Close Combat anyone?

philstanbridge · 21 Jul 2010 at 11:52

Who here can remember the hours of fun they had in Close Combat? I'm particularly fond of A Bridge Too Far, and curiously this remake seems to have slipped past me. Has anyone actually played this yet?

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/386/details/Close.Combat.-.Last.Stand.Arnhem

I've seen a trailer for it, and sure enough it looks to be an authentic 'close combat' experience, but it also looks strangely out of place. There's a lot of modifications to the original game by the looks of things, and new features etc - like larger maps.

I'm soooo tempted to buy, but it's actually quite expensive too for a game that is fundamentally based on a 10 year old + engine

Putty · 21 Jul 2010 at 12:37

Spent a lot of time playing the Close Combat games, especially A Bridge Too Far - always used to purchase 17 pounders to take care of any tanks. Can't access that link from work, I'll have to have a look when I get home.

Kosmiche · 21 Jul 2010 at 12:41

Is the game like hearts of iron, or is it less cerebral than that?

Reaction · 21 Jul 2010 at 13:19

I used to play A Bridge to Far, I was probably 8 at the time. Loved it.

You're right it is very expensive for an old game.

philstanbridge · 21 Jul 2010 at 13:25

Eames said:
Is the game like hearts of iron, or is it less cerebral than that?

Nothing like HOI! It's a realtime strategy type of game, with a tactical map. It used to be amazing, many moons ago.

philstanbridge · 21 Jul 2010 at 13:27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D44hOJistNM

Rroff · 21 Jul 2010 at 13:52

I used to spend hours playing it in the late 90s... actually more pulling apart the data files and modifying it to setup crazy scenarios, new units, etc.

Anominity · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:39

I used to thoroughly enjoy this, and I hear you about the 17 pounders! man those things rocked.

Men of War I find is more than a worthy replacement for this though.

Clairvoyant · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:58

fantastic games, loved them.

muttclugg · 21 Jul 2010 at 19:35

I used to play this for hours! brilliant game and possiblly my first rts. Think there was a Battle of the Bulge edition but A Bridge Too Far was by far the best of the bunch.

Treebiter · 22 Jul 2010 at 14:38

I'm seriously tempted to buy this! I loved CC2:ABTF.

Kinda hoping someone will beat me to it and put up a review though

philstanbridge · 22 Jul 2010 at 16:29

Check out the Matrix games forum - there's a lot of posts in there from people complaining about this, that and the other. To be honest it's nothing I didn't expect. I think people expect too much these days as we have been spoilt by the big developers. Let's not forget this is still based upon the original engine so it's bound to have its short comings. It's a very niche game for a very niche bunch of people who will enjoy it. I'm still tempted despite what I've read. But it is expensive, and that's what puts me off.

muttclugg · 22 Jul 2010 at 17:22

Same here, I'm happy to snap this up for not at 27 quid. Anyone else got more cash than me and willing to give it a try?

vanandjuanunited · 22 Jul 2010 at 17:27

spent more hours than i care to remember on this series.
Should still have them all some where. Might reinstall them to see if i still have the same liking of them.

muttclugg · 28 Nov 2010 at 20:21

Holy thread revival batman but.....Did anyone buy this in the end? Saw something earlier which reminded me of the old Close Combat series. Tempted by this see as the Steam sale has been disappointing!

philstanbridge · 28 Nov 2010 at 22:03

I didn't

I actually got put off somewhat by some of the negative threads on the matrix forum, pointing out lots of little niggles. Actually lots of the niggles were present in the much older games too so it just goes to show it hasn't moved on. But then maybe that was the beauty behind it too. But I couldn't part with the cash at the end of the day, for something I might only briefly play. It was quite expensive if memory serves.

I did end up investing in Theatre of War Caen, which is quite challenging to say the least, and the latest Combat Mission module, NATO. This is enough to tide me over before Normandy is released.

physichull · 28 Nov 2010 at 22:09

Never picked this up. Spent a lot of time on Sudden Strike though. That was a fantastic game, I might install it again soon for a bit of nostalgia.