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An Annotated Bibliography of
World War II Simulations
by M. Evan Brooks
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
shading between these parameters. In addition,
the primary medium must be considered:
land, sea and/or air. Finally, the
level of the simulation -- tactical (manto-man
up to company-level), operational
(battalion-level to division-level) and
strategic (corps-level to theater army or
higher). This review will delineate the
games available by levels of difficulty.
Within each level, the subject game will be
characterized by its medium, simulation
level and overall recommendation. Overall
recommendations are noted in the following
manner:
0 = avoid
n = minimally adequate, at best
nn = buy ONLY if interested in this period
nn n = recommended
nn n n = highly recommended
n n n n n = a MUST HAVE
Availability by computer is as follows:
A = Apple
AT Atari
C = Commodore
I = IBM
These ratings are the author's own,
and reflect a personal opinion as to the
"success" or lack thereof in 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
an inexpensive game can achieve a higher
rating than a marginally better, albeit
more expensive, product. Following each
Level are the Moribund Products -- no
longer available for sale, but often found in
close-outs and sales.
Introductory Level
Battalion Commander (..) [SSI,
A/AT/C, $39.95, Land) 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.
Field of Fire (n n n) [SSI, A/AT/C,
$39.95, Land] 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.
Fifty Mission Crush nn ) [SSI,
A/AT/C/I, $39.95, Air] A tactical recreation
of the bomber offensive against
Germany during World War II. Realistic
but dull, with little room for player abilities.
[Ed.: For a differing view see "50
Mission Crush: A 50 Mission Recall" in our
March 1987 issue #35]
Iwo Jima 1945/Falklands 1982 (N • .)
[Firebird, C, $19.95, Land] Simulations of
two amphibious invasions, these products
make up in price value what they lack in
historical accuracy. Good as an introduction
for the neophyte.
Panzer Grenadier (.• I) [SSI,
A/AT/C, $39.95, Land) 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 overemphasized, and
opportunity fire is hit-and-miss. Overall, a
solid game, but lacking panache.
Tigers in the Snow (• [SSI,
A/AT/C/I, $39.95, Land] 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.
Top Gunner (s n n) [MicroProse,
AT/C, $24.95, Air] Three arcade games in
a package; Air Rescue, 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.
Wargame Construction Set ( n n 1) [SSI,
AT/C, $29.95, Land] WCS is, basically,
the user-modifiable 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.
Introductory Level
(Moribund)
After Pearl (• n n 1) [SuperWare, AT,
$19.95, Sea/Air] 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
AH's board game Victory in the Pacific
[Ed. Note: Sometimes referred to as "Dice
in the Pacific."]. Recommended for the
novice.
Armor Assault (0) [Epyx, AT, Land]
Thankfully, no longer available, this game
of tactical armored warfare is guaranteed
to deter the most dedicated player.
Combat Leader (II .) [SSI, AT/C,
$14.95, Land] 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 may be discontinued shortly.
Eastern Front ( mmmmm ) [APX, AT,
Land] 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!!).
Flying Tigers (0) [Discovery, AT, Air]
A tactical air-to-air simulation of World
War II (Pacific Theater). The graphics, realism
and play value are sufficient to deter
anyone from further play.
Jagdstaffel (0) [Discovery, AT, Air] A
tactical game similar to Flying Tigers, only
occurring in the European Theater of Operations.
Just as bad as Flying Tigers.
Operation Whirlwind (• n I)
[Broderbund, AT, Land] The ancestor of
Field of Fire/Panzer Grenadier/Wargame
Construction Set, this tactical simulation
offers an urban assault during World War