A major survey of almost every wargame available for the 8-bit
Atari conducted by M. Evan Brooks
Computer wargaming in the United States is a
dedicated market; there are c.15-20,000 dedicated computer wargamers,
and this points out a problem inherent in the market. While wargame
products are assured of a certain sales target, it is quite
difficult for sales to reach the broader market. Only Microprose has
been able to expand its sales into the gold or platinum levels
(100,000/ 250,000 sales respectively), thus, as companies grow
larger, they tend to produce less wargames and target the more
mainstream efforts.
In the United States, computer trends went from
arcade to adventure to simulations. In Britain, the trend went from
arcade to simulations, but with the emphasis on cassette products in
Britain, products tend to have a relatively short shelf-life and an
inexpensive price. This has tended to prevent the more detailed
simulations from gaining access to the overseas markets. Hopefully,
this is in the process of change.
This reviewer has been engaged in simulation gaming
since 1966, and has been involved in computer simulation gaming
since 1982. My background includes service in the United States Army
(currently, I hold a Reserve commission as an Infantry major).
____________________________
M. Evan Brooks is well qualified to
comment on Wargame simulations being a graduate of the United States
Army Command & General Staff College and being currently enrolled in
the Naval War College. He has obtained qualifications in various
branches of the Services including Infantry, Armor and Military
Intelligence. His full time occupation is an Attorney with the
Federal Government (IRS ) and he is a Major in The United States
Army Reserve currently serving as Operations and Planning Officer
for a Military Police Battalion.
_____________________________
ALMOST EVERY GAME AVAILABLE
This article will attempt to rate every wargame for
the 8-bit Atari with which the author is familiar. Many of these
game will be converted to the ST. In deciding upon the aspects of a
computer wargame, there are certain selections that one must make.
Usually, levels of difficulty range from introductory to
intermediate to advanced, with gradations between these parameters.
In addition, the primary medium must be considered: land, sea and/or
air and finally, the level of the simulation – tactical
(man-to-man up to company-level), operational
(battalion-level to division-level) and strategic
(corps-level to theatre army or higher). This review will delineate
the games available by levels of difficulty. Within each level, the
subject game will be characterised by its medium, simulation level
and overall recommendation. Overall recommendations are noted by
star ratings following the game title:
| 0
= |
avoid |
| *
= |
minimally
adequate, at best |
| **
= |
buy ONLY
if interested in this period |
|
*** = |
recommended |
|
**** = |
highly
recommended |
|
***** = |
a MUST
HAVE |
| +=
|
a rating
midway between any of the above |
These ratings are the author's own, and reflect a
personal opinion as to the 'success' or lack thereof of the product.
Additionally, it must be noted that price does bear a relation to
rating, i.e. the 'bang for the buck' theory holds true, and often an
inexpensive game can achieve a higher rating than a (marginally)
better but more expensive product. Following each Level are the
Moribund Products – no longer available for sale, but often found in
close-outs and sales.
AVAILABILITY
SSI have an agreement with U.S. Gold in this country
and most, but not all, of their titles are easily available from any
Atari dealer or from many Mail Order dealers. Microprose now have a
U.K. subsidiary and their games are, or will, be available at U.K.
prices. Most of the other games, providing they are currently
available in the United States, can be obtained from specialist
dealers such as Strategic Plus, P.O. Box 8, Hampton, Middx TW12 3XA
(Tel. 01 979 2987) and Computer Adventure World, lA Charing Cross,
Birkenhead L41 6EJ (Tel. 051 666 1132). Other retailers who
specialise in import American titles may be able to help such as
Ladbroke Computing, 3, Ormskirk Road, Preston, Lancs PRI 2QP (Tel.
0772 21474). Where products are released in the U.K. you will find
the price in sterling alongside, otherwise the price in US$, where
known, is shown.
This is where you should begin if you have little
previous wargaming experience. Jumping in at too high a level might
put you off wargaming forever. Get a few of these, learn the ropes
and you will soon be at intermediate level.
BATTALION COMMANDER ** SSI, £14.99
A tactical contemporary portrayal of armored warfare.
With built-in as well as design-your-own scenarios, the game offers
a myriad of options. Easy to play, its utility is damaged by its
ahistorical lessons learned. LAND
BATTLES FOR MIDWAY 0 TDC, $?
