Anyone Play Microprose’s New “Sea Power” Game?

[OnePingOnly]

I was a HUGE fan of Harpoon and Harpoon 2 back in the Jurassic period. I was curious if anyone has played the new title and if you think it is worth buying as Early Access (beta).

 

[HOA_KSOP]

Not yet, bought it but short on time at the moment. Wishlisted it the day it was announced. Hope to shred the big bad bear navy over the holidays…

 

[Rambler]

No, it's not worth it at this time. I couldn't even get it to start, so I refunded it. Of the numerous other people I know who bought it and could actually play it, the consensus is the game is not worth the asking price at this time, and it needs A LOT more time in the oven. I would save your money and wait a year or two to see where it's at.

 

[mTk]

FGM knows everything.

 

[Redwolf]

I've been too careful to pounce on it so far.

Also "busy" with msfs2024 this week, but not in a good way.

 

[OnePingOnly]

Hope to shred the big bad bear navy over the holidays…

Let us know what you think, @HOA_KSOP .
Hopefully you mean Thanksgiving holidays .

 

[OnePingOnly]

Well...after buying a copy of Red Storm Rising for my son for Christmas - and then re-reading bits of it before wrapping - I got an itch for some Cold War naval warfare and so downloaded Sea Power.
I've played 4 scenarios so far, and I have had FUN each time. It's definitely like a "Harpoon" with modern graphics.

That said, the game is quite unfinished (and to be fair, the "Early Access" documentation makes this clear). Not being able to save a game is pretty annoying, so I have stuck with scenarios that are smaller in scope. There are plenty of planned functions that have placeholders, but they don't work. Some scenarios have aircraft in the air, but no bases (but also don't seem to crash when bingo fuel). The AI can't proactively manage an air wing, and is really bad overall; a scenario designer has to be really good to overcome this (something not lost on CMx veterans). Managing formations so that member ships and planes go where you want them to go is tricky.

And yet... there is still a lot of fun in planning and achieving simultaneous time on target for your ordnance, and watching the 30 seconds of terror of a missile attack. In one scenario, my Norwegian missile boats, frigates, and diesel-electric submarines picked apart a Soviet amphibious task force. In another, my small USN TF sank a few submarines on an ASW patrol while avoiding torpedo attacks. In a third, second-tier Soviet assets had to defend Cuba from a US invasion. All had exciting moments. The attention to detail on how various platforms and weapons work is great - when it is actually implemented and finished.

There is a great game out there, that the developer just needs to finish. Assuming they do, I can see this being one of my fave games of all time. Yes, the game is currently a literal punching bag right now, but like a punching bag still has use for exercise and getting ready for the promise of a true sparring partner one day. Recommended - if you know what you are getting, and if you are in it for the long haul.

 

[Septic Limb]

The game has the potential to be one of the greats, but it will have a lot more growing pains on the way there. I think that the campaign will make or break this one.