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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: The_Admiral on January 05, 2020, 09:19:15 AM

Title: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: The_Admiral on January 05, 2020, 09:19:15 AM
Oh dear, it flew a bit under the radar, but I just came across this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fontargetsimulations.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FComing-Soon-Souther-Storm-Header-Image-1.png&hash=867394b0a6994e763a1a93ac3f27970e01424f17)

Aye, a follow-up to Red Storm, with an upgraded engine apparently.

More about the project there
http://ontargetsimulations.com/2019/12/23/december-2019/

Enjoy!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fontargetsimulations.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FComing-Soon-Image-1-1-1024x478.png&hash=a73be03c98da6d893b670a75917f29511cb1135a)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fontargetsimulations.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FComing-Soon-Image-2-1-1024x708.png&hash=262ae56f5a94e179e894e8101f3004cf8e533f0c)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fontargetsimulations.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FComing-Soon-Image-3-1-1024x719.png&hash=a18ec2e1b2f80b64ef3f88e1fdd753d92b3b8067)

A pleasant surprise, if you ask me!
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Yskonyn on January 05, 2020, 09:39:51 AM
Definately!

I enjoyed the battles I've had against grogs with Red Storm.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Father Ted on January 05, 2020, 11:21:15 AM
Oh dear - I was trying to get through 2020 without buying a game...
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Grim.Reaper on January 05, 2020, 11:51:17 AM
Quote from: Father Ted on January 05, 2020, 11:21:15 AM
Oh dear - I was trying to get through 2020 without buying a game...

Right, lofty goal only few days I to the year
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Moreb on January 05, 2020, 08:20:03 PM
Boy, they do have some beautiful maps.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: IICptMillerII on January 05, 2020, 10:01:08 PM
Its been in development for a few years now, and unfortunately been delayed for some time now. However, the devs are adamant that work continues and progress is being made, and they are hoping to start beta testing within the next month or so, according to their forums.

I love Flashpoint Campaigns Red Storm and I'm extremely excited for this to release. All of the new features and content sound great!
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Apocalypse 31 on January 06, 2020, 12:21:34 AM
Looks like a modification of FCRS.

UI still looks crappy.

I wonder if the counters still move all awkward-like or if they added natural map zoom.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: bboyer66 on January 06, 2020, 07:28:32 AM
Pretty geeked up about this, because I think this will include the Schweinfurt/Wurzburg area where I defended the frontiers of freedom against the aggressive hordes of East German Women. 
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Skoop on January 06, 2020, 01:34:32 PM
^ lol.

Recently rereading Red Storm Rising and this game would be perfect for this.

Watercooler talk....How bitchen would steel beasts be if the map view / commander control looked this ?
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Speedy on January 10, 2020, 08:54:11 AM
I hadn't heard anything about this game in ages and thought it must have been cancelled.

Loved Red Storm and the original Flashpoint Germany, though I always kind of hoped they would do a middle east version.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: IICptMillerII on January 11, 2020, 01:33:35 AM
Quote from: Speedy on January 10, 2020, 08:54:11 AM
I hadn't heard anything about this game in ages and thought it must have been cancelled.

Loved Red Storm and the original Flashpoint Germany, though I always kind of hoped they would do a middle east version.

They actually announced a Middle East DLC a while back in a thread on their forums. I don't have a link handy or remember many details, but I do know they are planning on covering the Middle East in some capacity.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: MOS:96B2P on October 31, 2021, 09:05:02 PM
The Beta has started.  Below was taken from the Matrix forum.

Matrix is now recruiting testers for Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm's upcoming beta.

In Southern Storm, the Flashpoint Campaigns series moves to Southern Germany, with new campaigns and multi-national scenarios and new nationalities. On a brand new game engine experience Cold War 1980s with the US, USSR, West-German, British, French, East-German, Czechoslovakian and Canadian forces.

Players will fight battles and campaigns over 40 different maps with a wide array of Cold War equipment from the eight nations. That equipment included aircraft, helicopters, tanks, IFVs, APCs, mobile and fixed SAMs, self-propelled and towed artillery and rocket launchers, command vehicle, recon vehicles, many flavors of infantry, and others.

