Command: Chains of War announced!

March 30, 2017 · Posted in Command · Comment

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Mercenaries, Kalinigrad, colonial clashes and WW3: 29 new Command scenarios released

March 27, 2017 · Posted in Command · 1 Comment

Miguel Molina has released the updated version of the Command community scenario pack. The new release includes an eye-watering twenty-nine new scenarios:

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Aden, North Yemen Civil War – The Egyptian Vietnam, 1965: The North Yemen Civil War was fought in North Yemen from 1962 to 1970 between royalist partisans and supporters of the Yemen Arab Republic. Egypt’s involvement in the conflict was so disastrous that it was described as "Egypt’s Vietnam". This scenario explores a more active UK involvement and the possibility that Egypt had mined the access ways to the Red Sea.

Brazil Abroad, 2015: The always-tumultuous regime of Guinea-Bissau has reached new degrees of turmoil, with a brief but bloody civil war. The previous regime had the ear of the Brazilian government, and it has launched an intervention to restore it. A large naval task force is currently preparing for an amphibious landing, while your command has received permission to stage from Cape Verde.

Container Wars, 2019: Tension and changing strategic partnerships have complicated the security situation in the South China Sea over the past few years. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is unstable in the view of the United States. His on-going drug war produced an increasingly authoritative government aligned with China. Nations have begun to arm merchant shipping to ensure safe passage of the South China Sea. A Philippines container ship has broken down and is dead in the water near Johnson South Reef 160 nm south of Rancudo Airfield. A call for help is broadcast over open channels. What comes next?

Disproportionate Response, 2017: Kaliningrad is a thorn in the side of NATO and any defense of the Baltic. Russia created an anti-access/area denial ‘bubble’ (A2/AD) with Kaliningrad at the center. Recently they installed S-400 SAMs to increase the range and effectiveness of the position. Commercial flights into and out of Warsaw have been tracked from Kaliningrad for the past three weeks setting up a nervous situation for everyone. Yesterday, amid a NATO cyberwarfare drill, a Russian junior officer sent a salvo into a LOT flight with 39 Americans on board. Tonight, you are to lead the attack to destroy the Kaliningrad position so Polish troops can attack the Russian oblast in the morning.

Fish in a Barrel, 2016: Terrorists supported by an unknown foreign power have taken over the city of Limon on the eastern coast of Costa Rica. All efforts to re-take the city by the Costa Rican Civil Guard has been futile, and as a result the Spanish government has ordered a Spanish Naval task force present in the area to give a hand to its former colony.

Gulf of Mannar Confrontation, 1962: The coup that took place in Sri Lanka in 1962 was successful. The result of this coup was to put a more pro-Western government. However, supporters of the former Sri Lankan government have launched a rebellion, which has been receiving covert aid from both India and the Soviet Union. The United Kingdom has moved forces into the area to make a show of force in support of the new pro-Western government. They will also assist Sri Lanka in operations against rebel forces. The weather at the moment makes all operations difficult. In addition, it is not clear if the Soviet Union will try to intervene.

Human Limitation, 1978: The militaries of Libya and Rhodesia in the Cold War were a study in contrasts. One was one of the most capable forces on a tactical level that was burdened by a constant lack of equipment, while the other was a force of low quality that enjoyed huge amounts of equipment. Thus, a meeting of the two in battle provides an excellent case for the degree to which training and skill can make up for inferior equipment. Libya’s African meddling has moved all the way south to Zambia and Rhodesia, and they are set to launch a large attack across the Zambezi.

Northern Fury #11.6 – Out on a Limb, 1994: Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT) has successfully landed forces on Iceland, Air and Maritime superiority around Iceland is in hand. 2 MEF is now in the process of defeating Soviet forces on Iceland, 8^th Marines have invested Keflavik/Reykjavik while 6^th Marines is clearing the remainder of the island. Meanwhile in Norway the Soviets seem to have stopped their assault. With the main Soviet force on the North side of the Trondheimsfjorden, and the Norwegians defending south of that major water feature, the situation is secure enough that the British Commando Bde has been withdrawn in preparation for future operation. The Air Forces in Norway are sparing daily as more and more force is added on both sides. Access to the bases in North Norway however have given the Soviets a major advantage for positioning long range air elements and basing of submarines. As Commander of the USS Eisenhower CVBG, you have been directed to position yourself between Norway and Iceland to ensure there is no Soviet interference with the ongoing operations to seize the Island and establish a firm base for upcoming operations.

