Antietam comparison

[acwbuff63]

Has anyone compared HPS Antietam vs TS Antietam?

[Brigz]

ORIGINAL: acwbuff63

Has anyone compared HPS Antietam vs TS Antietam?

What kind of comparison? Do you mean OOB's?

I have the new HPS version of Antietam but I haven't compared the OOB with the TS OOB. I'm pretty sure they must have refined and tweaked it though considering how long ago the TS version came out. As with all the HPS Campaign games there is a lot more to the games now and lot's more scenarios not to mention the campaign game. Also the basic game module contains a lot of ehancements and refinements but I think you already know that. I'm also pretty sure you are aware that this also contains 1st and 2nd Bull Run as well as Cedar Mountain and South Mountain.

[acwbuff63]

I mean to ask about the general game play with respect to playability and enjoyment. Does ones contain more Civil War flavor than the other.

One thing I'm sure, the 3D TS Antietam map is superior, but frankly, I like the HPS 2D maps better.

[Grell]

HPS Antietam is on my to buy list.

Regards,

Grell

[Ashantai]

Well I have both, so I can put in my $0.02.
 
I'm going in favour of HPS, definitely.
 
Let's make it simple and break down what each one does best:
 
TS:

• There is a unique, hand made feel to their maps, especially the 3D, and for some reason the Antietam map just feels more...special than in the HPS ones.
• The music is much better, the HPS ones have no new songs, just recycled ones from other games including the ever present Caleb Leedy - a Shiloh song at Antietam seems wrong.
• Not sure if it is historical or not, but the South Mountain TS map is much more defendable than the HPS one. Minor thing though.

HPS:

• The 2D maps, with the special elevation mod I got to more clearly define ground levels, are much, much better in my view.
• The scope. Not only is Antietam included with Bull Run and other battles, but the scenarios and the size of the maps allows for endless opportunity. The TS maps were pretty - but very small and confining. The map from Aldie to Manassas Junction is HUGE, and very worth it in my view.
• Diversity in the OOBs, now for map makers there is the option to break guns into sections, and divide up the cavalry into squadrons.
• The engine is just better, especially with new updates.

So, my verdict is that HPS wins out, but that TS offers a prettier tactical game.

[Grell]

Hi Ashantai,

Thank you for the excellent comparison. You have clearly defined the pros and the cons.

Regards,

Grell

[Berkut]

The one comparison that is the deal breaker for me:

HPS games are bloody expensive!

[Ashantai]

True...you can get all the TS games in 2 bundles. However, they used to be sold individually in their time, and you'd have had to buy Antietam AND Bull Run to get what is included in HPS Antietam.

I will point out one more con to HPS: There are far less historical situations. There is Mathews and Henry Hill scenarios, but other than that there are no specialised small scenarios for other battles, or varied setups. I look at BGBR and see several different 1st Bull Run scenarios which just aren't in the HPS version. Instead there are multiple meeting engagement battles. That's fine, but I'd like greater historical scenario variation. 2nd case in point: there is no 2nd day stand alone battle of 2nd Bull Run. There is a 1 day version and a 2 day version, but none that let you play just the 2nd day.

Of course, HPS has lots of other variations, but this is slightly annoying.

[kbear]

well said

Neither HPS or TS/Matrix are perfect

As mentioned - HPS' Antietam, the Peninsula and Gettysburg (Cashtown . . . Pipe Creek . . . ) have Huge contiguous maps and, I think value-added versatility in some (not all) scenarios to be the best choices amongst their many . . . or the more recent Grant/Sherman series according to one's own priorities . . .

Matrix/TS is a complete set of some old, very old favorites played over five or six computers for 'centuries' - the maps aren't quite so large but compensated by excellent impressive 3d maps, GBurg and Sharpsburg especially gorgous and the current package is reasonable

Gameplay systems aren't altogether that different, some disagree of course, but within a few turns I've started thinking about the battle and not the game anymore with each and every one . . . which was what I look for

imho

[Ashantai]

Good analysis, kbear!