If you would like to sign up to join the beta, please fill out the form found here found here. Your feedback is extremely valuable, and it will help us greatly.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: CaptainKoloth on November 01, 2021, 10:24:59 AM
I am still kind of excited about this, I guess, but they've been saying this game is just around the corner since 2015 (!!). I'll believe it when I see it availabe for purchase.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: nelmsm on November 01, 2021, 03:21:27 PM
Put my application in!
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Redwolf on November 01, 2021, 05:03:31 PM
There is no Mac version planned/for testing for this game family, right?
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Toonces on November 02, 2021, 12:12:51 PM
I did beta testing once and I've found I'm just not very good at it.   :-\
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: CaptainKoloth on November 02, 2021, 04:23:24 PM
Quote from: Toonces on November 02, 2021, 12:12:51 PM
I did beta testing once and I've found I'm just not very good at it.   :-\

Your beta testing is in beta
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Gusington on November 02, 2021, 06:48:36 PM
^ :D
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: ArizonaTank on November 03, 2021, 09:43:11 AM
I am excited about this one. I really loved the unique dynamic play sequence of the original. It mixed the best of computer gaming's CPU capabilities and the feel of traditional hex and counter board gaming. Brilliant IMHO.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: MOS:96B2P on November 05, 2021, 04:23:27 PM
Flashpoint Southern Storm has a lot of potential.  looking forward to this one.   :)

Flashpoint Southern Storm is reported (from a reveal video) to have actual engineer units on the map (not abstracted).  This should make for some interesting scenarios.  Identifying the probable OPFOR main effort, in part, by spotting the OPFOR engineer units.  Then attempting to destroy the OPFOR engineer units before they can bridge the river or breach an obstacle belt, etc.     

Information will reportedly be organized as in RL from the various staff officers,S1, S2, S3 etc.       

Also four more nationalities; East Germans, Canadians, French and Czechoslovakia.  Each with their own campaign.   
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: fabius on May 17, 2022, 11:16:52 AM
Matrix pages have posted for next wave of beta testers
https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10149&t=384081 (https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10149&t=384081)

QuoteHi everyone,

We're adding in another beta wave to our Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm test team. If you are interested and have time to help the team test FPSS and bring it to release later this year, please apply here:

https://www.matrixgames.com/beta/flashp ... hern-storm

Regards,

- Erik
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: ArizonaTank on October 16, 2022, 12:41:05 AM
Seems like it is getting closer. Damn Matrix. Always finding new ways to take my money. Not to mention I don't even have time to play the games I have...
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Grim.Reaper on October 16, 2022, 03:10:37 AM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 16, 2022, 12:41:05 AM
Seems like it is getting closer. Damn Matrix. Always finding new ways to take my money. Not to mention I don't even have time to play the games I have...

Is there a release date or estimate? 
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: solops on October 16, 2022, 07:51:31 AM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on November 03, 2021, 09:43:11 AM
I am excited about this one. I really loved the unique dynamic play sequence of the original. It mixed the best of computer gaming's CPU capabilities and the feel of traditional hex and counter board gaming. Brilliant IMHO.
+1
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: nelmsm on October 16, 2022, 08:47:49 AM
I'm a playtester on this one and you guys are going to love it!
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Con on October 16, 2022, 08:54:40 AM
Just curious has there been any talk of incorporating how the present day Russian kit and personnel have performed into the 1980s scenarios?

Honestly I suspect not since I think at this point it would be a NATO walkover if you nerfed the Soviets to their now historically abysmal performance.
Con
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: MOS:96B2P on October 16, 2022, 11:25:04 AM
Looking forward to this.  The command delays and attention to detail that goes into these games have always made them very interesting.  This new version, Southern Storm, will have on map engineer units.  This will make the game even more realistic.  I wish they would build a map of the NTC for the game.  I know some players have tried with the older version of the game but it would be very useful to have a NTC map created/supported by the developer.  Cool stuff.     
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Uberhaus on October 16, 2022, 03:08:10 PM
So when will grogheads host a high score contest like the "real" wargamer.com did for Flashpoint Campaigns?  so that I can beat Comrade P this time. 
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on October 17, 2022, 06:01:01 PM
Quote from: MOS:96B2P on October 16, 2022, 11:25:04 AM
Looking forward to this.  The command delays and attention to detail that goes into these games have always made them very interesting.  This new version, Southern Storm, will have on map engineer units.  This will make the game even more realistic.  I wish they would build a map of the NTC for the game.  I know some players have tried with the older version of the game but it would be very useful to have a NTC map created/supported by the developer.  Cool stuff.     

