tjehl@wilgus.intel.COM (Timothy Jehl) (02/16/91)
In article <1991Feb14.133811.3538@dmntor.UUCP>, bill@dmntor.UUCP (Bill Kyle) writes: |> OK, I have enough simulations and too many "dungeon/dragon" games. |> What are some of the better War Games around? I would like something |> that requires 1 Meg, so as I'm not stiffed with a renamed repackaged |> converted C64 game. |> |> Bill Well, good is a relative term. About a year ago I purchasec a copy of something called Fire Zone. The graphics are pretty decent, and the sound is passable. The mouse interface is close to non-existant. The best (or the worst) thing about the game is that it is simple. It is on the "standard" hex grid system, and is pretty much a matter of moving your pieces during your movement phase, and choosing targets during combat phase. There is a limited amount of terain features, and only about eight different types of units. The map is relatively small compared to some campaign games. The simplicity works well, as far as I'm concerned. Everything can be done from the numeric keypad (I know, the mouse would be better, but once you've played the game a couple of times, it gets pretty easy). Games only last an hour or so (some even less). The computer is a pretty good tactician but a lousy strategist. The game comes with about 10 predefined scenarios, and a map scenario builder which will allow you to create your own scenarios. Some scenarios are well balanced, others are not. Victory conditions are always "wipe out the enemy", although a rating is given to each side at the end of the game. There is a "hidden" mode of play, which works rather well. There are some scenarios which, due to the force imbalence, are tough to win if the other side knows where your forces are placed. After gaining a little experience in the mechanics, I would recommend using hidden mode. All in all, it's an enjoyable game, which will allow you to shake off a minor case of war game withdrawl without trashing an entire evening. Tim