TOAW II and COW

[old_pop2000]

Some of the best games produced, IMHO, are the "The Operational Arts of War" series by Talonsoft. I have the original version, TOAW II with the Kosovo add on, Century of War and TOAW III. The latter was after Talonsoft folded, I believe. The last one works fine with Win 7, however, the others required some work.

First, I had to use Windows XP SP3 compatibility, and disable visual themes, desktop connection and display scaling on high DPI settings. Once in the game, I was able to maximize and then turn off the intro cinematics.

Both games now run full screen with no problems encountered.... yet.:p

One of the reasons for reloading these games is that I am reading a monograph from DTIC about wargaming and command training. The monograph uses TOAW II and the Operation Crusader scenario. It should be fun.

[keschofield]

Some of the best games produced, IMHO, are the "The Operational Arts of War" series by Talonsoft. I have the original version, TOAW II with the Kosovo add on, Century of War and TOAW III. The latter was after Talonsoft folded, I believe. The last one works fine with Win 7, however, the others required some work.

First, I had to use Windows XP SP3 compatibility, and disable visual themes, desktop connection and display scaling on high DPI settings. Once in the game, I was able to maximize and then turn off the intro cinematics.

Both games now run full screen with no problems encountered.... yet.:p

One of the reasons for reloading these games is that I am reading a monograph from DTIC about wargaming and command training. The monograph uses TOAW II and the Operation Crusader scenario. It should be fun.

Good luck and have fun Dennis.

I have been a TOAW fan since the orignial. I now run TOAW:COW on my laptop w/VISTA. Not too many new scenarios produced by players these days. But I play my copy regularly and still enjoy the heck out of it.

Kurt

[old_pop2000]

Good luck and have fun Dennis.

I have been a TOAW fan since the orignial. I now run TOAW:COW on my laptop w/VISTA. Not too many new scenarios produced by players these days. But I play my copy regularly and still enjoy the heck out of it.

Kurt

Hi Kurt:

Great! Maybe we could swap war stories, AAR or just lies.....:p You know, how we conquered everything.

I have a 7 year old Gateway notebook with XP SP 3. It has a good screen and I've loaded the game on it, works real nice.

Question for you? Have you seen TOAW Vol 1's Crusader 41 scenario updated for TOAW III? or is there a program that will update TOAW scenarios to the latest version? I've sent a question to Matrix Games about this.

Keep in touch on these games.

[JMS]

Hi Kurt:

Great! Maybe we could swap war stories, AAR or just lies.....:p You know, how we conquered everything.

I have a 7 year old Gateway notebook with XP SP 3. It has a good screen and I've loaded the game on it, works real nice.

Question for you? Have you seen TOAW Vol 1's Crusader 41 scenario updated for TOAW III? or is there a program that will update TOAW scenarios to the latest version? I've sent a question to Matrix Games about this.

Keep in touch on these games.

Hi Dennis, TOAW III should work with the latest Window version with no problems as it's an incremental improvement on the whole series. Everything else is outdated and obsolete.

If Crusader 41 was part of the original release it's included in the list for TOAW-III and would have been tested as part of the conversion from COW (I was one of the beta testers), see the Classic scenarios folder.

If it's a user created scenario it would have been screened by a committee of experience players and if worthy enough it would have made the list.

TOAW is probably the most ambitious wargame project ever, growing over the years and there's still a lot of scope for improvement IMO, but it has endured since 1998 for a reason.

[old_pop2000]

Hi Dennis, TOAW III should work with the latest Window version with no problems as it's an incremental improvement on the whole series. Everything else is outdated and obsolete.

If Crusader 41 was part of the original release it's included in the list for TOAW-III and would have been tested as part of the conversion from COW (I was one of the beta testers), see the Classic scenarios folder.

If it's a user created scenario it would have been screened by a committee of experience players and if worthy enough it would have made the list.

TOAW is probably the most ambitious wargame project ever, growing over the years and there's still a lot of scope for improvement IMO, but it has endured since 1998 for a reason.