This simulation offers outdated graphics, poor game
play, and little value. Since it is a recent release, many Atari
owners may be considering its acquisition due to the dearth of new
products, but beware – this is not a viable commercial simulation,
it resembles public domain material available elsewhere. SEA/AIR
BROADSIDES ***** SSI, £24.99
A tactical simulation of ship-to-ship combat during
the Napoleonic Wars. With both an arcade and tactical option,
one may add layers of difficulty at his own pace. Quick play times
and ease of operation make this a necessity in any wargamer's
library. Highest recommendation. SEA
COLONIAL CONQUEST ** + SSI, £24.99
A strategic/economic simulation of the Age of
Imperialism. The manual is more difficult to comprehend than the
game is to play. Multiple-player interaction is strongly
recommended. A cross between the board games of Risk and Diplomacy.
LAND/SEA/ECONOMIC
FIELD OF FIRE ** + SSI, £14.99
A tactical simulation of squad-level operations on
the Western Front during World War II. Scenarios are varied and
enjoyable however, this reviewer is not overly enthused about the
historical accuracy and lessons learned from this simulation.
Nevertheless, it is a good introduction to computer wargaming. LAND
FIFTY MISSION CRUSH ** SSI, $39.95
A tactical recreation of the bomber offensive against
Germany during World War II. Realistic but dull, with little room
for player abilities. AIR
LORDS OF CONQUEST **** Electronic Arts, $34.95
A strategic/economic game of conquest. Relatively
primitive graphics are coupled with a map maker and map options to
make a very interesting multi-player game. As a solitaire effort, it
is not quite as interesting, but still retains some appeal.
Playability is a definite plus here. LAND/SEA
NAM ** SSI, $39.95
An operational simulation of battles in Vietnam, its
easy play is marred by its complete ahistoricity vis-a-vis airmobile
assault and gunship employment. Enjoyable as a `shoot-ern-up', but
laughable as a conflict simulation. LAND/AIR
NAPOLEON AT WATERLOO *** + Krenteck, AT/C, $34.95
An operational simulation of the most famous battle
in history, this game has the potential to be great, however,
execution leaves something to be desired; historical accuracy and
valid lessons learned are a definite minus. LAND
OGRE ** + Origin, £19.95
A faithful recreation of the boardgame, this
faithfulness can prove negative. The boardgame at $2.95 was a
bargain; the computer game at $39.95 is not. Still, a good
introduction to computer wargaming. LAND
PANZER GRENADIER ** + SSI, £24.99
A tactical simulation of armored warfare on the
Eastern Front during World War II, its lessons learned are not
overly accurate. Reconnaissance by fire is overemphasised, and
opportunity fire is hit-and-miss. Overall, a solid game, but lacking
panache. LAND
SARATOGA * Antic, $19.95
An Eastern Front clone, this operational/strategic
simulation of the American Revolution in 1777 is destroyed by
marketing technique. With documentation available on the disk flip
side, the lack of a hard-copy map (specifically referred to in the
documentation) makes the game almost unplayable. LAND
SIX GUN SHOOT-OUT *** SSI, $39.95
A tactical man-to-man simulation covering famous Old
West scenarios (both historical and Hollywood). Primitive graphics
detract from this simulation, but it is quick and easy. Historically
inaccurate, its quick playing time and enjoyment somewhat make up
for its defects. LAND
TIGERS IN THE SNOW * + SSI, £14.99
An operational simulation of the Battle of the Bulge,
its primitive graphics and play mechanics have been superseded by
more recent efforts and limit its appeal. LAND
TOP GUNNER *** MicroProse, $24.95
Three arcade games in a package; Hellcat Ace (World
War II Pacific tactical air) and Mig Alley Ace (Korean War tactical
air) offer an enjoyable interlude from true wargaming. Superseded by
more recent products, the repackaging at the lower price still makes
this an interesting offering. (Note: these games are available
separately in the U.K. at £9.95 on cassette and £14.95 on disk) AIR
WARGAME CONSTRUCTION SET ** + SSI, £19.99
The source code from Roger Damon's previous designs
(Operation Whirlwind/ Field of Fire/ Panzer Grenadier), the game's
potential to design-your-own scenarios in history is limited by the
failings of the system's mechanics. Still, a novice may well find
its flexibility interesting. LAND
THE MORIBUND
Seek them out or not
AFTER PEARL *** + Super Ware, $19.95
A strategic simulation of the War in the Pacific
(1941-1945), this game bears little resemblance to history, however,
it is fun and quick to play (c. 45 minutes for the campaign).
