Category: Strategy and War Games

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Mindcraft GAME PUBLISHER:Mindcraft Copyright 1993, Mindcraft Mindcraft’s last game and follow-up to the horrendous Tegel’s Mercenaries boasts many improvements over its predecessor, best of which is the thankfully halfway competent AI that is now capable of halting your advances. Control a team of mercenaries…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Dan Cermak GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1989, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) In grognard M. Evan Brooks‘ opinion, this game is “… similar to the boardgame Hitler’s War , except the computer interface was much more awkward. The graphics were…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Norm Koger GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1988, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Norm Koger’s first game published by SSI was severely marred by a weak manual which, through SSI’s “liberal” editing, deleted eleven pages of necessary information and made the…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Mike Singleton GAME DEVELOPER:MicroProse GAME PUBLISHER:MicroProse Copyright 1996, MicroProse This relatively obscure space strategy game is definitely not the finest hour of Mike Singleton (of Midwinter 1 & 2 and Lords of Midnight fame) due to almost nonexistent plot and uninspired gameplay which makes you stare…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Trevor Sorensen GAME DEVELOPER:Supernova Creations GAME PUBLISHER:Mindcraft Copyright 1992, Mindcraft Designed as a spin-off of Star Fleet 2 by Trevor Sorensen, designer of Interstel’s classics Star Fleet 1 and 2, Star Legions is set in the same Krellan universe– but unfortunately legal complications forced the designers…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Trevor Sorensen GAME DEVELOPER:Interstel GAME PUBLISHER:Interstel Copyright 1989, Interstel As if Star Fleet 1 weren’t complex enough, Interstel outdid itself with the sequel a year later that simulates even more ship systems, with many more commands and a more sophisticated combat model. The added complexity, unfortunately,…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Trevor Sorensen GAME DEVELOPER:Interstel GAME PUBLISHER:Interstel Copyright 1986, Interstel No doubt the most complex space combat simulation games ever released, and one the most complex games in general, Star Fleet 1 packs an amazing amount of gameplay and realism less than 200KB of space. In a…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:German Design Group GAME PUBLISHER:RAW Entertainment Copyright 1992, RAW Entertainment One of the first releases from dedicated developer German Design Group is a disappointing exploration game set in the “Age of Exploration” of Europe. Despite good first impressions (e.g. the variety of goods and…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Sleepless Knights GAME PUBLISHER:MicroProse Copyright 1992, Sleepless Knights Special Forces is a top-down tactical strategy game with sharp graphics, diverse missions, and a plethora of weapons and commando gadgets to use. Unfortunately, these strengths quickly drown under dubious enemy AI, cumbersome interface, and lack…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Peter Commons GAME DEVELOPER:Delta Tao GAME PUBLISHER:New World Computing Copyright 1995, Delta Tao Unarguably one of the best “quickie” two-player strategy games ever made, Spaceward Ho! combines zany humor and solid game engine into an addictive beer-and-pretzel strategy game where up to 10 players compete to…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Andy Jones & Nick Wilson GAME DEVELOPER:Games Workshop GAME PUBLISHER:Electronic Arts Copyright 1994, Games Workshop A fun tactical wargame based on Games Workshop’s renown Warhammer 40,000 universe, Space Hulk combines a faithful depiction of the excellent strategic choices of a Warhammer boardgame, including authentic space marines…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Gremlin GAME PUBLISHER:Gremlin Copyright 1992, Gremlin Space Crusade is a follow-up of sorts to Gremlin’s underrated Hero Quest. Like its predecessor, Space Crusade is an excellent tactical turn-based wargame based on a Games Workshop boardgame, this time the more famous Warhammer 40,000 universe. A…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:PSS GAME PUBLISHER:PSS Copyright 1988, PSS Sorceror Lord is a fun but *extremely* difficult single-scenario fantasy wargame due to the near invisibility of enemy forces and tough computer opponent. Tasked to gather the forces of Galanor to stem the advancing army of the Shadowlord,…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1988, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) This recommended underdog, and quite rare I might add, is set in the Revolutionary War. You can fight in any of 3 Scenarios including Bunker…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Andrew Visscher & Bruce Williams