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Rating: 
Summary: "TOAW2" a huge step forward
Review: I've spent quite a few hours playing and designing scenarios for "TOAW2". In my view it represents a quantum leap forward from "TOAW1" in many important respects. Critically (for anyone who enjoys wargames), battles are simulated more accurately, because the software literally calculates discrete shots from each weapon modelled in the scenario being played (a heroic achievement in a big scenario). A very wide assortment of "events" are built into the game, permitting a sophisticated modelling of the environment; how a computer-controlled general behaves; etc. Game-play is quite easy and intuitive, especially for anyone with any experience playing board wargames. But the simulation is deep, and gets more interesting the more you drill into it. For anyone interested in jumping from "beer and pretzels" level wargames like "Panzer General", and moving into a more serious and historically-correct game, this is the one to go for at the moment. Talonsoft has also released "The Operational Art of War: Wargame of the Year Edition", which ports the many improvements included in "TOAW2" back into "TOAW1". Thus, for folks interested in 1939-1953 games (in my view the more interesting period), all the improvements are there for the playing. Bottom line: if you take a serious interest in this kind of game, this is the cadillac.
Rating:
Summary: "TOAW2" a huge step forward
Review: I've spent quite a few hours playing and designing scenarios for "TOAW2". In my view it represents a quantum leap forward from "TOAW1" in many important respects. Critically (for anyone who enjoys wargames), battles are simulated more accurately, because the software literally calculates discrete shots from each weapon modelled in the scenario being played (a heroic achievement in a big scenario). A very wide assortment of "events" are built into the game, permitting a sophisticated modelling of the environment; how a computer-controlled general behaves; etc. Game-play is quite easy and intuitive, especially for anyone with any experience playing board wargames. But the simulation is deep, and gets more interesting the more you drill into it. For anyone interested in jumping from "beer and pretzels" level wargames like "Panzer General", and moving into a more serious and historically-correct game, this is the one to go for at the moment. Talonsoft has also released "The Operational Art of War: Wargame of the Year Edition", which ports the many improvements included in "TOAW2" back into "TOAW1". Thus, for folks interested in 1939-1953 games (in my view the more interesting period), all the improvements are there for the playing. Bottom line: if you take a serious interest in this kind of game, this is the cadillac.
Rating: 
Summary: Deplorable - A waste of time and money
Review: This game is overrated by the few who play it. If you want a more fun game check out the panzer campaigns or the modern
campaigns by hps simluations.The Operational Art of War has a terrible interface, terrible game play, even worse support. If you have XP dont waste your time or money. Incompatible.
Rating: 
Summary: Average.
Review: Used to play Steel Panthers series a few years ago frequently and decided to give a try to the more strategic approach. Somehow this wasn't the best pick for me; since TOAW is a turn based game; I guess one has to be dedicated grognard to enjoy it. Installation was problematic and required a "cold boot/reset" towards the end in order to finish the install ! . A major known bug in the installer incompatibility with Win98SE /details at Talonsoft support website/. On my second PC, the installer didn't like the real mode CD-ROM driver/DOS 8.3 naming convention and kept locking up after a few seconds. It took actually a while to troubleshoot it. Gameplay is smooth /could be probably slow on older PC's/, but learning curve is steep. There are some pretty irritating details in the game; my main complaint is the messed up handling of the units from the same formations; they are getting easily mixed up with the others in "stacks" of icons. Regrouping command is NOT present, which results in tedious examination of each stack...this is really bothering. Also, the lack of any "morale check" doesn't help the game neither. I uninstalled this title and put it on the shelf, but understand that some people might like it actually.
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