Reminiscent of Avalon Hill's
board game Victory in the Pacific, this is recommended for the
novice SEA/AIR
ARMOR ASSAULT 0 Epyx, $?
Thankfully no loner available, this game of tactical
armored warfare is guaranteed to deter the most dedicated player.
LAND
COMBAT LEADER ** SSI, $14.95
A tactical simulation of armored warfare
(squad/platoon) over the last 40 years. With built-in as well as
design-your-own scenarios, the game offers a myriad of options.
Graphics are quite primitive, but the scenarios are quick. Battalion
Commander, by the same designer, is the more recent design (with
better graphics). Joining SSI's 'Classic' line, it will be
discontinued shortly. LAND
EAGLES *** SSI, $14.95
A tactical simulation of World War I aerial combat.
The ability to design-your-own scenarios as well as those already
extant offer hours of enjoyment, however realism is very low and the
slow pace of the game will deter the only mildly-interested.
Nevertheless, the only simulation covering this period. AIR
EASTERN FRONT ***** APX, $2.98
An operational/strategic simulation of the German
invasion of Russia during World War II. The cartridge version offers
both beginner and advanced scenarios. Obsolete by contemporary
programming standards, it is still fun to play and a bargain at the
price (assuming that one can still find it!!). LAND
FLYING TIGER 0 Discovery, $?
A tactical air-to-air simulation of World War II
(Pacific Theatre). The graphics, realism and play value are
sufficient to deter anyone from further play. AIR
JAGDSTAFFEL 0 Discovery, $?
A tactical game similar to Flying Tigers, only
occurring in the European Theatre of Operations. Just as bad as
Flying Tigers. AIR
LEGIONNAIRE *+ Avalon Hill, $19.95
A tactical(?) simulation of warfare by the Roman
legions against various barbarian tribes. Quickly learned and
playable in a single sitting, it bears obvious resemblance to its
more successful ancestor Eastern Front. A good introduction to
computer wargaming, as it combines aspects of arcade play and
wargame play. LAND
OPERATION WHIRLWIND ** + Broderbund, $?
The ancestor of Field of Fire/PanzerGrenadier/Wargame
Construction Set, this tactical simulation offers an urban assault
during World War II. In many ways, it is more interesting than its
descendants, but it is difficult to find. LAND
SHILOH ** SSI, $ 14.95
This operational recreation of the Civil War battle
has been superseded by the computer wargame 'state of the art'. Easy
to learn and play, it is not so much a historical study as a 'beer
and pretzels' game. Fun for the novice even with its primitive
graphics. LAND
WORLD WAR III 0 Crystal, $?
An operational simulation of conflict in the Middle
East involving American and Soviet forces. Primitive, obsolete and
inadequate, it is no longer available for sale. LAND
Now that you have got into wargaming it's time to
seek out more challenges. Some of these will tax you to the full but
if you find them too easy, there is always the Advanced Level to
come!
BORODINO ***+ Krentek, $59.95
Napoleon's tactical victory but strategic defeat in
Russia, 1812. A set-piece battle, the simulation is historically
accurate and enjoyable. Premiering on the 8-bit Atari in August
1987, this is one of the few 8-bit releases in recent memory. LAND
CLASH OF WILLS ** DKG, $34.95
A strategic simulation of war in Europe during World
War II (both Eastern and Western Fronts). Primitive graphics and
poor user interface coupled with extremely poor documentation will
deter most players. Yet, the sheer scope of the simulation offers
some playability and enjoyment. LAND/AIR
CONFLICT IN VIETNAM **** MicroProse, £14.95 (C),
£19.95 (D)
An operational simulation of battles in Vietnam
1954-75. Historically accurate, it teaches more than one would
expect; its basic problem is that operational warfare in Vietnam was
rarely decisive, and for the gamer looking for clear-cut
resolutions, this simulation may raise more questions than it
answers. Recommended for those wishing to learn as opposed to those
looking for sheer 'playing' fun. LAND/AIR
COSMIC BALANCE I ** + SSI, $34.95
Space opera, Cosmic Balance I is a tactical
simulation of space combat a la Star Trek. Input is via keyboard,
and graphics are primitive. Somewhat dated by later efforts, cf.
