The original article by Cedric Charles Dunlap appeared on the Computer War and Exploration Games group on Facebook
Used here by permission.
Harpoon Comparison
Playing Harpoon Commanders Ultimate Edition
I’ve been playing Harpoon since the original Harpoon game was released in 1989 by Three-Sixty Pacific, based on the tabletop wargame designed by Larry Bond. It was a groundbreaking title at the time, offering a detailed simulation of naval and air warfare with a focus on realism and tactical planning.
I Still play Harpoon Commanders Edition which is included in Larry Bond’s Harpoon – Ultimate Edition.
You need Ultimate to get the latest version of Harpoon Commanders Edition. Top Photo
Larry Bond’s Harpoon – Ultimate Edition contains All versions of Harpoon.
https://www.matrixgames.com/…/larry-bonds-harpoon…
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Harpoon Commanders Edition is still supported by a dedicated modding team over at: https://harpgamer.com/harpforum/topic/29035-current-files/
I have the latest Beta installed from their site.
Microprose is releasing an updated Harpoon Classic ’97 in 2025
https://store.steampowered.com/…/Harpoon_Classic_97
Key Features New Features:
A redesigned control interface and an introductory quick-start mode make Harpoon Classic 97 easy to pick up and accessible to all players.
50 new missions, bringing the total to over 250 scenarios.
Command ships, submarines, and aircraft across four theaters of war: Greenland & Iceland, North Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf, and the Mediterranean.
Enhanced artwork and terrain graphics for an immersive experience.
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Below are the current key differences between the two games
Harpoon Classic ’97 and Harpoon Commander’s Edition are both part of the long-running Harpoon series, which is a naval and air warfare simulation game originally inspired by the tabletop game. However, they differ in scope, features, and technology.
Harpoon Classic ’97
Release Date: Released in 1997 as part of the classic Harpoon series.
Platform: Designed for older systems like MS-DOS and early Windows versions.
Features:
Focused on tactical naval and air combat simulation.
Aimed to simulate real-world naval operations with an emphasis on realism.
Limited graphics, using primarily 2D visuals and a simpler user interface.
Scenario creation tools allowed players to create and modify missions.
Based on contemporary military doctrines and data available at the time.
More straightforward and accessible compared to later iterations.
Audience: Fans of the original Harpoon tabletop game and those looking for a relatively lightweight naval warfare simulation for its time.
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Harpoon Commander’s Edition
Release Date: Released later as an updated and expanded version of the series.
Platform: Developed for modern Windows systems, supporting higher resolutions and better compatibility.
Features:
Comprehensive and detailed simulation of naval and air warfare.
Vastly improved user interface and graphics compared to Classic ’97, while still primarily 2D.
Greater emphasis on realism with an expanded database of modern and Cold War-era military platforms (ships, aircraft, submarines, weapons, and sensors).
More extensive scenario library, often including both historical and hypothetical scenarios.
Advanced AI and scripting options for both players and scenario creators.
Multiplayer capabilities in some versions, allow players to compete or cooperate.
Supports community mods and updates, making it more customizable and expandable.
Frequently patched and improved by the community or developers to stay relevant.
Audience: Aimed at serious wargamers and those seeking a deep, detailed naval warfare simulation. It caters to players who want a more comprehensive experience with more modern features.
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Key Differences
Technology: Commander’s Edition runs on more modern systems with better support and updated features, while Classic ’97 is limited to older hardware and software environments.
Complexity: Commander’s Edition offers a deeper and more detailed simulation, whereas Classic ’97 is simpler and less demanding.
Database & Scenarios: Commander’s Edition includes an expanded and updated database of units, along with a richer scenario library.
Support: Commander’s Edition benefits from ongoing updates and support, either official or from the community.
Summary
If you’re looking for nostalgia or prefer a simpler, retro-style experience, Harpoon Classic ’97 is a good choice. If you want a more comprehensive and modern simulation with extensive capabilities, Harpoon Commander’s Edition is the way to go.
Microprose is updating Harpoon Classic ’97 so it may be worth the buy, maybe. It will be an updated 97 available on Steam to get it on the same par as Commander’s Edition., there may be some benefits here.
