Balance of Power (1990 edition)

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs

GAME DESIGNER:Chris Crawford
GAME DEVELOPER:Chris Crawford
GAME PUBLISHER:Freeware
Copyright 1989, Chris Crawford

This update of Chris Crawford’s seminal Balance of Power for Windows 1.0 features up-to-date information, 18 new countries (bringing the total to 80), and “multipolar level” in which countries can go to war of their own volition (you could, of course, take advantage of the situation by selling them arms or contribute troops). Perhaps as a response to players’ complaint of the steep learning curve of the first version, Chris added the “Crisis Advisory Board” who would give you advice during the crisis. Overall, an excellent update of the best cold war simulation ever made, here compiled and patched beautifully to run under Windows 95/98 by our resident cracker Mok. There’s no better geopolitical game on the market, even a decade after its release. If you have even a slight interest in politics, this game is a must-have.