The second question many of you will be asking about this time is why you should pony up a FOURTH time (TOAW I, TOAW II, TOAW:ACOW, and now TOAW 3) for this game? I’m not here to try to convince you that you should, but here are some reasons which have convinced me. Matrix Games and the TOAW 3 development team (known more formally as the TOAD Coding Team) have worked almost constantly for six months to improve this game over the ACOW version. While the changes out of the gate aren’t going to have people comparing this to the best things since the slicing of bread, there are enough tweaks and bug fixes to make this as significant as any of the previous incarnations. This is not just a new coat of paint. However, the real gem in the rough here is that the door has now been opened to further development by a company and team dedicated to bringing new features and options to the TOAW community (something that has been lacking for years). This simply puts the Talonsoft titles into a nurturing environment, in much the way other game companies develop and care for their "babies." For my hard earned dollar, this is what most appeals to me as a wargamer.

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But what about new players, or fans of other operational series out there? Is there enough to get second looks from those who may have turned a nose up to TOAW in the past? In my view this will be the real test for Matrix Games. Clearly efforts are being made to improve the previously cryptic documentation as well as introduce some simplifications into the combat system for those who want them (TOAW has always had a difficult time explaining its own combat system). Graphically the engine does show some fraying in her skirt, but overall the graphics have withstood the test of time remarkably well. In many ways, if the graphics and maps could be customized in high resolution, TOAW could become a chameleon of sorts – mimicking a host of old hex based operational wargames. Perhaps that is something for a future update? At the end of the day there should be enough change to warrant consideration by many gamers, old and new alike.

Last but not least, it is worth noting that Matrix has rounded up a large group of TOAW grognards to volunteer to help beta test, update scenarios, discuss modifications, and function as an ad-hoc development team to make this new version of TOAW everything that past and current players have wanted for a long time. Without the tireless efforts of these people (my part was very minor, and unpaid), it would have been impossible for Matrix Games to hone this title to what it has become in TOAW 3. While Matrix Games has a financial stake in the success of this title, I can honestly say that I would pay for the game simply to say thanks to the volunteer team and the many many man hours that went in to the improvement of a game I enjoy. This would probably mean less to new people, but long time TOAW players will appreciate it.

In closing, and again noting my pre-existing enjoyment of this series, my experience working with the TOAD Coding Team and talking with Matrix Games has given me some insight into the evolution of TOAW 3 to where it is today. In my view, there are enough changes to justify calling this a major revision – and while I won’t flatly tell you to run out and buy this game, I do believe you should check it out and make up your own mind if you enjoy wargaming at the operational level.

In coming weeks we will have additional features about TOAW 3 as get closer to release.

Discuss TOAW 3 on the Armchair General forums.

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