based tactical game, but I'm easily annoyed.

[condors]

i am looking forward to Warlords IV although i am not sure it fits into this mold exactly

[Godzilla Blitz]

Apparently there is a Russian demo of Silent Storm as well, but it is hard to find and over 200mbs.

Originally posted by Fritz
Bulge introduced deception units (german). What a bitch they can be! Please let me know if you have any questions about the game. The selection of optional rules have very important imacts on game play, so if you have any questions, please ask.

Thanks! Will do. Game should arrive this weekend, but I probably won't get a chance to look at it until sometime next week.

[Calis]

Originally posted by Godzilla Blitz
Apparently there is a Russian demo of Silent Storm as well, but it is hard to find and over 200mbs.

Silent Storm Russian Demo

That should work, I haven't DL'ed, but have heard it's a good link. Impressions of the demo so far are all very positive, this one could very well be a winner!

[Godzilla Blitz]

Originally posted by Calis
Silent Storm Russian Demo

That should work, I haven't DL'ed, but have heard it's a good link. Impressions of the demo so far are all very positive, this one could very well be a winner!

Nice job!

Downloading now...

[Calis]

Be sure and let us know what you think of it! I'm still stuck with Stone Age 56k, so I won't be DL'ing the demo to see for myself.

Man, I'm really anxious to see this one, I hope you have some positive thoughts on the game.

[Bee]

Maybe GB can do a dynasty report in Russian on the demo?

[Calis]

Silent Storm Boards

Was just perusing the forums here and ran across this thread! Looks like the English demo has been submitted to Fileplanet, they're just waiting on Fileplanet to give it the ok! So we should have a demo we can understand for the weekend hopefully.

[Runtheball]

Confirmed! Silent Storm is on Fileplanet. I'm number 63 in line to download it, (205 total in line). (Stupid Fileplanet!!!!)

I played the Russian demo already today, and its fantastic!!!!! Plays alot like Fallout Tactics, and graphics are just as crisp.

Calis: you probably already know (but from your post I'm not sure if you do) that there is a site out there called "Jagged Alliance Galaxy" You can find it through Stragetyplanet.com. There appear to be some mods in the works.

[Bee]

If you hate fileplanet as much as I do, you can get the english demo here with no wait.

[Calis]

Thanks for the other link Bee!

So I lied, even with my Stone Age connection, I decided to fire up the DL last night, so I should be trying this game out whenever I can get out of work.

Runtheball- Damn you! I ended up reinstalling JA2 and playing it last night. I had seen that site before, but it was something I haven't checked in a couple of years. Looks like they have a mod or two already out that looks real good.(Deidranna Lives) and working on a couple more that look sweet. So now I'm going to descend back into my JA2 addiction, ughh!

[Calis]

Dola,

Took an "extended" lunch today and played through the tutorial of the demo for Silent Storm. Wow! I'm impressed. Very impressed with the physics engine they're using, seemed very lifelike to me. The firefights were pretty intense, and it really does seem like about everything is destructible..had some very cool moments lobbing grenades.

The whole thing does feel VERY Jagged Alliance to me, which is a very good thing.

The camera is a bit annoying though, although I think I saw some hacks for that already floating around.

The game is supposedly going to be very moddable, I'm anxious to see what people can make for it.

[Bee]

The camera annoyed me a little too. I haven't played it much yet though, just loaded it up to see what it looked like.

[WSUCougar]

Originally posted by Calis
Back to my baby Jagged Alliance, anyone hear anymore news, I know the rights to Wizardry/JA and I heard some rumors that maybe a sequel was being designed, no clue though...I can dream though.

The news is about a month stale, but sounds great.

Here ya go:

Strategy First announces new Jagged Alliance game for Q1 2004

Montreal, Canada. November 7, 2003 -- Strategy First is pleased to announce it has teamed up with i-Deal Games to bring Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire to retail shelves nation wide in Q1 2004. Serge “Wildfire” Popov, a well-known pioneer in the Jagged Alliance 2 community and a member of the team at i-Deal Games developed Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire.

“Moving forward with the Jagged Alliance series is one of our major focuses for the next few years,” says Don McFatridge, President and CEO of Strategy First. “Teaming up with Serge ‘Wildfire’ Popov was an obvious move on our part as he is truly one of the best known modders in the JA community and we couldn’t be happier with our partnership.”

Background Story: Arulco’s economy has completely collapsed and the country has now become a base for international drug cartels. Export of precious metals, which was the foundation of Arulco’s economy, is now just a cover for the extensive export of drugs into North America.

The North American Drug Agency has been unable to affect the export of drugs through regular diplomatic channels due to the cartels’ influence and has been forced to take more specific action to stop the drug trade. You are sent in as a leader of a small band of hired guns, your mission: the elimination of all key personnel of the Arulcan Government and, if possible, the complete extermination of the drug cartels. If successful, you will be hailed as heroes. If you fail, the Agency will deny all knowledge of the operation.

Wildfire includes modifications to all aspects of the original game. Changes were made to all weapons, landscapes, structures, missions, enemies and the AI. All elements within the game were altered to make it more realistic, bringing it closer to real-life.

Real World, Real Weapons, Real Enemies... REAL TROUBLE!

Features:
• Improvements to all structures within the game to closer match real-life facilities.
• Added tall grass, bushes, stones, and trees to sections of the map which were barren, which allows for better coverage for units and changes combat tactics.
• All military facilities have increased their defensive capabilities. They have added mine fields, fences, watchtowers, perimeter lighting and alarms.
• All weapons have been rebalanced to better reflect real-life weapon characteristics.
• New weapons have been added: USP, Uzi, UMP, MP5A3, Mini-30, HK33, G36, MP7, MSG90, AN-94, RPK, V-94, VAL, VSS.
• All existing weapons’ graphics and sounds have been replaced to make them more realistic.
• The importance of sub-quests has been increased and now plays a major role in the game’s overall flow.
• The Mafia has taken on a new role and is now part of the Arulcan order.
• The number of enemies has increased and they are a lot smarter and more ruthless this time around.

Available in retail stores in Q1 2004 for $19.99 USD, Jagged Alliance2: Wildfire will also include the original title Jagged Alliance 2. For more information go to www.strategyfirst.com.