We have an NTC map (1980's Central Corridor) ready, as a demo map for scenario creation. It might ship with the game.

William
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: MOS:96B2P on October 17, 2022, 08:09:55 PM
YES!!!   ;D    :D    A NTC map would be very useful.  Many, many real world scenarios that are well documented that can be turned into scenarios in the game.     
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Con on October 17, 2022, 09:17:24 PM
Just got my Matrix Anniversary coupon - Do I have any chance on using it on Redstorm in the next 30 days? 
Con
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: FarAway Sooner on October 17, 2022, 11:08:35 PM
Quote from: Con on October 16, 2022, 08:54:40 AM
Just curious has there been any talk of incorporating how the present day Russian kit and personnel have performed into the 1980s scenarios?

Honestly I suspect not since I think at this point it would be a NATO walkover if you nerfed the Soviets to their now historically abysmal performance.
Con

While modern-day Russia has fallen to new lows, there's little doubt that the Soviet system was rusting from within and was already in an advanced state of decay from corruption and cronyism when the Iron Curtain fell.  The signs were pretty blatant to any Westerner who could roam freely through that part of the world, and the Eastern Europeans were openly contemptuous of the Russians for being so disorganized (as well as corrupt and brutal).

They couldn't build safe buildings or maintain nuclear reactors or keep train systems running.  And that was all without anybody opposing them, as would have been the case in a real shooting war.

To be sure, the Soviet Army of 1989 would have demolished the Russian Army of 2022.  But that's hardly the gold standard any aspiring regional power should hold themselves to.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on October 19, 2022, 03:13:57 PM
Quote from: Con on October 17, 2022, 09:17:24 PM
Just got my Matrix Anniversary coupon - Do I have any chance on using it on Redstorm in the next 30 days? 
Con

Release date is Nov 17. Not sure if you can pre-order at Matrix.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Con on October 19, 2022, 03:55:45 PM
Ouch. That's tight  might need to go by the hour it's released!
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: ArizonaTank on October 19, 2022, 03:55:52 PM
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on October 17, 2022, 11:08:35 PM
Quote from: Con on October 16, 2022, 08:54:40 AM
Just curious has there been any talk of incorporating how the present day Russian kit and personnel have performed into the 1980s scenarios?

Honestly I suspect not since I think at this point it would be a NATO walkover if you nerfed the Soviets to their now historically abysmal performance.
Con

While modern-day Russia has fallen to new lows, there's little doubt that the Soviet system was rusting from within and was already in an advanced state of decay from corruption and cronyism when the Iron Curtain fell.  The signs were pretty blatant to any Westerner who could roam freely through that part of the world, and the Eastern Europeans were openly contemptuous of the Russians for being so disorganized (as well as corrupt and brutal).

They couldn't build safe buildings or maintain nuclear reactors or keep train systems running.  And that was all without anybody opposing them, as would have been the case in a real shooting war.

To be sure, the Soviet Army of 1989 would have demolished the Russian Army of 2022.  But that's hardly the gold standard any aspiring regional power should hold themselves to.

In a way, this is a "fantasy" game.

So I'd rather play a game with Red Army of Tom Clancy's "Red Storm Rising," than one with the real Soviet Military depicted by Viktor Belenko in the book "Mig Pilot."
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Father Ted on October 19, 2022, 04:41:16 PM
For me it's the game mechanics which are the main draw - the historical setting is a secondary thing.  Day one purchase.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Grim.Reaper on October 26, 2022, 08:08:22 PM
Pretty cool dev blog on the scenario editor, seems like could provide good tools to encourage a lot of custom stuff

https://www.matrixgames.com/news/flashpoint-campaigns-southern-storm-dev-log-3
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: nelmsm on October 27, 2022, 12:13:57 AM
I find myself really getting immersed in this one when testing.  It's one of those where you look up and 3 or 4 hours have gone by games.  Can't claim to know if the Commies were really that good back then but we all thought they were so there is the game.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: MOS:96B2P on November 17, 2022, 12:43:34 PM
Flashpoint campaigns Southern Storm has been released.  From the Matrix Forum:

Nine years after the release of Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm, On Target Simulation returns with a new masterpiece. Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm is finally available, exclusively on the Matrix Games store. Hundreds of meticulously researched platforms and weapons, detailed orders of battle, and realistic modeling of modern combat, including armor, infantry, helicopters, airpower, and chemical and nuclear weapons, all wrapped up with a new user interface and PBEM++ multiplayer support.

Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm has an innovative WEGO asynchronous turn resolution system which models command friction, and it's set at the height of the Cold War, with the action centered on 1989.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Pete Dero on November 17, 2022, 01:04:43 PM
Release stream : https://www.twitch.tv/slitherinetv
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Con on November 17, 2022, 01:23:49 PM
I snuck this one under the wire
Bought it with my 17 year anniversary coupon. Which expired today.
Thank you to Flashpoint for aligning their launch to meet my deadline
Con
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: ArizonaTank on November 17, 2022, 01:33:19 PM
On hearing of release: "EXCITEMENT...WOW...CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT!!!"

On seeing price tag: gulp...OK...it is worth it I am sure...but just don't have the money at the moment...excitement fades...:(
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Father Ted on November 17, 2022, 01:56:21 PM
Quote from: Father Ted on October 19, 2022, 04:41:16 PM
For me it's the game mechanics which are the main draw - the historical setting is a secondary thing.  Day one purchase.

Whelp that price has given me pause, but I'll probably still go for it.  As I said above, I do find the game-play very good and this new version seems to have added to the experience (rather than just added new units/theatre).  So I know I'm getting something I'll like rather than taking a punt on a new system (eg I'm thinking "Second Front" will be a day one purchase, but could be a let down).
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Zulu1966 on November 17, 2022, 02:44:12 PM
Wow. That's quite a price. Probably won't be able to resist regardless but do think it's pitched a little high. Some of th changes are nice such as descrete ammo loadouts etc but it is still basically the same game. Part of the value in this would love around community scenarios like CM. But that doesn't seem easy either with regard to different maps.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 17, 2022, 08:03:11 PM
Yep, surprised by the price as well, largely based on what the prior versions had cost....I would have lost the bet as I would have thought $49 at the most.  Luckily I also have an anniversary coupon I can use, just holding off a few more days until the annual holiday sale kicks off to see if I can grab anything else as well:)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: -budd- on November 17, 2022, 09:33:39 PM
The first game became one of my favorites so it was a no brainer for me, even at the surprising price. Purchase, download, install went fine. Lots of good documentation with the game, the manual is available to download and read. I've only played the first tutorial so far but everything about the game is better than the original, looks better [subjective I know], runs better, tons of info to access, its just better. The ability to set SOP's per waypoint is awesome and probably my favorite feature so far. You can have up to 6 waypoints. Dynamically updated situation map...sweet. Infantry survivability looks better, ambushing is possible now, want your carrier to hide or support your infantry, set the SOP. It's a complete evolution from the first game. If some of your favorite things involve studying terrain, and in depth planning while still being manageable you'll be enjoying yourself with this game.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Toonces on November 17, 2022, 10:43:58 PM
Great impressions, budd!  Thanks for posting that.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Groggy on November 18, 2022, 12:09:50 AM
Quote from: -budd- on November 17, 2022, 09:33:39 PM
The first game became one of my favorites so it was a no brainer for me, even at the surprising price. Purchase, download, install went fine. Lots of good documentation with the game, the manual is available to download and read. I've only played the first tutorial so far but everything about the game is better than the original, looks better [subjective I know], runs better, tons of info to access, its just better. The ability to set SOP's per waypoint is awesome and probably my favorite feature so far. You can have up to 6 waypoints. Dynamically updated situation map...sweet. Infantry survivability looks better, ambushing is possible now, want your carrier to hide or support your infantry, set the SOP. It's a complete evolution from the first game. If some of your favorite things involve studying terrain, and in depth planning while still being manageable you'll be enjoying yourself with this game.

From reading the dev log I really like the changes they made to the maps, the UI, and the counters. Having the ability to mute the colors of the map, customize your own interface layout, and pick from multiple looks for the counters (including two different NATO symbols) is just *chefs kiss*. The labor of love they put into this game is enormous. I haven't played Red Storm in years so I might treat myself for Christmas, despite the price. Thanks for the feedback.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: MikeGER on November 18, 2022, 03:51:35 AM
Quote from: -budd- on November 17, 2022, 09:33:39 PM
The first game became one of my favorites so it was a no brainer for me, even at the surprising price. Purchase, download, install went fine. Lots of good documentation with the game, the manual is available to download and read. I've only played the first tutorial so far but everything about the game is better than the original, looks better [subjective I know], runs better, tons of info to access, its just better. The ability to set SOP's per waypoint is awesome and probably my favorite feature so far. You can have up to 6 waypoints. Dynamically updated situation map...sweet. Infantry survivability looks better, ambushing is possible now, want your carrier to hide or support your infantry, set the SOP. It's a complete evolution from the first game. If some of your favorite things involve studying terrain, and in depth planning while still being manageable you'll be enjoying yourself with this game.

