M1 Tank Platoon II is a great armor simulation, and one that has already seen solid support from the developer, Microprose. However, there will not be a v. 1.3 patch.

Instead Microprose will be concentrating on improving the game in preparation for the release of Gunship III, which we announced in our E3 simulation coverage (see E3 '98 #3.

Here is Mike Dubose posting from our forum this afternoon:

The Ver. 1.3 patch that we have been working on has turned into something more than we had originally intended. What started out to be some localized changes has grown into a major over haul of the game. We are now in the process of making major changes to 85 - 90% of M1TP2. The list of suggestions, and ideas that have been sent to us via. Forums, and E-mail are being reviewed. Some of them have already been implemented, more are being considered.

The largest and most complete change will be with the Multi-player. It is all being re-done. The amount, and type of information exchanged, and also the way it is exchanged between machines will be upgraded. To help us with this we have added a new member to our team: Rob Knoff. Multi-player, in it’s many forms, is his specialty. Other areas include updated graphics, improved AI, an expansion of Command levels, the addition of NATO vehicles, some new cockpits, a larger area in which to fight, along with various other changes. The only area that will be basically the same is the game Wrappers, and Interface. Everything else is getting updated, and upgraded.

Another view of the outside hatch.

Ok, now the bad news. All the upgrades we are making to M1TP2 are being implemented along with the development of Gunship3 to create the beginning of an Electronic Battlefield. What does this mean to you as a gamer? The upgrade to M1 will not be available until just before, or at the same time that Gunship3 gets released. Our decision to do this was based on time management. To spend 8 to 10 weeks on a patch, only to have to change it, or to roll that 8 to 10 weeks back into the project. We chose the latter.

I know you all have a lot of questions, along with some colorful comments, I’m sure. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or click HERE. I will also be on the boards.

Now as promised, click HERE to download a text file which explains in detail how to edit M1TP2 text files to create your own custom scenarios. You can also download the associated PCX map files by clicking HERE. Note: altering the terrain ni any way will cause the game to crash. As it is, gamers can scroll around the maps to locate a section of terrain they want to build a battle on.