Zaccagnino GAME DEVELOPER:Quantum Quality Productions (QQP) GAME PUBLISHER:Quantum Quality Productions (QQP) Copyright 1992, Quantum Quality Productions (QQP) This is the BEST solitaire game I’ve ever played, period. The game not only has the standard single and tournament play, but also two…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Andrei Snegov GAME DEVELOPER:DOKA GAME PUBLISHER:DOKA Copyright 1992, DOKA Shortline is an excellent beer-and-pretzel realtime railroad management game that eschews complicated financial aspects (as in A-Train) and all realistic factors in favor of the pure joy of creating a miniature railroad. You goal is to assure…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Ishi Press International GAME PUBLISHER:Ishi Press International Copyright 1991, Ishi Press International Shogi is a Japanese variant of chess where you can return your opponent’s captured pieces to the game, but on your side instead! There are many other rule differences (and unique pieces)…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1985, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) “SSI’s first rendition of Civil War, The battle, it was a true “beer-and-pretzels” type of game. Easy to learn and play, it was marred by…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Dani Bunten GAME DEVELOPER:Ozark Softscape GAME PUBLISHER:Electronic Arts Copyright 1985, Ozark Softscape From Brian Moriarty’s tribute to Dani Bunten: “Seven Cities of Gold was a solid commercial triumph. It brought together real-time action, strategy and exploration in a historical adventure with a genuine smudge of educational…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Klaus Teuber GAME DEVELOPER:Freeware GAME PUBLISHER:Freeware Copyright 1998, Kosmos Verlag Settlers of Catan is a great computer version of a popular board wargame. The players in the game are settlers in the undeveloped land of Catan. You build roads, towns, and cities along the edges of…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Gary Grigsby GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1990, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) “The Eastern Front of World War II, covered from start to finish. Different levels allowed one to see losses taken down to squad level. One could replace commanders,…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:James R. Jones III GAME DEVELOPER:Software Sorcery GAME PUBLISHER:Microplay Copyright 1992, Microplay Sea Rogue is one of my most favorite underdogs of all time: it’s eminently playable, fun, refreshing, original, and yet not many people have heard of it. Designed by ex-Navy veterans at Software Sorcery,…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Virgin Interactive GAME PUBLISHER:Virgin Interactive Copyright 1990, Virgin Interactive A great version of classic boardgame, Scrabble Deluxe features excellent AI with 9 different skill levels to suit both novices and experts, up to 4-player hotseat games, and a clean mouse-based interface. Many options, such…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Philippe Ulrich GAME DEVELOPER:Cryo Interactive GAME PUBLISHER:Ravensburger Interactive Copyright 1998, Ravensburger Interactive Scotland Yard is a faithful PC version of the popular board game of the same name, developed by Cryo in collaboration with Ravensburger (publisher of the board game). Gameplay is easy to understand but…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Thomas Carbone & Maurice Molyneaux GAME DEVELOPER:Impressions GAME PUBLISHER:Impressions Copyright 1993, Impressions One of the most replayable games of all time, Rules of Engagement 2is a strategic starship combat that could be integrated with tactical-level Breach 3. The interface, although logical, is dauntingly detailed. Those who…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Maurice Molyneaux GAME DEVELOPER:Omnitrend GAME PUBLISHER:Omnitrend Copyright 1991, Omnitrend One of the most replayable games of all time, Rules of Engagement 1 is a strategic starship combat that could be integrated with tactical-level Breach 2. The interface, although logical, is dauntingly detailed. Those who take the…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Roger Keating & Ian Trout GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Studies Group (SSG) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Studies Group (SSG) Copyright 1990, Strategic Studies Group (SSG) The battles in North Africa, 1941-1943, were like no other up to that point in World War II. It was fought almost entirely in the…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Kou Shibusawa GAME DEVELOPER:KOEI GAME PUBLISHER:KOEI Copyright 1992, KOEI After the disappointingly easy Romance of Three Kingdoms 2, KOEI revamped the whole engine and introduce many enhancements for the third game in its flagship series. The results are mostly positive, although some might argue that the…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Kou Shibusawa GAME DEVELOPER:KOEI GAME PUBLISHER:KOEI