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KILOBYTE (cont)
Carrier Force (N n a) [SSI, AT/C,
$59.95, Sea/Air] 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.
Computer Ambush (n n n I) [SSI,
A/AT/C, $59.95, Land] A tactical manto-man
simulation of patrolling in World
War II. The graphics are primitive, but
the details make up for this deficiency to a
large extent.
Europe Ablaze (s •N) [SSG, A/C,
$49.95, Air] A simulation recreating the
Battle of Britain and the Bomber Offensive
over Germany. Design-your own scenarios
allow a much greater flexibility, but
overall, the success of Carriers at War is
lacking.
Kampfgruppe ( mmmmm ) [SSI, A/AT/C,
$59.95, Land] 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.
Kampfgruppe Scenario Disk #1 n )
[SSI, AT/C, $21.95, Land] 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.
Operation Market Garden (n .) [SSI,
A/AT/C/I, $49.95, Land] 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.
Rommel: Battles For Tobruk Om A)
[GDW, AT/C, $34.95, Land/Air] Similar
to Chickamauga, 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
An Annotated Bibliography
of World War II
Simulations
Continued from pg. 7
players.
Under Fire. (. n n .) [AH, A, $59.95,
Land] A tactical simulation of World War
II infantry (with armored support). The
game is open-ended in that it has a
versatile map maker and strong scenario
builder.
U.S.A.A.F. (s n n n 1) [SSI, A/AT/C,
$59.95, Air] 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.
War In Russia ( mmmmm ) [SSI, A/AT,
$79.95, Land] 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 product
with such depth.
Warship (. n s) [SSI, A/AT/C, Sea] 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.
Advanced Level
(Moribund)
Ardennes, Breakthrough in the (It 1.)
[SSI, A/AT/C, $14.95, Land] 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.
Objective: Kursk n I) [SSI, AT/C,
$39.95, Land] 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.