Northern Fury #11.7 – Bump in the Night, 1994: Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT), after successfully landing the bulk of 2 MEF (Marine Expeditionary Force) on Iceland, is reeling from the loss of the Eisenhower. The Enterprise CVBG has been rushed out of dry-dock, it was being repaired after sustaining damage in earlier action, and the Nimitz, already heading into the Atlantic will be joined by the HMS Ark Royal. Meanwhile in Norway the Soviets seem to have put their assault on hold. With the main Soviet force on the North side of the Trondheimsfjorden, and the Norwegians defending south of that major water feature, the situation is secure enough that the British Commando Bde has been withdrawn in preparation for future operation. The Air Forces in Norway are sparing daily as more and more force is added on both sides. Supplying elements trapped North of the main line is becoming a problem, however, keeping them there is a thorn in the side of the Soviets.

Northern Fury #12.1 – Something’s Fishy, 1994: The fight in Norway has stabilized over the past few days with the main Soviet force on the North side of the Trondheimsfjorden, and the Norwegians defending south of that major water feature. The British Commando Bde has been withdrawn in preparation for future operation. The Air Forces in Norway are sparing daily as more and more force is added on both sides. An attempt to supply elements trapped North of Trondheimsfjorden flared into a major engagement last night, the NATO attempt was thwarted by intense Soviet patrolling with heavy losses on both sides. A major air engagement ensued during the daylight hours of 9 March and it is widley suspected in NATO that there may be a move – either an attack or a withdrawal from positions north of Trondheim tonight. The Soviets have no intention of withdrawing.

Northern Fury #12.2 – Lance To The Chest, 1994: Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT) is now in the second phase of its counter attack in the Atlantic. Fighting on Iceland continues but 2 MEF believes that they will have the island clear within the week. A massive NATO attack two days ago halted Soviet plans to seize Oslo but with Berlin and Copenhagen in Russian hands, the situation is not yet assured. While a surprise renewal of the Soviet offensive south of Trondheim has begun, Bergen is fast finding itself on the front lines. As the NATO commander, your job is to patrol the waters off of Bergen Norway and escort Merchant ships into and out of the port. As the Soviet player, your task is to interdict supply ships as they enter the waters off Bergen.

Northern Fury #13.1 – Shoulder To Shoulder, 1994: Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT) has now completed the first phase of the counter attack in the Atlantic. Fighting on Iceland continues but 2 MEF believes that they will have the island clear within the week. However, a new Soviet offensive in Norway has unhinged NATO plans for a pause between operations. In the past 72 hours’ Soviet forces in Division strength have breached the Trollheimen mountains, the last significant barrier on the approach to Oslo. With Berlin and Copenhagen in Russian hands, and the Norwegian army in tatters the North Atlantic Council (NAC) does not want a third capital city to fall. You, as Commander STRIKFLTLANT have been directed to use all of your available combat power to stop their offensive and to set up the conditions for upcoming amphibious operations in central Norway.

Northern Fury #13.2 – Charge of the Light Brigade, 1994: Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT) is now in the second phase of its counter attack in the Atlantic. Fighting on Iceland continues but 2 MEF believes that they will have the island clear within the week. A massive NATO attack two days ago halted Soviet plans to seize Oslobut with Berlin and Copenhagen in Russian hands, the situation is not yet assured. Commander STRIKFLTLANT has set in motion a series of attacks designed set up the conditions for upcoming amphibious operations in central Norway – Operation Thor’s Lightning. This is one of those actions.

Oil In Somalia (Italy vs India), 1990: Italian Somaliland was an Italian colony and in later years the Trust Territory of Somalia until 1960 when Somalia was granted independence. During this period Italians made up a significant proportion of the population. In an attempt to stabilize government the Barre regime has granted oil exploration rights to ENI oil and allowed basing of troops and aircraft in northern Somalia. However, the civil war has escalated and the nation is in a state of chaos, the civil government close to complete collapse. Meanwhile India is establishing a foothold attempting a land grab and expansion of an Indian-controlled Indian Ocean. The marines of the San Marco regiment have been loaded onto the LPDs San Giorgio and San Marco and are tasked to land at Eyl and re-establish control of the airfield and expel the Indian troops.

Operation Tilest, 2017: Mauritius. The assassination of the Mauritian Prime Minister on 4 OCT has yet to have responsibility claimed but the DGSE asserts that the Deputy Prime Minister, who has proclaimed a state of emergency, is in part culpable. Furthermore the Peoples Republic of China has, at the Deputy Prime Minister’s request, dispatched a Stabilization Force to provide internal security during the emergency. A naval task force centered on the PLAN Type 071 amphibious landing ship CHANGBAI SHAN arrived on scene and has taken station off the southern coast near Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Chinese marines have been reported at the airport as well as the port facilites and state house in Port Louis. A follow-up relief naval force with further logistical support is less than a day from making Port Louis, though the makeup of this force is as yet unknown. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is certain that this action is a smoke screen for the formation of a PRC-friendly client state in Mauritius. France is therefore acting to secure the region from external aggression and provide interim stability. Be aware that the PRC is aware of this position and may take preemptive action.

