Harpoon Classic '97

Just as I remembered it, and just as complex and satisfying. Minimal graphics, maximum realism. It's as if you're in a CIC deciding what to do. You need to understand your unit strengths and weaknesses or you'll watch helplessly as your frigate with great AAW but poor sonar goes down to a torpedo. I have a memory that Harpoon was used by the Navy for training and simulations back then, but that might me apocryphal. Thoroughly enjoyable.

To this day, this remains an amazing game. I love the complexity and realism. Fortunately there are onboarding scenarios to let you learn the game easily, but the manual, which is attached as a PDF, is an extremely interesting read in its own right, not just because it gives you a better insight into the complexity of the game, but also because it contains lots of interesting information about cold war-era naval technology. The game installs and runs without problems. I did not encounter any of the glitches that some reviewers mentioned. Just make sure to set Autosave to save the game every few minutes - I did have one instance of the game crashing as I was nearing the end of the scenario.

Old school, but extremely realistic depiction of modern naval combat. I suggest using NotebookLM, with the PDF rules loaded up to help you quickly learn how to operate the game. It feels very clunky if you aren't use to the older interfaces, but is totally worth the experience if you want a simulation and not just eye candy.

If you remember the user friendly MAC version, prepare to be disappointed. On a positive note, this version does have more scenarios. Anticipate putting the time in for learning the complexities and detail. Aircraft selection is "interesting" playing the blue forces; seems there are more "vintage" aircraft for the era the game is placed in.

This is a great game if you used to play it in college. Great for learning military ship, sub, and aircraft names and capabilities. Great if you read Tom Clancy books.

The game is 19 years old and still entertains.