True then and now

[Big Ivan]

Hey Ed,

I remember the original Talonsoft East Front. I think I even have a book around here which goes through the game start to finish and does a pretty decent job of explaining each of the original scenarios and what is best for both side as to how to play. I wish they would have made one for West Front but I don't think it ever happened. At any rate after playing the first few East Front scenarios, holy shit I was hooked forever.

Then came an expansion disk or update for EF, sorry I can't remember the name of it which gave us a few new units a whole bunch more scenarios. Some of them pretty damn good as I remember. Follow that by West Front and Rising Sun other theatres and more scenarios. Finally a third expansion disk I think with more scenarios bundled handling late war engagements and a whole bunch of scenarios around Odessa 1941. Followed by Divided Ground a project made in haste, had some following and even a mod for Vietnam which caught a number of eyes and play was on.

Somewhere after that if my old memory serves Talonsoft died and the system was in limbo for a time. Then someone came along (before Matrix I think) with another update giving us better off board aircraft mechanics, different troop quality, easier way to build bridges and a host of new scenarios.

Through all this the scenarios kept being built, the Blitz and Game Squad scenario data bases grew in size and everyone seemed to be happy but as you and I know wanted more & more.

Along comes Matrix, buys the rights to Talonsoft, bundles the whole kitten caboodle and markets it as JTCS with a couple of updates to 2.02 which is now the game we all love and enjoy in one form or another. They also made the whole system backwards compatible to handle the 2500+ scenarios out there.

They then tackle Divided Ground which lets face it left much to be desired as a distant child of EF, added some lovely graphics in 2D, more modern units, mucho scenarios, computer stability in play, AN ADAPTIVE A/I (Unfreaking believeable) and helicopters flying in different levels. Tempered with beta upgrades.

Through all this I never saw the 250 meter scale change or the platoon size unit change so I can only think they did listen to us! I'm not saying CSME is the total package but it sure shows an evolving game system to me. Its gone where Divided Ground couldn't even think about going and I believe for the better.

Will what is available in CSME be good for the new EF/WF/RS? I believe some of it but not all of it.

To use this analogy,

Today I drive a 2008 Jeep because I like the 4-wheel drive in winter and the gas mileage is not to bad. Its dependable and runs good. Would I love to have my 1970 Chevy Nova SS or 1980 Buick Regal back you bet your ass I would but I know from a practicality standpoint not a good choice in todays world. Back 40 years ago we had to constantly work on cars to keep them running. Today its kinda plug and play and as long as you keep up with minor maintenance they kind of run themselves. The automobile world evolved to what it is today and I guess we are kind of seeing that with the gaming world to, wouldn't you agree.

What is important to me is we gamers who cut our teeth on World War II board games eons ago and moved to computers in the '90's voice our constructive opinions about the new EF/WF/RS when it gets closer. My only fear is I hope I live long enough to see these games because they aren't just around the corner. Until that day I'll keep banging away at JTCS 2.02.

Thanks for hearing me out Ed,

Best Always!
John