Star Fleet I. SPACE
CRUSADE IN EUROPE **** + MicroProse, £14.95 (C),
£19.95 (D)
An operational/strategic simulation of the Western
Front during World War II, the scenarios offer more value for the
money than most other games. The campaign suffers from a certain
lack due to the artificial intelligence, but for the intermediate
player, its mechanics and play give this game a high recommendation.
LAND/AIR
DAM BUSTERS ** Accolade, $34.95
An arcade recreation of the bombing of the Ruhr dams
a la '633 Squadron', this product's graphics and 'feel' make it too
much of a game and not enough of a simulation. AIR
DECISION IN THE DESERT **** + MicroProse,
£14.95(C), £19.95 (D)
An operational study of the Desert Campaign in World
War II, it offers a fascinating study which will teach the
intermediate player true aspects of armor desert warfare. While more
accurate than Crusade in Europe, its scope is much less broad,
thereby delivering less 'bang for the buck'. Still highly
recommended. LAND/AIR
F-15 STRIKE EAGLE **** + MicroProse, £9.95 (C),
£14.95 ( D )
Is it an arcade game or a wargame? No matter what the
decision, it has gone platinum (over 250,000 unit copies sold).
Quick to play, multi-scenarioed and user-friendly; recommended. AIR
GREAT WAR 1914 * + DKG, $39.95
An operational simulation of the opening months of
World War I (both Eastern and Western Fronts). It suffers from the
same flaws as CLASH OF WILLS and does not have as much depth as its
predecessor. LAND
KNIGHTS OF THE DESERT ** SSI, £14.99
An operational simulation of Rommel's Desert
Campaigns in North Africa during World War II, it was the first SSI
product to offer multiple stacking in the same hex. The concept was
a failure; slow and ponderous, its recreation of the African
Campaign does not deliver its potential. LAND
NORMANDY, BATTLE FOR *** + SSI, £14.99
An operational simulation of the Normandy invasion,
this game is moderately easy to learn (although the documentation
covering the actual landings leaves much to be desired). A real
player, it suffers somewhat from lack of joystick input. But
overall, a solid intermediate level game. LAND/AIR
NATO COMMANDER *** MicroProse, £9.95 (C), £14.95
(D)
An operational/strategic simulation of the next war
in Europe, this reviewer is more fond of the game than the designers
currently are. While the mechanics are relatively easy to learn,
playability in the larger scenarios is limited. Still recommended
overall. LAND/AIR
ROME AND THE BARBARIANS *** Krenteck, $34.95
A strategic simulation of the Fall of Rome. Easy game
mechanics coupled with difficult strategic decisions make this a
real player. Still, the game system itself appears too tactical for
such an ambitious strategic simulation. Recommended for the
aficionado. LAND
SILENT SERVICE ***** MicroProse, £9.95 (C), £14.95
(D)
A tactical simulation of submarine warfare in the
South Pacific during World War II. Superb graphics coupled with
detailed rules, historical accuracy and layers of complexity make
this simulation a necessity in every gamer's library. Why wait? If
you don't have it, you should! SEA
STAR FLEET I **** Cygnus, $49.95
This tactical space simulation is a worthy descendant
of the early mainframe StarTrek games. The multitude of options and
ease of play make this an enjoyable product, although it can prove
repetitious. Despite some reviewers considering this a rip-off from
public domain products, this reviewer still recommends it. SPACE
SURRENDER AT STALINGRAD * DKG, $34.95
The World War II Southern Offensive in the East
carried on DKG's inimitable format, i.e. primitive graphics,
inadequate user interface and overall slowness of execution. LAND
THE MORIBUND
One to seek out – forget the rest
CLEAR FOR ACTION + Avalon Hill, $34.95
A ship-to-ship simulation a la BROADSIDES. However,
this simulation is broader in scope and allows for multiple ship
actions. With potential for greatness, its execution dooms it;
primitive graphics coupled with horrendous user interface make this
simulation barely marginal. SEA
COSMIC BALANCE II ** + SSI, $34.95
Cosmic Balance II offers a strategic expansion of the
Cosmic Universe through emphasis on economic expansion. Somewhat
dated by later efforts, cf. Imperium Galactum and Reach for the
Stars. SPACE
EXCALIBUR **** APX, $?
