This game got a very brief mention in a totally unrelated thread and it got me curious...the "Command Modern Operations" of ground combat? How the hell did I ever miss this title? :hide:
Well, I found it and have been playing it ever since. It is very damn cool.
The UI is archaic, but totally functional and the tutorial does a good job of explaining the very basics of running a scenario. The OOBs and TOEs are phenomenal and there is a really good list of scenarios as of the latest build I've been able to find, 4.06.
In any event, if you have a hankering for professional level ground combat tactical action, I recommend you check it out. It was extremely easy to find, install and update and I didn't have to change anything to run it on a modern system. The windows are a little small, so perhaps that could be tweaked, but I've been enjoying playing it too much to try.
If anyone has it and knows of any scenarios, mods, tips, or tricks, etc., please do tell.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-f7N7niTD2Jc%2FTbo12RgW4CI%2FAAAAAAAAA0s%2FDXbmFtcHFFw%2Fs1600%2Ftacops4demo.jpg&hash=2624e050c45e44a34b6b2f420564ede86e67d37f)
(https://cdn.igromania.ru/mnt/game_screenshots_gallery/e/9/3/0/2/298868/03806ba858745086_1920xH.jpg)
(https://cdn.igromania.ru/mnt/game_screenshots_gallery/9/1/c/6/6/298870/023da2a9661ba724_1920xH.jpg)
(https://www.retrolorian.com/assets/img/screenshots/2021/04/29/7018/tacops-4-2.webp)
Oh the humanity! How could it escape you - it was made by a leatherneck, for leathernecks hehe :)) :coolsmiley:
Tacops is a very important step I think to appreciate better what games like Flashpoint or even Regiments are doing now in 2022 in regard of that scale. It was, remains a great achievement IMHO, and a sure way of providing oneself with real nail biting situations.
Maj.Holdridge did slide into darkness way before social media appeared so I don't know if he is still around, but he'd be one these people I need to shake hands with if I was ever to come across his path. A brilliant designer - and talented programmer too.
spent a lot of time with the original game. good to know it still lives on.
I'm a long time TACOPs player. Here's what will blow your mind: The game came out in approximately 1994. It was way before its time, and it still stands up well. Some of us ex-military were using it for MBXs in the late 90's, which were a lot of fun. A couple of NATO nations bought versions for training at the time, and I used a version of it to teach IPB concepts to reservists in the late 1990s. Major Holdridge is still around, but I don't think he is doing any programing anymore. We had a fairly active TACOPs mailing list that finally closed down earlier this year.
It is a brilliant game. And it has multiplayer multiplayer. Not just multiple people on a side, but multiple sides. So one could have "allied" units on the map, or even simply other units of your own forces outside of your command structure for example.
I wish someone could figure out how to scale it to modern monitor sizes (I've been tempted to add an old CRT monitor in glorious 800x600 to play on), but other than that it doesn't lack much. Sure, the graphics are simple, but the gameplay is rich. I wouldn't want 3d units for a game like TacOps anyway. The hard part is talking people into trying it. Most see the graphics and stop there.
Quote from: Bardolph on December 03, 2022, 09:50:26 AM
It is a brilliant game. And it has multiplayer multiplayer. Not just multiple people on a side, but multiple sides. So one could have "allied" units on the map, or even simply other units of your own forces outside of your command structure for example.
I wish someone could figure out how to scale it to modern monitor sizes (I've been tempted to add an old CRT monitor in glorious 800x600 to play on), but other than that it doesn't lack much. Sure, the graphics are simple, but the gameplay is rich. I wouldn't want 3d units for a game like TacOps anyway. The hard part is talking people into trying it. Most see the graphics and stop there.
One option you can try, which I do with all these older games. Worked with TacOps as well.
Download and use a tool called Res-o-matic.....basically it allows you to setup running a game in lower resolution so the screen becomes very big to fill in a high res monitor (looks fine). Then when you exit the game, it returns your desktop to normal. This is better option than using Windows to scale as that happens for everything versus for specific games. I have used this for years on older games (i.e. wds, tiller, etc.) where it helps greatly.
Thanks for the tip, will check it out.
Edit: That worked quite nicely. Thanks!
Big fan of TacOps4 here. Too bad it is essentially closed down now, including the mailing list.
Quote from: Redwolf on December 12, 2022, 02:34:14 PM
Big fan of TacOps4 here. Too bad it is essentially closed down now, including the mailing list.
I'm rarely late to the party, but some how I really dropped the ball on this one.
Weren't you seriously into Point of Attack recently? How does TacOps4 compare to that?
Quote from: Toonces on December 12, 2022, 04:48:59 PM
Weren't you seriously into Point of Attack recently? How does TacOps4 compare to that?
I wouldn't say "seriously" but I did buy it and experiment with it. I feel like Tacops is the superior game and much easier to get into and grasp.
