Computer Wargames by Leslie King
Uncommon Valor
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I've always been a sucker for carrier games set in the Coral Sea area in WWII, so when I saw this one I had to get it. I've always fancied a game similar to "Flattop" and I was hoping that this would be it. The game was designed by Gary Grigsby and published by Matrix Games, who are starting to do some excellent games for the PC. Unfortunately you do not get a printed manual but yet again it's available on the disk - this is a trend I don't like but it seems to be more and more common these days. You can play the game against an opponent via e-mail or against the computer. My review is based on playing against the computer - which actually provides a decent AI opponent. |
In
the game you take the part of the overall commander in charge of the theatre and
you decide upon the overall strategy whilst letting the computer do most of the
detailed work. For example, search planes and search patterns are organised by
the computer and you receive a steady stream of sighting reports. At the start
of each turn you get a weather report, you then plan your moves and the computer
carries them out giving you results from searches and then the results of any
combat that has occurred. You can get a graphic display of every combat but it's
not worth the bother and I would suggest turning it off. Finally you get a list
of reinforcements ready for the next day.
It
is necessary to look at what you do and what the computer does. You set up task
forces give them their missions and then list their destination. For example,
your carrier TFs will have an air combat mission given - if they spot enemy TFs
they will automatically launch planes to attack. You can indicate the area in
which you want them to operate and they will move there and launch strikes on
any enemy TFs spotted - they will also launch strikes on enemy airfields too.
You can set a surface combat unit with a bombardment mission - click on an enemy
airbase and they will automatically attack. What you do not get to do is send
off or even plan the strikes yourself. It can be a bit frustrating, as you might
want your planes to go for one target only to find your carriers attack
something else instead. The computer might not send out the mix of planes you
want either, and there's nothing you can do about it.
You
also get to arrange supply TFs (though you can get the computer to do this for
you), place your subs, build bases, move troops, lay and clear mines. There is
so much to do that you need the computer to do much of the work for you
otherwise the game would be unplayable.
It
plays very well and it's one of the best computer games I've ever bought (one of
the most expensive too, but that's another matter). In my first big campaign as
the Japanese I've sunk all the American carriers whilst suffering damage to one
of mine. My bases are expanding and I have complete control of Guadalcanal.
Allied land based air and their subs have had a heavy toll on my ships and
planes and it's still too close to call. It’s all great fun if you like
controlling a game as theatre commander - someone interested in the tactical
side of games will find less of interest. Highly recommended!
The
map covers from Truk in the north to the Solomon Islands in the South and
Australia in the West. You don't get to fight over all that much of the map, but
there's plenty to do - especially if you get the upper hand and try to expand
your chain of bases. Victory points are given for capturing bases and sinking
enemy ships - you can check your progress at any time.
There's
a huge wealth of information about the game on the Matrix website with
discussion boards. There's also a "true upgrade" facility provided
with the game, which you can use to connect to the website and download patches
and upgrades automatically.
You can buy the game from the States or it's available at Strategic Plus in London, but expect to pay around £40. Matrix is working on a game using the same system covering the whole of the war in the Pacific - I can hardly wait.