Strike Commander – Mauritania #1, 2011: A tribute series to Origin’s classic Strike Commander. The past twenty years has seen unprecedented world-wide upheaval with the uncivil fracturing of the Soviet Union, failed interventions in the Mid-East and continental environmental disasters. Across the globe old political orders fall, energy resources dwindle and economies collapse. Mercenaries become a commonplace tool as governments and powerful corporations vie among each other to protect or assert their interests. Struggling with an externally-funded rebellion, the leadership of the North African nation of Mauritania has turned to employing private military forces to stem their losses. The Turkey-based Wildcats, a mercenary fighter squadron composed of F-16 fighters, has been retained and is beginning operations from a remote Strike Base in the Western Sahara.

Strike Commander – Mauritania #2, 2011: Recent operations have struck a blow against the rebels and bolstered the loyalist cause. Intelligence has located a rebel command post and forward airstrip. The Wildcats get the call to take it out.

Strike Commander – Mauritania #3, 2011: Things in Mauritania have heated up. A right-wing military element has staged a coup, toppling the rightful government, and aligned itself with the rebels. With enemies on all sides and no one left to pay the bills, the Wildcats are forced to face cutting their losses and running.

Strike Commander – Turkey #101, 2011: The Wildcats managed to exit the turmoil of Mauritania just in time, and with a tidy sum as well, garnered from their government warehouse raid. Their business manager Virgil had counted on a greater return, as usual, but grudgingly agreed in principle to the upgrade of several of the squadron’s Vipers if the money could be found quickly. Luckily the mercenary market in Istanbul was hot as ever, and a contract was secured from Global Oil to prevent a group of Transworld PetroChem board members from attending a stockholders meeting in central Turkey. The pay was good for what appeared to be a simple job.

Strike Commander – Andes Mallorca #101, 2011: The Wildcats have taken a contract supporting Generalissimo Jorge Mendez in Andes Mallorca. His country came to the aid of Ecuador after it was invaded by Peru. Mendez is seen as a uniting force in war-torn South America. And he pays in gold bullion. With their strike base established near Cali, the Wildcats are tasked with assisting the Andes Mallorcan Air Force in striking a Peruvian armored attack at the front.

Strike Commander – Andes Mallorca #102, 2011: After several days of sustained operations in the Andes theater the Wildcats take advantage of a bad weather front to get some much needed rest and repair. The enemy has other ideas, however.

Strike Commander – Andes Mallorca #103, 2011: A valued leader of the Wildcats is killed by the Peruvian Air Force while returning to the Strike Base with the balance of General Mendez’s payment. The gold is gone and the general regrets he cannot renumerate the loss, but he does have an idea that will give the Wildcats vengeance for their comrade’s loss. Reminiscent of the Israeli strike against Saddam Hussein’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981, General Mendez suggests that a similar attack against the Peruvian nuclear facility at Chimbote would be a dagger in the heart of their ambitions for regional power. It would also demonstrate that the Wildcats are not a group to be trifled with, either.

Strike Commander – Egypt #101, 2011: The Wildcats return to Turkey to find their home base sabotaged by an unknown party. Several of their F-16s have been damaged and there are many expensive facility repairs required. Needing money fast they manage to find a contract with the Egyptian Air Force flying an airshow from the the Cairo West Airbase using, to Virgil’s delight, EAF F-16s. The money is slight but it will keep them going while repairs are underway.

Senkaku Stir Fry, 2020: Japan’s energy situation deteriorated over past decade and is currently exploring reserves in the area of the disputed Senkaku Islands. China and Japan recently hammered out an agreement regarding area fishing rights, but the natural gas situation has not been settled. Over the past several weeks, China’s UAV patrols against the exploration rigs have made the region very nervous. The US Navy sent carrier Ronald Reagan to South Korea in a show of support for Japan. The status quo would serve Japan’s interest. After a decade of economic woes, China is in no position to exploit the reserves. But why should they sit by and let a major competitor steal what is rightfully theirs?

Spanish Guinea II (Nigerian Alliance vs Spain), 1996: Oil exploration and production has boomed in the Gulf of Guinea. The once Spanish colony of Equatorial Guinea’s corrupt government has asked for Spanish assistance with protection of the countries offshore oil and gas platforms. The Nigerians have used to last 16 months to form a strong alliance with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Using their control over these countries oil imports from Nigeria to ‘assist and ensure’ cooperation. Left with little choice the South Americans have given strong military assistance to Nigeria and the Brazilian carrier has transported significant air power to Nigerian bases. Nigeria is now sabre rattling and has promised retaliation making threats to the platforms in the Alba gas field and to the Eg Bioko LNG terminal construction site, the pride of Spanish Guinea’s petroleum production in the region.