+1

I only have an hour in the game fooling around with the Tutorial1, and spend the rest of the eve reading manual(s) and watching the Twitch stream.
It is really an impressive evolution O0   
more like an simulation then just 'a game'.  I can already smell the military professionals training tool (just like with CMO) shining through.

the price tag hurts, but that's what you have to pay as a wargame - Connaisseur (in the style of food and beverages delicacies  ;))
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Tripoli on November 18, 2022, 10:53:30 AM
Quote from: -budd- on November 17, 2022, 09:33:39 PM
...If some of your favorite things involve studying terrain, and in depth planning ....

I hate to break it to you, but there is no help for your condition.  But we're here for you, man.  ;D
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Gusington on November 18, 2022, 11:08:13 AM
*looks in mirror, worried*

'I love studying terrain...'

:-[
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Con on November 18, 2022, 11:10:29 AM
Wanted to add to Budds post

If you loved Flashpoint you will really love this game
There is nothing groundbreaking or new but every element has been reworked and improved (caveat I haven't dived too much into the AI portion yet)
Better Graphics/maps
Better speed on running
More tools and easier to use interface
Way more information through tool tips, dialogs - (this was one of my pet peeves on trying to understand why a unit was doing or not doing an action).
Better order, stances, reaction etc
I see myself playing this a LOT if that makes up for any pricing questions.

Con
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: -budd- on November 20, 2022, 10:00:27 AM
Here's my favorite feature so far, the SOP manager. A lot more options for unit settings. You can change this for each way point, and you can set up to 6 way points now. Under the scope drop down you select the way point you want to change setting for. Yea, it was a bit of a higher price but the more I dig in the more I find that's awesome :bd: of course this is all subjective but this game is somewhere between a game and a sim which suits me just fine. Got to go, i have to get more of my tanks slaughtered \m/

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52512487810_c19b7d2d92_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Uberhaus on November 27, 2022, 04:47:55 PM
Any more feedback on the game?  Clearly, it has just rolled out but a few Matrix forum posters say there are some issues while OTS staff state they are debugging. 
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: al_infierno on November 29, 2022, 11:40:33 PM
Finally getting around to playing this and my first impression is excellent.  The GUI is slick and easy to read, and while the tutorial could be better, the game feels pretty straight forward if you're familiar with the previous title or wargames in general.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Bardolph on November 30, 2022, 10:00:14 AM
Quote from: -budd- on November 20, 2022, 10:00:27 AM
Here's my favorite feature so far, the SOP manager. A lot more options for unit settings. You can change this for each way point, and you can set up to 6 way points now. Under the scope drop down you select the way point you want to change setting for. Yea, it was a bit of a higher price but the more I dig in the more I find that's awesome :bd: of course this is all subjective but this game is somewhere between a game and a sim which suits me just fine. Got to go, i have to get more of my tanks slaughtered \m/

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52512487810_c19b7d2d92_c.jpg)


Reminds me of this in a good way:

(https://i.postimg.cc/0jrw8c91/Image7.png)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: CaptainKoloth on December 01, 2022, 09:59:12 PM
What game is that?
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Bardolph on December 02, 2022, 12:21:40 AM
Tac Ops 4. It was brilliant.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Pete Dero on April 20, 2023, 09:23:10 AM
Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm now out on Steam.

-25% (Steam & Matrix) for the next week

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2366530/Flashpoint_Campaigns_Southern_Storm/
https://www.matrixgames.com/game/flashpoint-campaigns-southern-storm

(higher discount for previous Flashpoint game)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Destraex on April 22, 2023, 08:57:12 PM
I have been interested in a best of breed WEGO game lately.

Are these true WEGO or just WEGO at the top level while both turns play out together but in igougo sequence?
Also does this have phases that mean units cannot be moving while others are shooting beside them?
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on April 23, 2023, 02:25:01 AM
Quote from: Destraex on April 22, 2023, 08:57:12 PMAre these true WEGO or just WEGO at the top level while both turns play out together but in igougo sequence?
Also does this have phases that mean units cannot be moving while others are shooting beside them?

