CaW vs. HPS Midway

Carriers At War is Strategic Studies Group famed simulation of Fleet Carrier Air and Naval Operations in the Pacific from 1941 - 1945.

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decaro
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CaW vs. HPS Midway

Post by decaro »

I just bought Midway and although I barely got my feet wet w/this title, it's very different from CaW.

First, there is much more micro-management in Midway, e.g., selecting and setting-up SBDs for searchs, creating "strike packages" and adding escorts; you can even control subs, the lack of which some have complained abt in CaW.

I had always thought CaW was too seamless and that it detracted from the excitment of spotting and launching AC into the wind, but now I am beginning to miss some of the simplicity -- not to mention the graphics -- of CaW.

It's probably too early for me to tell how these games compare, but has anyone else purchased this title who has also played CaW?
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funkatron3000
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RE: CaW vs. HPS Midway

Post by funkatron3000 »

I bought Midway too and I agree: it's very different from CAW.

Midway allows you to control units from the rear admiral level down, including command over individual aircraft sections and submarines. CAW on the other hand starts at the rear admiral level and moves up to include land based air and seaborne invasion forces (and yet omits submarines).

Overall they are both good games but CAW has a much larger scale and a more epic feel to it, at least in my opinion. The longest CAW scenarios last 6+ days where the longest Midway scenario is around 14 hours. Both games will definitely keep you busy during those times. Whether you want to be managing individual aircraft in Midway or worrying more about the overall picture in CAW is up to you.
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decaro
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RE: CaW vs. HPS Midway

Post by decaro »

ORIGINAL: funkatron3000

I bought Midway too and I agree: it's very different from CAW ... Whether you want to be managing individual aircraft in Midway or worrying more about the overall picture in CAW is up to you.

I always thought CaW was almost too seamless, but the micro-managing in Midway is somewhat overwhelming.

Are you experiencing the confusion I have forming "strike packages" w/escorts?
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funkatron3000
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RE: CaW vs. HPS Midway

Post by funkatron3000 »

I must admit I haven't played Midway for a few weeks. I got back onto a Rise of Nations kick for some reason :) I remember having problems with my escorts breaking off and attacking enemy fighters. I couldn't get my escorting fighters to rejoin the strike package and had to guide them in manually.

I like you point about seamlessness too. I think SSG was on the right track when it let the planes manage themselves. It certainly removes a level of control but I doubt many admirals back on flag bridge had direct control over individual aircraft, or submarines for that matter.
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