Hi JMS:
Excellent information. TOAW III does work with 64 bit and Win 7. I will look today in the classics folder. That should mean that I won't need to keep those other games if the scenarios are available.

Thanks for provding me the information. I really like the game. I hope they will take the time to improve the AI.

[keschofield]

Hi Kurt:

Great! Maybe we could swap war stories, AAR or just lies.....:p You know, how we conquered everything.

I have a 7 year old Gateway notebook with XP SP 3. It has a good screen and I've loaded the game on it, works real nice.

Question for you? Have you seen TOAW Vol 1's Crusader 41 scenario updated for TOAW III? or is there a program that will update TOAW scenarios to the latest version? I've sent a question to Matrix Games about this.

Keep in touch on these games.

Dennis,

I have TOAW III but didn't like it. I went back to TOAW:COW. Crusader 41 by Doug Bevard IS in COW. I don't know about III because I uninstalled it.

My favorite scenario used to Operation Bagration, but it isn't in COW. I've looked in the various repositaries that I know of, but the scenario is so old now that the files are gone.

Of the scenarios in COW, I enjoy Germany 1945-Last Stand the best. I love having the Ivans slowly steam roll in the east, while the Allies break the Po River line, bounce the Brenner and head to Munich, and as the US blasts through the Ruhr and on to Berlin, while the Brits cover the left flank and advance along the coast.

The AI isn't bad in defense but it acts very wierd in offense.

Take care and watch out for falling Marine airplane parts. :rolleyes:

[old_pop2000]

Dennis,

I have TOAW III but didn't like it. I went back to TOAW:COW. Crusader 41 by Doug Bevard IS in COW. I don't know about III because I uninstalled it.

My favorite scenario used to Operation Bagration, but it isn't in COW. I've looked in the various repositaries that I know of, but the scenario is so old now that the files are gone.

Of the scenarios in COW, I enjoy Germany 1945-Last Stand the best. I love having the Ivans slowly steam roll in the east, while the Allies break the Po River line, bounce the Brenner and head to Munich, and as the US blasts through the Ruhr and on to Berlin, while the Brits cover the left flank and advance along the coast.

The AI isn't bad in defense but it acts very wierd in offense.

Take care and watch out for falling Marine airplane parts. :rolleyes:

Hi Kurt:

I am curious about what you didn't like about TOAW III. I still have COW but uninstalled it. Is there something about the AI, because that is what I am concerned about. I want a good AI.

Keep in touch and let's share lies.:p

I saw two V-22 Osprey's flying in formation the other day, glad they were flying over someone else's house, not mine. I still "Watch the skies, keep watching the skies" for spare parts and pilots. :D

[keschofield]

Hi Kurt:

I am curious about what you didn't like about TOAW III. I still have COW but uninstalled it. Is there something about the AI, because that is what I am concerned about. I want a good AI.

Keep in touch and let's share lies.:p

I saw two V-22 Osprey's flying in formation the other day, glad they were flying over someone else's house, not mine. I still "Watch the skies, keep watching the skies" for spare parts and pilots. :D

I didn't like the feel of III. It was more of a "gut feeling". Other than the excessive compartmentalization of the scenarios, there was nothing specific. I have always disliked too many directorys, file cabinets, menus, etc. Plus, at the time there were more scenarios out for COW than for III. I get most of my scenarios from one particular website that I can't mention here.

As far as air traffic goes, something must be up. Lots more activity at Dobbins ARB than usual this weekend. Everything was flying from the little boys to the transport monsters (no Antonovs though, shucks). Maybe the ANG was practicing. Haven't seen the fighters here in a while though. Nice to see them again. I think the fighters were up from Warner-Robbins. Not good to be close to the runway on US 41 though when the Galaxies come in, can't hear and everything down to your innards shakes. God that's a big plane.

[old_pop2000]

I didn't like the feel of III. It was more of a "gut feeling". Other than the excessive compartmentalization of the scenarios, there was nothing specific. I have always disliked too many directorys, file cabinets, menus, etc. Plus, at the time there were more scenarios out for COW than for III. I get most of my scenarios from one particular website that I can't mention here.