Saw this post on Facebook from the developer, wonder if we see something in the future....probably not but who knows
I.l. Holdridge
I'm still around. TacOps ... not so much.😎 I recently started picking at the old v4 code and the never publicly released v5. Spent some months finding the 2007 code packages for both and then getting them to compile for Windows 11 using Visual Studio 2022. Don't know if that will lead too anything
I continue to tinker with TacOps. Partly as a vaguely ominous recurring dream, partly as therapy. :cool:
Quote from: MajorH on July 21, 2025, 06:23:35 PMI continue to tinker with TacOps. Partly as a vaguely ominous recurring dream, partly as therapy. :cool:
Good for you! And us.
If you care to subscribe to the "new" TacOps semi private mailing list, go to the URL below and follow the screen instructions.
[24 August - List registration address removed. If one wants to join the list send a private email to MajorH@satx.rr.com].
If you were in the old list, reusing your old "user name" would be great.
Might be doing some testing in the coming weeks.
At the very least I can get you a v4 package that is complete and legit.
Exciting news. I never stopped taking the mail indicator for the Tacops4 list out of rotation.
Major H, just wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks for TacOps. We had a lot of fun with it back when I had a good little group that gamed in person (miniatures, AH and SPI, Kriegsspiels etc) as well as online.
Quote from: Bardolph on August 01, 2025, 11:01:42 PMMajor H, just wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks for TacOps. We had a lot of fun with it back when I had a good little group that gamed in person (miniatures, AH and SPI, Kriegsspiels etc) as well as online.
Ditto :ThumbsUp:
This is more than exciting.
I've played this game for 1000's of hours, and still adore it.
Thank you Major H for even considering breathing more life back into this gem. :notworthy:
Bought the CD, (when CD's were still a thing) at Battlefront, about the same time as Strategic Command 1 !
Greetings to all from Aus.
Was also on the mailing list until it died.
Just WOW!
Quote from: MajorH on July 29, 2025, 12:15:57 AMIf you care to subscribe to the "new" TacOps semi private mailing list, go to the URL below and follow the screen instructions.
[24 August - List registration address removed. If one wants to join the list send a private email to MajorH@satx.rr.com].
If you were in the old list, reusing your old "user name" would be great.
Might be doing some testing in the coming weeks.
At the very least I can get you a v4 package that is complete and legit.
What is the most current version? I believe my latest is 4.04AB.
Thanks.
I have 4.06 and I got it here : https://archive.org/details/tacops_406ahu_202310
In the zip file there are instructions for the installation.
Quote from: Pete Dero on August 24, 2025, 10:37:37 AMI have 4.06 and I got it here : https://archive.org/details/tacops_406ahu_202310
In the zip file there are instructions for the installation.
Thank you.
> What is the most current version?
> I believe my latest is 4.04AB
The last version distributed by Battlefront was v4.0.6AH
The version available via the TacOps mailing list is v4.0.6AL. It has a couple of years of new tinkering. Mostly involving about 40 new contemporary German Army units added for Ralf Pichocki. He uses TacOps for training reservists.
Quote from: MajorH on August 27, 2025, 01:23:00 AM> What is the most current version?
> I believe my latest is 4.04AB
The last version distributed by Battlefront was v4.0.6AH
The version available via the TacOps mailing list is v4.0.6AL. It has a couple of years of new tinkering. Mostly involving about 40 new contemporary German Army units added for Ralf Pichocki. He uses TacOps for training reservists.
Thanks. Should I just send a message via the mailing list to request a copy of the 4.0.6AL build?
> Thanks. Should I just send a message via the mailing list
> to request a copy of the 4.0.6AL build?
This reply may be deleted in 48 hours.
TacOps v4.0.6 AL is available for download by members of the TacOps mailing list.
The last retail version that was publicly available was v4.0.6 AH. I removed the Battlefront trade dress and did some tinkering to move it to v4.0.6 AL. See the change logs. Please don't upload this elsewhere.
Ralf has been using this version for a year or so with no bugs appearing, that were not stomped. But there might still be some. Ask on the list if you sense something.
http://www.tacops.org/support/
The URL should take you to a simple download page that includes a file named "TacOps v4.zip". Some browsers will start the download by left clicking on the file name. Others might want a right click on the file name. Any whoo ... Download that file. The other items on the page should be ignored, they are obsolete place holders.
There is no installer, just unzip the file onto your C: drive. Your browser/OS zip extractor may decide to create multiple folder levels to get to the game engine exe file. If so, manually move stuff around until there is only one folder titled "TacOps v4" between you and the exe file. Long pathways of folders annoy the program and the OpenPlay internet routines.
Microsoft Defender may erupt from its cave shrieking about "unknown publisher" and other fears. Ignore the little troll. Beat him down with I don't care clicks.
