Interesting news over at Matrix guys.......

[PoorOldSpike]

Matrix's CLOSE COMBAT:MODERN TACTICS (with Jan 2008 update patch) http://www.matrixgames.com/games/game.asp?gid=350

As most wargamers already know, the well-established and popular Close Combat series are played on top-down 2D maps, which raises the question - "why on earth should anyone want to play in 2D when they might just as well play games set in a more visually-appealing 3D environment?"
The answer is "Command Realism"..:)
In real-life, Company (and higher) Commanders in the field often operate from HQ's and Command vehicles well away from the action, issuing orders based on a 2D map (or 2D computer screen) in front of them, just as in CC:MT.
That's the hook and challenge of this game, it offers us the chance to experience commanding a force in realtime in exactly the same way as real-life tactical commanders without the luxury of a 3D map..:)
Naturally it's impossible to say whether 2D games such as this are any better or worse than 3D games, each offers a different way of playing battles, both of which are equally valid and enjoyable..:)


One of the many maps, this is the mid-eastern town of Ghazwah seen in zoomed-out view. The American force is forming up at bottom left (the 15 light blue units) to take the town.




Zoomed-in view shows a part of the force; an M1 Abrams, Bradley, Stryker and infantry.
The numbers on the buildings are the number of floors.
The 15 green bars give info about each unit. The buttons below them call in arty and airstrikes.
Can you command 15 units simultaneously in realtime on a 2D map?
Real-life commanders can and must..;)


PS-I've only had CC:MT a couple of days and have barely scratched the surface, but will post more shots and info as I get deeper into it


Real-life 2D computerised Tactical HQ setup-