M1 Tank Platoon II

[Polak2]

It also may have to do with the changes patch M1TPv1.2 introduced .1st paragraph

========================
Fixes (From Version 1.1):
========================
CITV Target Designation - Designating targets for the gunner now functions properly in the
Tank Commander's Cockpit Screen. When designating a target in the CITV of the TC Cockpit,
the Gunner will automatically drop what he is doing and engage the enemy target.

[Polak2]

What has been said about designating the target from CITV in Search or Hunter Killer mode appears to be indeed not working. Patch 1.2 despite the claim that it was corrected did not really help. That part is buggy and requires some further study. Page 34 in the manual to go by the book.

Note: it works sometimes but I cannot pinpoint really when.

[RetroGamer]

Originally Posted by Polak2

What has been said about designating the target from CITV in Search or Hunter Killer mode appears to be indeed not working. Patch 1.2 despite the claim that it was corrected did not really help. That part is buggy and requires some further study. Page 34 in the manual to go by the book.

Note: it works sometimes but I cannot pinpoint really when.

Copy that, thanks. I’ve been playing computer games since the early ‘80s and noticed there’s a pattern or method to winning almost every game.

In Mechwarrior 2, for example, you could beat the game with the smallest mech by circling your enemy as fast as possible while shooting at them. It got to the point where I could take down any enemy mech while they couldn’t hit me.

In Armored Fist, 1994, as another example, there are procedures that if followed, will allow you to win every mission. Pause at the beginning of every mission and set platoons to Experienced, Wedge formation, Slow, and Road March. If any enemy armor is encountered, lock on it, call for arty, face toward it, pop smoke, then back up to cover. The game is not realistic so arty kills all tanks.

I haven’t quite figured out M1TP2 yet. I will be successful when I’ve beaten every campaign and every single mission on hard mode. Right now, I’m still learning the game.

This may take a while.

I’m sure you’ve seen these articles:

https://web.archive.org/web/20020301...1tp2strat.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20020825.../m1clhard.html

If not, they’re good reading. I seriously cannot believe it’s been 20 years! I do remember these discussions - especially the hate for Hasbro for canceling the Tank Platoon and Gunship sequels. Seems like yesterday to me.


No matter - this software was great in 1999 and still is in 2021!!!

If there’s a way to record gameplay within Win98, I’ll give it a try for uploading to YouTube. Maybe An early version of Fraps would work. Worst case, I’ll just record the monitor.

I’ll keep you guys posted on the progress!

[Polak2]

So I think I have cracked this CITV problem.
1st, I think, patch M1TP2 v1.2 is needed as they addressed this problem in the code.

2nd of course be in the Search mode key "]" and have CITV on

3rd is to issue Fire At Will "F" order before each shooting session as it sometimes defaults to Hold Fire for unknown to me yet reasons.

Then interesting part is also to issue type of the weapon order as the Gunner prefers to waste MPAT and STAFF for even near targets.

Indeed I agree, that having ample time and opportunity to study each game reveals sometimes richer gameplay and nice interesting secrets. In fact, I may even suggest that pressed by duties of RL we often have been (and still are) running from game to game without even dipping deeper in them which is a total loss to us and perhaps really a waste of time. After all very smart people created those games and simulations and I am sure they did not spare their efforts and ingenuity to make them smart too.

Keep rolling!

[Polak2]

Also...
knowing and understanding the manual (in this case of CITV page 34 ) is the key

If
the current target is out of range or cannot be shot at immediately for any
other reason, the gun will engage the new designated target. You must
hold the CITV on the target until the gun is laid on. In this mode, the firing
data is not available, with the exception of the READY TO FIRE box, which
lights to indicate the gun is on the designated target and the CITV is free
to search again.

Although...
Actually, take sometimes manual with a grain of salt.
The link from Wayback Machine with supporting strategy tips and articles is super and truly solves any ambiguities between a manual, currently installed game patches and action.
Here is about CITV truly a key document without which one of the most crucial and important to the gameplay TC station may be misunderstood and in jeopardy!

M1TP2 Combat Lesson:
Using the CITV
by David Webster

https://web.archive.org/web/20020319.../m1clcitv.html

[Polak2]

Few screenshots from training mission Glide with dgVoodo2. Not too shabby for this old Girl!






https://ibb.co/KcZRGRd
https://ibb.co/bPD1VDn
https://ibb.co/jVkvMR8

[RetroGamer]

Originally Posted by Polak2

Few screenshots from training mission Glide with dgVoodo2. Not too shabby for this old Girl!






https://ibb.co/KcZRGRd
https://ibb.co/bPD1VDn
https://ibb.co/jVkvMR8

That’s looking good!! I’m happy with the way it’s working on my legacy PC but the graphics are clearer on yours.

It’s interesting that emulating and using “wrappers” and such can make old games run better than they ever did in their native environment.

I really need to get an identical Creative Voodoo2 card and try SLI. There’s no AGP slot in my vintage PC so I should grab the best PCI graphics Direct 3D card that has Win98 drivers while I’m at it. I also need to max the memory which is either 128 or 256MB. (I have to look that up). Right now I’m at the stock 64 MB.

Regarding gameplay and patches - all the things described in the patch, I’ve encountered.

It’ll be interesting to upgrade the game and spot the differences.