Download issue cgw_37 - Computer Gaming World Museum

unit. Similarly, movement capabilities were masked beyond reason.
Historically, Napoleon Bonaparte carried a pair of calipers (preset)
in order to utilize map studies and determine when and where
he could coalesce his army into a massive strike force. Granted the
vagaries of combat and the chance of noncompliance with orders.
There is still some basis for ordering units with a reasonable expectation
of mission accomplishment. Such is missing herein. The
developer contends that this is a misconception by this reviewer.
Mr. Newburg feels that this reviewer has attempted to view this
product through the perspective of a modern military officer and
that World War II staff officers did not perform their duties in the
way that contemporary military officers do. Thus, Mr. Newburg
feels that this reviewer's military experience has worked against an
unbiased view of the design. This reviewer remains unconvinced.
The designer's comments note that this is a "case history simulation...
If you can imagine the difficulty of this kind of a situation,
and if you think you are up to it, try playing this game a few
times. But if this isn't your cup of tea... if, when you bought this
game, you expected to have perfect control over what was happening,
to know everything there was to know, and not to have to
answer to anyone for your actions... then perhaps you should have
bought a board game. or one of those computer games with lots of
pretty pictures from another company. Stalingrad Campaign is for
those players who can think, and deduce. its for those who can
cope with reality." By implication, this states that this product is
for those players who can think and deduce, and not for the bulk
of garners. This hubris cannot be justified given the state of SC. At
best, it is self-serving.
Game Play
As noted in the documentation, German allies are notoriously
unreliable. Italian Corps will seldom be able to stand in the main
battle line given their poor staffing and morale. Hungarian and
Rumanian units fare slightly better. Insofar as tactical expertise is
concerned, long-range targets should be selected if at all possible.
This permits the staff to handle the orders without tiring itself by
constant revisions to operations plans (in reality, there is nothing
so frustrating as finishing an ops plan only to have it superseded
immediately by a new one due in another few hours).
However, the game play itself constrains the player. The German
must initially take advantage of his numerical and equipment
superiority. No matter how successful his play, the German will
eventually be forced to assume the defensive. The Russian offensive
cannot be avoided, but only blunted by defensive maneuver.
Again, maximum long-range use of objectives coupled with recognition
of when and where to yield territory is the key to victory.
Unfortunately, this compels an ahistorical response in that the
player, responding to history as he knows it, will suspend his offensive
in order to assume the defensive. A Soviet offensive surprise
can be avoided by the German, and should be if victory is
one's goal.
Conclusion
Simulations Canada's hybrid of board and computer wargames
is an interesting concept. While not part of the mainstream in either
sphere, the company has staked out a small niche of dedicated
gamers. The basic problem with board and counter assists to the
computer is a space consideration. Most computer owners do not
have the space next to their computer for easy accessibility.
However, this writer recommends that any serious wargamer
should consider having a Simulations Canada product in his library.
The naval simulations appear to be both more historical
and more interesting as studies. The design approach is more successful
on the open seas than constricted on the land masses.
Bill Nichols feels that though "most gamers weaned on board
games would find this disconcerting," the priority in the design
was to utilize the headquarters as critical elements together with
the abilities of the commanders. Although SC offers some innovative
concepts, it does not succeed as a total product.