It's a true WEGO, where even both commanders (human and/or computer player) may be out of sync, having command cycles of different durations.
As a commander, you issue new orders every 20-45 mins on average. The units, yours and your opponent's, all execute orders (move / fire / build bridge / rest / ...) in an event based fashion (by minute or even second), and do so simultaneously.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Tripoli on April 23, 2023, 06:08:17 AM
Quote from: WildCatNL on April 23, 2023, 02:25:01 AM
Quote from: Destraex on April 22, 2023, 08:57:12 PMAre these true WEGO or just WEGO at the top level while both turns play out together but in igougo sequence?
Also does this have phases that mean units cannot be moving while others are shooting beside them?

It's a true WEGO, where even both commanders (human and/or computer player) may be out of sync, having command cycles of different durations.
As a commander, you issue new orders every 20-45 mins on average. The units, yours and your opponent's, all execute orders (move / fire / build bridge / rest / ...) in an event based fashion (by minute or even second), and do so simultaneously.

As WildCatNL says, Campaign Flashpoint is a true WEGO.  It has a very interesting mechanic that as you take losses (especially in command units), your game turn time increases.  This simulates getting inside enemy's OODA loop. So, a typical game might have NATO starting with a 20 minute game turn and the Warsaw Pact with a 22 minute turn.  That means that both sides plots their turn, and the game simultaneously executes, but the NATO turn ends at T+20.  Both sides again plot their turns, but the Warsaw Pact execution won't even begin until T+22, while the NATO player's new plot starts executing at T+20.  As losses happen, these times increase, so the less attrited side is gaining a few extra minutes of time relative to their opponent after a few moves, giving them a decision-making advantage.  It is a really goood game system for showing this element of modern combat. (See https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2020/3/17/the-ooda-loop-and-the-half-beat for a description of an OODA loop)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Destraex on April 23, 2023, 07:41:00 AM
Excellent thanks gents.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Father Ted on April 23, 2023, 08:41:12 AM
Quote from: Destraex on April 22, 2023, 08:57:12 PMI have been interested in a best of breed WEGO game lately.

Are these true WEGO or just WEGO at the top level while both turns play out together but in igougo sequence?
Also does this have phases that mean units cannot be moving while others are shooting beside them?

I would say true WEGO - you plot your moves, hit go,  and watch the play unfold for a certain amount of game time.  The playing-out portion is slightly staccato compared to, say, Combat Mission in that events are sometimes portrayed sequentially rather than contemporaneously, but I think that's an artefact of the game engine rather than how it's "supposed" to be.  In any event, you cannot intervene in the game until the playing-out portion is complete.

An interesting game-play mechanic is that the length of time that plays out before you can issue orders again is dependent on factors such as command-and-control and electronic warfare.  It is possible for each side to have a different amount of lag between orders phases.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Destraex on April 25, 2023, 08:46:38 AM
I love the ooda loop lag mechanics. Still not sure whether I will learn it as command ops 2 seems superior. I know it is ww2 rather than modern though. I realised I own the game for many years and did not much more than load it and had never really played it. I love it when that happens... which is a first for me actually.  :twirl:
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on May 06, 2023, 03:50:14 AM
A new beta is available, both for the Matrix and Steam versions.

Main changes:
- AI reinforcements won't act until their reinforcement time.
- amphibious units are less inclined to swim large rivers, better reflecting the overhead involved in 'going amphibious'. Exiting rivers on steep river banks has been disallowed.
- modifications to preset artillery missions now show as "Custom". Fire mission editing outside the Orders phase is now disallowed. 
- campaign games: fixed problem with setup areas for non-core forces disappearing.
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Ickiestickie on June 05, 2023, 04:37:41 PM
Quote from: Con on November 17, 2022, 01:23:49 PMI snuck this one under the wire
Bought it with my 17 year anniversary coupon. Which expired today.
Thank you to Flashpoint for aligning their launch to meet my deadline
Con

Did you get Southern Storm?and also where do i look for those coupons?Ive heard of them but never seen one yet! :)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: bobarossa on June 05, 2023, 05:09:16 PM
Quote from: Ickiestickie on June 05, 2023, 04:37:41 PM
Quote from: Con on November 17, 2022, 01:23:49 PMI snuck this one under the wire
Bought it with my 17 year anniversary coupon. Which expired today.
Thank you to Flashpoint for aligning their launch to meet my deadline
Con