I'm guessing that I ought to apply to offer TacOps v4 for a low price on one of the commercial distribution hubs. I've spent a good deal of coffee and beer over the last week trying to figure out Steam and GOG. Both are rather intimidating for a guy who thought he was done and out, particularly the user review zoo aspect. :tickedoff: :knuppel2:
Battlefront definitely spoiled me. No overly complicated contract. No threats, no lawyers. it just quietly worked for 20 years. :cool:
Quote from: MajorH on August 27, 2025, 12:23:15 PMI'm guessing that I ought to apply to offer TacOps v4 for a low price on one of the commercial distribution hubs. I've spent a good deal of coffee and beer over the last week trying to figure out Steam and GOG. Both are rather intimidating for a guy who thought he was done and out, particularly the user review zoo aspect. :tickedoff: :knuppel2:
Battlefront definitely spoiled me. No overly complicated contract. No threats, no lawyers. it just quietly worked for 20 years. :cool:
Major-I was part of the team that just got Burden of Command published on Steam. If you are thinking about moving the TacOps over to Steam, I could put you in contact with Luke, who is the BoC developer. He could probably walk you through the process. DM me if you want me to do that.
An important aspect of being on Steam is making people buy your game that will never play them.
All those games about rebates and super-cheap bundles make people increase their stash. It seems to work well. Certainly does for my collection. Cuts down on support costs I suppose :-)
Unrelated, I know, but:
Lately, starting up the Steam client with an active internet connection crashes my computer (black screen).
Takes a lot of joy out of gaming.
Please put this on Steam or GoG.
Can someone provide a verified safe link to download Res-o-matic v5.1?
Quote from: MajorH on August 27, 2025, 12:02:47 PM> Thanks. Should I just send a message via the mailing list
> to request a copy of the 4.0.6AL build?
This reply may be deleted in 48 hours.
TacOps v4.0.6 AL is available for download by members of the TacOps mailing list.
The last retail version that was publicly available was v4.0.6 AH. I removed the Battlefront trade dress and did some tinkering to move it to v4.0.6 AL. See the change logs. Please don't upload this elsewhere.
Ralf has been using this version for a year or so with no bugs appearing, that were not stomped. But there might still be some. Ask on the list if you sense something.
http://www.tacops.org/support/
The URL should take you to a simple download page that includes a file named "TacOps v4.zip". Some browsers will start the download by left clicking on the file name. Others might want a right click on the file name. Any whoo ... Download that file. The other items on the page should be ignored, they are obsolete place holders.
There is no installer, just unzip the file onto your C: drive. Your browser/OS zip extractor may decide to create multiple folder levels to get to the game engine exe file. If so, manually move stuff around until there is only one folder titled "TacOps v4" between you and the exe file. Long pathways of folders annoy the program and the OpenPlay internet routines.
Microsoft Defender may erupt from its cave shrieking about "unknown publisher" and other fears. Ignore the little troll. Beat him down with I don't care clicks.
First post here, but I wanted to thank you for sharing this and for the users here for bringing this game to light. I am playing through the tutorial scenario and am thoroughly enjoying myself. There's so much to dig into. Is it recommended to join the mailing list for the latest updates/discussion about TacOps? Or this thread, perhaps? A Discord community?
I second the calls to get this on Steam or GOG. It deserves a wider audience!
Quote from: MajorH on December 05, 2025, 02:20:45 PMCan someone provide a verified safe link to download Res-o-matic v5.1?
https://www.bcheck.net/apps/reso
I just launched a feeler note to a GOG "support" address asking for an
initial point of contact for discussing submittal of TacOps v4 for GOG sales
and preservation. This is the version that was last distributed by
Battlefront in 2018. Battlefront trade dress has been removed, some
additional modern German unit types have been added, and assorted fiddly
bits have been tweaked.
It is early days on this but if you are a GOG user please up-vote TacOps on
the existing GOG dream list. The dream list entry was apparently created by
"@DingoSaar". A person I do not know. The URL is below.
https://www.gog.com/dreamlist/game/tacops
You might also leave a warm fuzzy "user story" via that same page. :)
Best regards, Major H
Exciting news. Happy to upvote.
Upvoted, and I hope they follow through with you.
Anyone have comments on an online game distributor in Austin Texas that runs two web sites similar in appearance to GOG and Steam. MacGameStore.com and WinGameStore.com.
Best regards, Major H
Quote from: MajorH on February 10, 2026, 04:10:00 PMAnyone have comments on an online game distributor in Austin Texas that runs two web sites similar in appearance to GOG and Steam. MacGameStore.com and WinGameStore.com.
Best regards, Major H
This is an official retailer. I have bought many games on their website without any issues.
Quote from: Pete Dero on February 11, 2026, 03:54:40 AMQuote from: MajorH on February 10, 2026, 04:10:00 PMAnyone have comments on an online game distributor in Austin Texas that runs two web sites similar in appearance to GOG and Steam. MacGameStore.com and WinGameStore.com.
Best regards, Major H
This is an official retailer. I have bought many games on their website without any issues.
Actually a key reseller rather than a retailer, but they are an authorized reseller along the same lines as Humble, Fanatical, or Green Man Gaming.
Upvoted, and reminisced. I hope this gets picked up.
Incredible after so many years this gem of a game still has a pulse.