A strategic simulation of Arthur's attempt to forge a
kingdom out of the British Isles. While introductory in play
mechanics, the sheer scope of the game raises its complexity level
to that of intermediate. This is not intended as a criticism; the
game is a wargame by default –economic ramifications are the heart
of this fine simulation. Rarely available for sale, it remains a
fine game and a worthy addition to one's library. LAND/ECONOMIC
MIDWAY *+ Avalon Hill, $?
An operational/strategic simulation of the Midway
Campaign, this game has been superseded by improvements in computer
simulations. Graphics are extremely primitive. SEA/AIR
PANZER JAGD * Avalon Hill, $?
A tactical simulation of armored warfare during World
War II, it is obviously dated by newer efforts. LAND
PARIS IN DANGER 0+ Avalon Hill, $?
An early game superseded by newer efforts, this
operational/strategic simulation of Napoleon's 1814 Campaign suffers
from poor graphics and lack of solitaire playability. LAND
T.A.C.* Avalon Hill, $?
A tactical simulation of armored warfare during World
War II. Similar to PANZER JAGD, it suffers from development
obsolescence. LAND
This is where it all leads! You need to be
experienced, dedicated or masochistic to try out some of these. You
also need to have more money, for now you are hooked, the prices
seem to go up considerably!
ANTIETAM, BATTLE OF *** SSI, £29.99
An operational simulation of the bloodiest day in
American history, this simulation is historically accurate, although
not as interesting as GETTYSBURG. Layers of complexity from basic to
advanced offer many options. The basic problem with the simulation
is the battle itself – the North outnumbered the South almost 3-2,
and since the player is aware of this, a World War I-type bloodbath
occurs. In the solitaire option, the player as the Confederate would
prove more interesting. LAND
BATTLE CRUISER *** + SSI, $59.95
A simulation covering surface naval actions in both
World Wars, this is a clone of the earlier released Warship. No new
ground is broken, although this is the better bargain given its more
extensive coverage. SEA
CARRIER FORCE *** SSI, $59.95
A tactical/operational simulation of the major
Pacific carrier battles of World War II, this game is extremely slow
in execution and its historical accuracy may be questioned in some
areas. Despite these flaws, it covers its subject in an interesting
way and is worth the effort for anyone desirous of learning about
the period. SEA/AIR
CHICAMAUGA * + GDW, $49.95
A tactical/operational study of the Battle of
Chicamauga, this game offers a plethora of detail, however, its
graphics are so primitive that they doom the game before it gets
started. One has come to expect more in graphics than this game can
begin to deliver! LAND
COMPUTER AMBUSH ***+ SSI, £29.99
A tactical man-to-man simulation of patrolling in
World War II. The graphics are primitive, but the details make up
for this deficiency to a large extent. LAND
GETTYSBURG: THE TIDE TURNS **** + SSI, £29.99
Similar to ANTIETAM, this tactical/operational
simulation of the most famous battle in American history is more
successful. Tense and complex, it is a fascinating game and a worthy
addition t
o
any gamer with the least interest in the American Civil War. Players
should choose to begin on the second day for a more familiar
simulation; the campaign scenario will generally result in positions
other than historical, but it is interesting to see the might-have-beens.
Highly recommended. LAND
GULF STRIKE * + Avalon Hill, $29.95
An operational simulation of contemporary combat in
southwest Asia (CENTCOM). Detail and historical complexities plus
orders of battle abound. But the graphics are enough to deter all
but the most determined. The map, in shades of orange and black,
resembles a Big Mac run amok or a sick Princetonian. An unworthy
conversion of a fine Mark Herman boardgame. LAND/SEA/AIR
IMPERIUM GALACTUM ** SSI, $39.95
A strategic space empire-building game, this is a
successor to COSMIC BALANCE II. More detailed, and potentially more
interesting. SPACE
KAMPFGRUPPE ***** SSI, £29.99
A tactical simulation of warfare on the Eastern Front
during World War II, this game was Computer Gaming World's Game of
the Year (1985). Multiple options abound; the only defect is the
lack of joystick input. Still, an essential addition to any
wargamer's library. LAND
KAMPFGRUPPE SCENARIO DISK 1 ** SSI, $21.95
Five additional scenarios for KAMPFGRUPPE; they are
not really necessary. Historical accuracy is subject to question in
some of the scenarios, and the basic game itself can recreate any
options the player wishes. LAND
MECH BRIGADE *** SSI, £29.99
KAMPFGRUPPE in modern warfare on the Central Front.