Strike Group Stennis vs Tanzania, 2020: This scenario assumes that Tanzania suffered a coup in early 2018 and is now controlled by a fiercely anti-Western dictatorship. In the last few months, this new government has received an extensive military aid package from China and there are increasing concerns about threats to the stability of the region. Two weeks ago, an American F/A-18 engaged in exercises with Kenya was shot down by a Tanzanian surface-to-air missile. Tanzania has refused to apologize for the incident and claims the aircraft was an American spy plane illegally operating in their airspace. (NOTE: The challenge of this scenario is whether the player can successfully fulfill the mission objectives "on time and under budget"–the player only wins by completing the mission using only a certain amount of munitions and suffering only minimal losses.)

The Banja Luka Incident, 1994: On February 28th 1994, six Serbian J-21 Jastreb single-seat light attack jets were engaged, and four of them shot down, by USAF F-16 fighters southwest of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was the first active combat in NATO’s history. This is a recreation of the engagement.

The Fiery October – Reprisal, 1962: In the wake of the U-2 shootdown on Saturday, October 27, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis took a dangerous turn. A plan was in place to launch reprisal strikes against any SAM site in Cuba that attacks a US reconnaissance aircraft. President Kennedy and his advisers debated whether or not to approve the strikes and in the end decided against it. As the US player you will be transmitted orders for reconnaissance and support missions, as well as the reprisal strikes, and attached missions.

The Isla La Orchila Affair, 2020: This scenario assumes that, in response to increasing reluctance on the part of the United States to enter into international conflicts, a number of regional powers have become more willing to act aggressively within their own spheres of influence. Venezuela, able to pay for munitions with oil, has increasingly seen itself as a master of the Caribbean, and has not surprisingly sometimes come into conflict with Colombia, Mexico, and the European Union, whose nations still control some territories in the region.

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As always, the community scenario pack is available for download from the Command downloads page: http://www.warfaresims.com/?page_id=1876 . The scenarios will also become available for download later on the Command workshop on Steam.

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Command LIVE #5 released: The Korean Missile Crisis!

February 28, 2017 · Posted in Command · Comment

Available now through Matrix Games and Steam.

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Command LIVE #5: Korean Missile Crisis announced!

February 6, 2017 · Posted in Command · Comment

Check out the official page! Release is scheduled for February 28.

Don’t forget the newspaper:

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We hear you: High DPI-friendly UI on the way

October 18, 2016 · Posted in Command · Comment

As always, it’s been a very busy time of the year for the WS team. Between the dev work for all the cool new stuff we have been preparing for [REDACTED] and our recent Pro tour on the US , there’s been truly no rest for the wicked – or the virtuous for that matter.

One of our top priorities on the commercial side of development has been to resolve the issues that have arisen related to the increasing use of high-DPI desktop setups. As our regular players know, we started tackling this issue already from summer, with the release of v1.11 SR1 and with the subsequent update releases supporting the Command-LIVE DLCs.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 Anniversary Update (aka “Redstone”), a massive update that appears to have left a bitter taste in the IT industry, also apparently wound back the clock on our hard work on DPI remedies. The combination of “Win10 Redstone + high-DPI desktop” was particularly hostile to our UI fixes and caused significant issues with readability, especially on important information displayed on the right vertical column. We released a number of hotfix executables to remedy this as much as possible but we were well aware that these, along with our “temporary workaround” recommendation to use 100% DPI settings, were only just temporary. Something more permanent was becoming necessary.

So we rolled our sleeves and went to work:

The right-column UI element was completely re-written using high-DPI-friendly technologies and techniques and we are happy to report that on our repeated tests so far, it scales beautifully from 1366×768 cheap laptops all the way to NORAD wall screens.

Re-writing the UI stack for this important screen element also gave us the chance to sneak-in some oft-requested improvements that we never seemed to have the time to devote to so far. For example:
* A vertical scrollbar now runs the full length of the column and allows scrolling to the lowermost info panels without needing to collapse the (often essential) unit-status and unit-weapons panels.

* At-a-glance fuel summaries for group members. You asked for it, and we’re happy to oblige. Clicking on any of the fuel bars provides the full details on the relevant unit’s fuel status, radius, persistence etc.

* At-a-glance summary bar for the status of a unit’s components. The full damage-control window is still there for details, but now you no longer have to bring it up to get a feeling of how your unit’s internal guts are holding up. (Pro tip: The less green on that bar, the more in trouble you are).

We hope to be able to include these and other improvements on the forthcoming v1.11 SR6 update, which will accompany the release of Command LIVE #4: Don of a New Era. We thank everyone who has reported to us the high-DPI issues and shared with us their patience for a definite solution, and we are confident you will enjoy this revised portion of the UI as much as we and the beta team currently do.

Stay tuned!

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