Matrix Games

Version 2.0 now available! With several new features, including a new and improved interface, new graphics, an event engine for scenarios, night combat, and many more! Click here to see all the changes and improvements!

Important information for the 2.0 installation! This update is completely free but in order to play with the new version, please make sure to uninstall the old version of the game. You can find the Uninstall option in the game's Start menu folder.

Campaign Series: Middle East 1948-1985 is a new turn-based, tactical wargame that focuses on conflicts in the Middle East.

Conflicts Covered:

First Arab-Israeli War in 1948
Suez Crisis of 1956
Six Day War of 1967
War of Attrition
October War of 1973
Invasion of Lebanon in 1982
Algerian War of Independence
Egypt in Yemen
United Kingdom in Aden
Libyan - Egyptian Border War 1977

The series portrays battles spanning from 1948 to 1982. Each scenario is played on a unique, historical map with seven view modes. Scenario maps are based on topographic maps of from the period created on a hex grid; hexes are 250 metres across.

Each scenario has a variable number of turns in which you and your opponent attempt to achieve the maximum number of victory points, usually by destroying your opponents forces or by capturing objective locations. A wide variety of battle situations are represented in the game, from meeting engagements to trench defences, armoured breakthroughs, battles of attrition, mobile defences, and more!

There are four low-complexity Boot Camp scenarios, designed especially with the new player in mind, with step-by-step instructions on how to play. The remaining scenario vary in size from very short and small to long and large. They can be played against the computer, PBEM, head-to-head, hotseat, or real-time network play.
 

• Twelve countries are included with Middle East: France, United Kingdom, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Algeria, Libya, Generic Pro-West and Generic Pro-East. Each of these countries have a fully functional Order of Battles, based on historical TO&E's, from Company to Corps level. Combined, there are well over a thousand unique platoons available.

• Over 130 historical and hypothetical scenarios.

• Three Linked Campaign Games.

• Seven BattleView map modes: three 3D and four 2D (three and four levels of zoom-in & zoom-out respectively).

• A massive graphics face-lift, with: new and improved map terrains, hex highlights, night graphics, transparent map labels; and redone 2D counters and graphical unit icons, an expanded set of NATO icons, alternative counter types, multiple 3D unit base types, markers-as-terrain, 2D unit thermometers, and more.

• Air Levels for helicopter flight. Four unique zones that helicopters operate in; Ground, Nap of the Earth (NOE), Low, and High. Each having their own benefits and limitations.

• Adaptive A/I, with dozens of game parameters and behaviors varied and set based on nation, year, and scenario. And a much more fully fleshed out Audacious/Cautious A/I improving the solo play experience.

• Another, still larger toolbar option. Expanded dialog boxes and Jump Map. New Infobox features and options.

• Map editor, with up to 49 levels of elevation and no limitations on size (dependent on the graphics limitation of the customer's hardware).

• Order of Battle editor

• Scenario editor, with the editors above, allows the customer to create any scenario the customer wishes. Now also with dynamically reassigned nation sides.

• Battle Generator allows you to select some parameters (date, countries involved, type of battlefield, size of engagement, engagement type) and the game randomly generates a battle for you

• A new file/folder scheme, with support for folders: data, graphics, logs, misc, OOBs, pictures, saves, scenarios, sounds, special, texts.

General Features:

• Numerous different platoon types; infantry, machine guns, mortars, artillery, trucks, halftracks, APC's, tanks, helicopters, landing craft, etc.

• 3D art, 2D art and 2D NATO icons for all platoons.

• Sound files for movement and weapons.

• Armour facing of armoured vehicles.

• Classification of hard and soft targets.

• Classification of infantry combat capabilities.

• Night vision for certain tank types.

• Hidden Fire for certain unit types.

• Clear and lay minefields.

• Build Improved positions and trenches.

• Lay light and medium bridges.

• Day and Night transitions during the course of a scenario.

• Ability to set Opportunity Fire against Hard, Soft, Other and Anti-aircraft platoons.

• On-map thermometers for Action Points, Morale and Strength for all platoons in all map views.

• Three Fog of War levels.

• Desert and Mediterranean terrain classifications within the map editors.

• Civilians.

• Comprehensive manual.

• Numerous display options allowing the customer to set up the game to their requirements/preferences. 

Wargamer France
"Despite its rough edges, I like this series and I think the game mechanics work just well"