As far as air traffic goes, something must be up. Lots more activity at Dobbins ARB than usual this weekend. Everything was flying from the little boys to the transport monsters (no Antonovs though, shucks). Maybe the ANG was practicing. Haven't seen the fighters here in a while though. Nice to see them again. I think the fighters were up from Warner-Robbins. Not good to be close to the runway on US 41 though when the Galaxies come in, can't hear and everything down to your innards shakes. God that's a big plane.

Hi Kurt:

The C5's are something when they land. The road at North Island goes out to the beach area and the western section of the island. It's on the western side of the N-S runway. You have to cross the approach area, right at the end of the runway. Many times I've gotten to that point and was crossing when a C5 landed and it was like the lights were turned off. Fascinating to see a big plane crabbing on approach. But fun to watch.

This is about the time of year when the FANGs turn money into noise.

[JMS]

Hi JMS:
Excellent information. TOAW III does work with 64 bit and Win 7. I will look today in the classics folder. That should mean that I won't need to keep those other games if the scenarios are available.

Thanks for provding me the information. I really like the game. I hope they will take the time to improve the AI.

Hi Dennis, Ralph Trick, the programmer, has put a lot of effort into improving the AI logic. It will never be at the level of a reasonable human (I met some unreasonable players, including one that missed that he had the initiative and ended up with Israeli tanks on the streets of Cairo...), but is strong enough to give a run for its money.

[JMS]

Dennis,

I have TOAW III but didn't like it. I went back to TOAW:COW. Crusader 41 by Doug Bevard IS in COW. I don't know about III because I uninstalled it.


It's on the classic scenario folder indeed.

There's a Bagration to Berlin scenario by Brian Topp on the WWII East Front folder.

[old_pop2000]

Hi Dennis, Ralph Trick, the programmer, has put a lot of effort into improving the AI logic. It will never be at the level of a reasonable human (I met some unreasonable players, including one that missed that he had the initiative and ended up with Israeli tanks on the streets of Cairo...), but is strong enough to give a run for its money.

Hi JMS:

Great, because you can't learn operational arts without facing an adequate opponent. I don't want to win easily.

[keschofield]

... I don't want to win easily.

Yeah but sometimes its fun to take out the frustrations of a hard day out on the computer opponent.

My favorite is play France 1940 with the difficulties set so I get all the help I can and the French none! :D Its so much fun to kick the French around.

I do the same thing in Steel Panthers sometimes. I give myself a bunch of 1945 era advanced German tanks and take on 1940 era French tanks. Its amazing what a King Tiger can to a Char B!:p BOOMIS EXTREMIS :eek:

[keschofield]

It's on the classic scenario folder indeed.

There's a Bagration to Berlin scenario by Brian Topp on the WWII East Front folder.

Thanks for the update. Perhaps I'll dust of III and re-install it.

[old_pop2000]

Yeah but sometimes its fun to take out the frustrations of a hard day out on the computer opponent.

My favorite is play France 1940 with the difficulties set so I get all the help I can and the French none! :D Its so much fun to kick the French around.

I do the same thing in Steel Panthers sometimes. I give myself a bunch of 1945 era advanced German tanks and take on 1940 era French tanks. Its amazing what a King Tiger can to a Char B!:p BOOMIS EXTREMIS :eek:

Yea, nothing better than to destroy some tanks and blow up stuff for a relaxing effect after a long day. After I got dinner started and kids working on homework before my wife came home, that's what I would do, play steel panthers, East and West Front, Battle of Britain. Just something to take the edge off of the day. Always thought my boss might be in one of those tanks I knocked out.:p

[JMS]

Thanks for the update. Perhaps I'll dust of III and re-install it.

Be sure to update it to the latest patch and visit the settings before kicking off to set the game to your preferences, otherwise some features can be... irritating. ;)

[Christian Schwietzke]

Yeah but sometimes its fun to take out the frustrations of a hard day out on the computer opponent.

My favorite is play France 1940 with the difficulties set so I get all the help I can and the French none! :D Its so much fun to kick the French around.

