WinSpMBT versus WinSpWWII

Grim.Reaper · November 11, 2014, 08:07:57 AM

So with Shrapnel's whopping $5 off sale going on (of course sarcastic), thinking of finally picking up the enhanced CD version of one of these games. Although I have the free version of both of the games, haven't played them a ton, largely since the graphics are somewhat hard to see on my monitor. Hoping the enhanced resolution options on the CD version will help with that since from what I can see, the game does appear to be vast and interesting. And yes, I am likely the only person in the world who has not extensively played these games:)

With that said, any recommendation on which might be better? Does one version have things the other version does not that I should consider? I obviously understand the largest part of the decision will be based on the era being modeled, but just wanted to make sure there wasn't any other consideration. I am leaning towards WinSpMBT simply because there is less modern games like this out there, versus a ton of WWII.

Tuna · November 11, 2014, 08:16:31 AM

I'd like someone to post some BIG screenshots.. so I can see how good it looks?

gameleaper · November 11, 2014, 08:45:29 AM

I first played The Matrix generals edition, and loved it. I became confused if I remember properly the penetration was accurate in mm in the Matrix edition , but the WWII edition it was not so clear to me. also I used the Opfire in the matrix edition and set it to 60 seconds so I could decide if I wanted to return fire, but WWII it was auto opfire, also the tanks in MBT fired at such great distances I was struggleing with far targets. BUT I have all 3 versions and Id never trade them, the matrix edition comes with a great set campaines, and spwaw.com has 1000s AND I MEAN THOUSANDS of scenarios and campaines maps etc for the Matrix edition, but the Matrix edition can difficult to get artilary working on some PCs, But well worth it its probably the best to me anyway. I love these games truly masterpieces

Tuna · November 11, 2014, 10:24:36 AM

Matrix edition makes your eyes bleed and it's way overpriced!

Coiler · November 11, 2014, 10:57:37 AM

WinSPMBT-you're a lot more varied. SPWW2 is a combination of cripple-slapfights when you have pre-war or early war equipment and super-generic battles in the later war.

Double Deuce · November 11, 2014, 11:01:38 AM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 11, 2014, 08:07:57 AMWith that said, any recommendation on which might be better? Does one version have things the other version does not that I should consider? I obviously understand the largest part of the decision will be based on the era being modeled, but just wanted to make sure there wasn't any other consideration. I am leaning towards WinSpMBT simply because there is less modern games like this out there, versus a ton of WWII.

They should both run an almost identical engine underneath but might be a little variation due to different unit/weapon capabilities though. Been quite a while since I last played. If you only get one, I would go with WinSPMBT.

Double Deuce · November 11, 2014, 11:18:37 AM

Quote from: Tuna on November 11, 2014, 08:16:31 AM
I'd like someone to post some BIG screenshots.. so I can see how good it looks?

Here's max zoom on my laptop, might be clearer on a better machine.

Tuna · November 11, 2014, 11:59:12 AM

Quote from: Double Deuce on November 11, 2014, 11:01:38 AM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 11, 2014, 08:07:57 AMWith that said, any recommendation on which might be better? Does one version have things the other version does not that I should consider? I obviously understand the largest part of the decision will be based on the era being modeled, but just wanted to make sure there wasn't any other consideration. I am leaning towards WinSpMBT simply because there is less modern games like this out there, versus a ton of WWII.

They should both run an almost identical engine underneath but might be a little variation due to different unit/weapon capabilities though. Been quite a while since I last played. If you only get one, I would go with WinSPMBT.

I thought one was built of the Steel Panthers II engine and the other Steel Panthers III.

Double Deuce · November 11, 2014, 12:59:39 PM

Quote from: Tuna on November 11, 2014, 11:59:12 AM
Quote from: Double Deuce on November 11, 2014, 11:01:38 AM
They should both run an almost identical engine underneath but might be a little variation due to different unit/weapon capabilities though. Been quite a while since I last played. If you only get one, I would go with WinSPMBT.

I thought one was built of the Steel Panthers II engine and the other Steel Panthers III.

IIRC WinSPWWII and WinSPMBT (Shrapnel/Camo Group) are built off of Steel Panthers 2 but SPWaW (Matrix) was built from Steel Panthers 3.

Happy Hedonist · November 11, 2014, 01:24:40 PM

Here's a full screen shot to contrast the zoom. Sorry for breaking the thread, I don't know how to format it.

Grim.Reaper · November 11, 2014, 01:52:01 PM

Thanks everyone for the detail..leaning towards MBT at this point....anyone have an enhanced screenshot showing the infantry? That was the hardest thing for me to see in the free version.

Happy Hedonist · November 11, 2014, 02:56:05 PM

Here is a rather zoomed out view of a single rifle platoon.

Grim.Reaper · November 11, 2014, 03:04:59 PM

Thank you for posting the infantry shot...not too bad, especially with the unit labels on...don't believe that is an option in the free version.

Double Deuce · November 11, 2014, 03:16:57 PM

Yeah pretty sure the label are in the paid version. I think there is a mod that makes them even more visible but I could be wrong. I do know there is a mod that makes the flags smaller.

Happy Hedonist · November 11, 2014, 03:32:34 PM

I actually haven't played a ton of the game either and taking those screenshots really lit a fire. I guess it's time to start a long campaign!