Did you get Southern Storm?and also where do i look for those coupons?Ive heard of them but never seen one yet! :)
The Matrix Anniversary coupon comes on the anniversary of your creating an account with Matrix.  I think they have been doing this since about 2015 (at least that is the oldest listed in my account). 
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Ickiestickie on June 05, 2023, 05:27:19 PM
Quote from: IICptMillerII on January 05, 2020, 10:01:08 PMIts been in development for a few years now, and unfortunately been delayed for some time now. However, the devs are adamant that work continues and progress is being made, and they are hoping to start beta testing within the next month or so, according to their forums.

I love Flashpoint Campaigns Red Storm and I'm extremely excited for this to release. All of the new features and content sound great!
wow three and a half years since start of Beta?thats some work gone into this project,im glad im on board,recieved my Hardback couple days ago,was looking forwards to this game for such a long time too,recently i went on a Cold War buy and this was one of Three Games all pretty big wargames :)
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on June 07, 2023, 05:04:59 PM
Quote from: Ickiestickie on June 05, 2023, 05:27:19 PMwow three and a half years since start of Beta?thats some work gone into this project,im glad im on board,recieved my Hardback couple days ago,was looking forwards to this game for such a long time too,recently i went on a Cold War buy and this was one of Three Games all pretty big wargames :)

Enjoy!
It did take us a long time to get here. Despite that, the good news is that we're not done with Southern Storm, and you should see a couple of improvements and new content coming for this game.

Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on October 06, 2023, 02:05:49 PM
Another update (2.1.3), available as a Beta from Matrix and Steam (2.1.3.7555). The main changes:
- additional content, with four new scenarios involving the Canadians (2x) and French (2x) forces fighting Warsaw Pact
- SOP changes made easier, with short-cuts for common SOP settings and more control
- numerous bug fixes, tweaks and small improvements

William
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: Con on November 01, 2023, 03:18:08 PM
Ive been trying to love Southern storm but so far I can only like it
Lots of potential and the game is gorgeous but a couple of major interactions that just leave me cold.
1. Not being able to provide reinforcements orders when they enter but having to wait until your turn sequence is up.  This really prevents me from telling my units where to go or setup.  They just sit there sometimes under fire.  I also cant plot any arty strikes but have to leave it to the fire support AI which while decent never is as good as a human on targeting prioritization.
2. Poor screen or SOP displacement options.  I cant tell you the number of helicopters that I have lost due to hitting the screen requirements which causes them to displace onto the TOP of the hill that I had them carefully skirt around where they promptly get swatted like flies by the enemy air defenses.  Other gripes include tanks under arty fire displacing into open terrain directly in front of the juggernaut wave that is bearing down on them.
3 Last gripe is husbanding my helos to rearm and then flying them towards the red armor onslaught.  They are the last line of defense to stem the tide, loaded with AT missiles my last hope to pull a victory - then they decide to shoot their whole pack at some lowly recon unit that wandered into their path. I wish you could set an SOP on what type of targets they could engage such as armor etc like the campaign series.

Overall there is a lot to like but these things are preventing me from loving it
Con
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on November 01, 2023, 04:54:21 PM
Con, thanks for sharing this feedback.

Wrt #1, the arty target prioritization part: we have a mechanism in the works to offer more control (which targets to engage, minimum target size, relative target type priorities). Use will be optional.

I'm taking up the other issues as bugs/requests for the team.

The #2, helo's displacing to ridges, is great observation. The game analyses the terrain and identifies ridges in order for helo's to avoid these (avoid skylining). However, helo's solely avoid ridges in their pathfinding, not in picking destinations (displacing).

William
Title: Re: Flashpoint campaigns - Southern Storm (new WW3 game!)
Post by: WildCatNL on March 01, 2024, 03:45:06 PM
Update 2.1.4 is now available as a Beta from both Matrix and Steam (2.1.4.8064).

The update improves tournament play, and allows players to filter and highlight messages from the unit log, along with a bunch of smaller updates.

The update also addresses two of Con's suggestions (see above):
- reinforcements now appear on the map 1 minute prior to an orders cycle, so the player can issue new commands right away
- helicopters do a better job at scooting, taking into account the coverage of known/lasts spotted air defense systems and trying to avoid skylining themselves over ridges

Enjoy, and keep the feedback coming!

William