While the game bears an obvious resemblance to its predecessor, the
effects of ATGMs and hull-defilade firing positions raise questions
as to its accuracy. A welcome addition is the inclusion of smoke as
an obscuring force. LAND/AIR
OPERATION MARKET-GARDEN ** SSI, $49.95
A tactical/operational simulation of the World War II
airborne operation ('Monty's Folly'), this game suffers from poor
graphics; determining the road network is a lesson in frustration.
Also, moves may not be adjusted in mid-play, and overall, the clumsy
and unforgiving user interface dooms this simulation. LAND
RAILS WEST *** + SSI, $39.95
A strategic simulation of railroad expansion in the
United States during the 19th Century, this is not a wargame per se,
however, its economic 'warfare' and educational value make it a
fascinating product. ECONOMIC/LAND
REBEL CHARGE AT CHICKAMAUGA **** SSI, $59.95
A very playable simulation of the Civil War Battle of
Chickamauga, this product brings out the difficulties of the
confused conflict in the densely wooded terrain. LAND
ROMMEL: BATTLES FOR TOBRUK * + GDW, $34.95
Similar to CHICAMAUGA, this tactical/operational
simulation of World War II desert battles suffers from the same
defects. Detailed and complex, the graphics and slow execution doom
it as a playable simulation. The supply and air rules are the most
complex yet seen in a computer simulation, but sheer unplayability
and ennui will deter most players. LAND/AIR
U.S.A.A.F. **** + SSI, £29.99
An operational/strategic simulation of the Bomber
Offensive over Germany (1943-1945) on a daily basis. Scenarios range
from one month to two years. With German production and industrial
devastation the key, it is a fascinating product. Highly
recommended. AIR
WAR IN RUSSIA ***** SSI, £29.99
An operational/strategic simulation of the entire
Eastern Front (1941-1945), this game is easily learned and played.
Sheer size presents the difficulty; despite its size and problems
with the artificial intelligence in the later stages of the war,
this is an essential addition to the serious wargamer's library.
Several other companies are planning Eastern Front detailed
simulations, and they may well detract from War in Russia's appeal,
however, it is currently the only Atari product with such depth.
LAND
WARSHIP *** SSI, £29.99
A tactical simulation of Pacific surface naval
engagements (World War II). The play and documentation seem to gloss
over much-needed details as to what is (or should be) happening, and
therefore the game's main appeal is to true naval aficionados and
not to those with a marginal interest. SEA
THE MORIBUND
The final three
ARDENNES, BREAKTHROUGH IN THE ** SSI, S14.95
An operational simulation of the Battle of the Bulge,
this game suffers from poor graphics; determining the road network
is a lesson in frustration. Also, moves may not be adjusted in
mid-play, and overall, the clumsy user interface dooms this
simulation. LAND
OBJECTIVE: KURSK ** + SSI, $39.95
A tactical/operational simulation of the largest tank
battle in history. Extremely detailed, although user input is via
keyboard and somewhat tedious. Overall, somewhat bland as a result
of the game system utilized. LAND
REFORGER '88 ** + SSI, $59.95
A tactical/operational simulation of the next war in
Europe. More complex than NATO COMMANDER, but suffering from the
same defects as OBJECTIVE: KURSK!. Both games utilize the same game
system and seem to lack a game 'soul', although this game is
somewhat the more successful. LAND/AIR
_______________________
That's it. One of the most comprehensive surveys of
wargames for the Atari ever published. There are certainly a few
missed out, particularly those released by British companies. We
would be glad to hear from any dedicated wargaming reader with an
update in similar style which includes all U.K. games for
publication in a future issue.
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