The legendary tactical series Flashpoint Campaigns is set to return this year, and if the recent press preview from the Real and Simulated Wars Blog is any indication, On Target Simulations and Slitherine have not just created a new installment, they've masterfully refined an already great formula.
Flashpoint Campaigns Cold War is officially slated for release on November 20th. Here is a dive into what veterans love and what new features will elevate the experience for every wargamer.
The Foundation: Maneuver Warfare and the OODA Loop
For those new to the series, Flashpoint Campaigns is a serious, hex-based ground tactical wargame that focuses on the tense, high-stakes combat of the Cold War. While it is turn-based, it features a core innovation that defines its brilliant command-and-control simulation: asynchronous resolution.
The OODA Loop: The game models the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) cycle. Your turn duration is directly tied to the efficiency and agility of your command structure. In the scenario previewed, the British forces had a decision cycle of around 25 minutes, significantly faster than the 35–36 minutes for the Warsaw Pact units. This innovative setup rewards maneuver warfare and clever command choices, demonstrating the very core principle of military doctrine.
Raising the Bar: Two Major New Features
While the core mechanics remain strong, this new version introduces major Quality of Life (QoL) upgrades that make the game far more accessible and engaging.
1. Tactical Air Operations
The biggest feature debut is the introduction of Tactical Air Operations. Players can now command:
Helicopter Landings
Airborne Operations
This massively expands the strategic scope of the game, opening up new vectors of attack and defense that will challenge even the most experienced commanders.
2. Masterful Automation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
One of the most exciting QoL changes focuses on streamlining unit management, allowing commanders to spend less time clicking and more time thinking strategically.
Formation Movement: You can now select all subordinate units within a squadron or regiment and move them together as a cohesive formation. The game engine takes care of the complex movement routing based on the formation type you select (e.g., column, assault).
Preset Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): This is a game-changer for speed and realism. You can now apply pre-defined, comprehensive SOPs instantly to entire formations. These SOPs are categorized by unit type:
Headquarter Units
Recon Units
Artillery Assets (RT)
Mechanized Infantry
Total Control: You can quickly apply an SOP (e.g., an aggressive "Attack" SOP) and then customize it by removing specific units from the rule set or tweaking individual parameters (like engagement range or movement type).
The Verdict
Flashpoint Campaigns Cold War is truly a game of "enormous quality" that accommodates both playstyles: the detail-oriented player who wants to fine-tune every section and platoon, and the busy dad and grandpa who can rely on automation to brigade/division-level actions in a shorter time.
If you love Cold War-era tactical combat and deep command-and-control simulation, mark your calendar for November 20th. This is shaping up to be the great, perfected.
Cheers,
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