SSI ... 48K DISK ... 1/8 PLAYERS
It is very difficult to review certain
programs without having spent a great deal of time exploring and
playing them. Simulations are a case in point and Rails West is an
excellent and complex simulation of the construction of the railroads
across America in the 19th century.
Up to 8 players can compete against
each other or the computer to try and build a railroad and amass a
personal fortune along the way. The simulation is complex requiring a
knowledge of economics, stock, floating bonds and management of debts.
Add to this the threat of other interested parties trying to take over
your railroad, booms, depressions and market fluctuations and you can
well understand why a quick glance is not sufficient for a full
appreciation of this program. As well as being a game of developing
skill it is educational in the understanding of economics and the
history of development of unexplored territory in the American
mid-west.
Rails West may take some time to learn
and fully understand but if simulations are your forte, then you will
expect a long lasting game that you can return to time and time again
with ever increasing knowledge and understanding. Not an excursion for
beginners but well worth the effort for those who already understand
and enjoy the computer simulation. Rails West should be an ideal
thought provoking exercise for a family or group of friends but is
also a game which can be played alone against the computer.
AWARDS
Both
Paul Blazeby and Gerald Swan have
been awarded an ATARI game on ROM
for their reviews. Can
you write three reviews of your
favourite, or not so favourite programs?
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