I do the same thing in Steel Panthers sometimes. I give myself a bunch of 1945 era advanced German tanks and take on 1940 era French tanks. Its amazing what a King Tiger can to a Char B!:p BOOMIS EXTREMIS :eek:

When I want maximum ***-kicking fun in TOAW, I play Desert Storm 1991. I actually managed to destroy -i.e. "evaporate" - every single Iraqi ground unit on the map.

[Christian Schwietzke]

Yea, nothing better than to destroy some tanks and blow up stuff for a relaxing effect after a long day. After I got dinner started and kids working on homework before my wife came home, that's what I would do, play steel panthers, East and West Front, Battle of Britain. Just something to take the edge off of the day. Always thought my boss might be in one of those tanks I knocked out.:p

I used to play one of the Worms games, and name the worms in the AI teams after troublesome coworkers, vocational school teachers and the like. :D

[old_pop2000]

Thanks for the update. Perhaps I'll dust of III and re-install it.

Kurt:
Here is the link to the updates for TOAW III.

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/317/downloads/Norm.Koger's.The.Operational.Art.of.War.III

Enjoy

[old_pop2000]

I used to play one of the Worms games, and name the worms in the AI teams after troublesome coworkers, vocational school teachers and the like. :D

I wish I'd thought of that. I just played my flight sims and pretended my troublesome team members were in the cockpits. Great motivator.

[keschofield]

Kurt:
Here is the link to the updates for TOAW III.

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/317/downloads/Norm.Koger's.The.Operational.Art.of.War.III

Enjoy

JMS and Dennis,

Thanks for the info. Now, if I could just remember which dusty box, the game is in! :p

[Warship NWS]

Just a reminder to those reading this thread.. we offer TOAWIII here at NWS for only $39.99 (CD edition with manual).

TOAWIII Store listing (http://yhst-12000246778232.stores.yahoo.net/opartofwarii.html)

IMHO, it is a major move up from the previous Talonsoft Century of Warfare edition with a wide range of improved AI code, combat mechanics, and other features.

It is on my personal favorites list right next to the HPS series of wargames and JT Campaign Series.

Thanks.

[old_pop2000]

Just a reminder to those reading this thread.. we offer TOAWIII here at NWS for only $39.99 (CD edition with manual).

TOAWIII Store listing (http://yhst-12000246778232.stores.yahoo.net/opartofwarii.html)

IMHO, it is a major move up from the previous Talonsoft Century of Warfare edition with a wide range of improved AI code, combat mechanics, and other features.

It is on my personal favorites list right next to the HPS series of wargames and JT Campaign Series.

Thanks.

Absolutely, I bought my copy from NWS. Excellent response and service.

Sorry, I forgot to mention it.

[ksbearski]

Dennis-

It appears a major TOAW III patch is on the way, version 3.4, at least that's what's being reported on the TOAW II forum at Matrix (http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2531935). Promises bug fixes, AI tweaking and UI improvements.

I have COW and III and like three the best. I like Poland '39, Nomohan, Kursk and the AH Blitzkrieg tribute. Actually there are so many great scenarios that it's hard to pick favorites.

Barry
aka ksbearski

[old_pop2000]

Dennis-

It appears a major TOAW III patch is on the way, version 3.4, at least that's what's being reported on the TOAW II forum at Matrix (http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2531935). Promises bug fixes, AI tweaking and UI improvements.

I have COW and III and like three the best. I like Poland '39, Nomohan, Kursk and the AH Blitzkrieg tribute. Actually there are so many great scenarios that it's hard to pick favorites.

Barry
aka ksbearski

Hi Barry:
Thanks for the update. I downloaded the whatsnew.zip file. I am real happy to see some more work being done on the application.

[old_pop2000]

Matrix Games has released a beta of the 3.4 version patch for TOAW III.

Here is a link to the PDF file for Whatsnew.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/attachment.asp?m=2531935

Beta is on the members list if you are interested. There are some interesting changes that may make the game more playable. I hope some of you will give me some feedback on the new features.

Hint to the director;)