Copyright 1990, KOEI The sequel to KOEI’s excellent Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a somewhat inferior game. As opposed to a balanced gameplay of the first game which requires you to use both strategic and tactical prowess to win,…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Kou Shibusawa GAME DEVELOPER:KOEI GAME PUBLISHER:KOEI Copyright 1989, KOEI Without a doubt, KOEI’s flagship Romance of The Three Kingdoms games are some of the best and most original historical strategy games ever made. Based on the classic Chinese epic of the same name, choose to play…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Dani Bunten GAME DEVELOPER:Ozark Softscape GAME PUBLISHER:Electronic Arts Copyright 1987, Ozark Softscape From Brian Moriarty’s tribute to Dani Bunten: “Heart of Africa was to be the last product Ozark ever designed for a single user. In fact, their next design took the multiplayer option to a…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Ed Killam GAME DEVELOPER:Maxis GAME PUBLISHER:Maxis Copyright 1991, Maxis This fast and fun futuristic tactical strategy game is among the best “beer and pretzel” multiplayer games ever made. Despite a disappointing single-player mode (where entering commands for robots takes forever), the game is a lot of…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Greg Goheen GAME DEVELOPER:RAW Entertainment GAME PUBLISHER:RAW Entertainment Copyright 1994, RAW Entertainment Rise of the West is a fun political wargame based on SPI’s outstanding Empire of the Middle Ages boardgame that focuses on the rise of Western powers at the beginning of the 14th century.…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Starbyte GAME PUBLISHER:Starbyte Copyright 1991, Starbyte Yet another pair of Amiga cult classics that did poorly on the PC, Rings of Medusa casts you as a prince of the kingdom who must amass armies and find ancient rings to defeat the Medusa that took…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Starbyte GAME PUBLISHER:Starbyte Copyright 1990, Starbyte Yet another pair of Amiga cult classics that did poorly on the PC, Rings of Medusa casts you as a prince of the kingdom who must amass armies and find ancient rings to defeat the Medusa that took…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:PSS GAME PUBLISHER:Konami Copyright 1992, PSS This fun tactical wargame set in the Middle Earth features cool units (including Frodo and Aragorn), varied missions, and good graphics and music. Definitely a “light” game in that there aren’t many field options, and the combat model…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Richard Carr GAME DEVELOPER:Carr Software GAME PUBLISHER:Carr Software Copyright 1997, Carr Software Richard Carr’s Treasure Island is the second and, unfortunately, last game from Carrsoft, the developer of shareware classic Capture the Flag. The game is based on an intriguing (but little-known) outdoor game invented by…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Ed Bever GAME DEVELOPER:Britannica GAME PUBLISHER:Britannica Copyright 1990, Britannica Revolution ’76 and No Greater Glory are grand wargames covering the entire U.S. Revolution. You choose to be either Lincoln or Davis and you must deal with politics, cabinet choices, internal bickering, appointments and firings of generals…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Csaba Gyarmati GAME DEVELOPER:Digital Reality GAME PUBLISHER:Merit Studios Copyright 1994, Digital Reality Reunion is a worthy attempt from Amnesty Design (now Digital Reality) that follows in the grand tradition of space exploration / strategy games pioneered by Starflight. The game suffers from shortcomings that are similar…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1990, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Based on an excellent but little-known FASA boardgame of the same name, Renegade is a ship-to-ship space combat simulation that was among the first games to feature turn-based gameplay…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Norm Koger GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1989, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) “A simulation of World War III in Central Europe. The game had some interesting concepts (e.g., forward deployment of subordinate units albeit at a cost of added fatigue),…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Copyright 1985, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) Landrey and Kroegel’s second Civil War game after Shiloh is identical to its predecessor in every respect except for the battlefield. Rebel Charge at Chickamauga…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Steve Turner GAME DEVELOPER:Graftgold GAME PUBLISHER:Electronic Arts Copyright 1990, Graftgold An early fantasy strategy game, the goal in Realms is by now a familiar fare: recruit armies of humans, orcs, and other creatures to conquer the known world. For its time however, the game features an…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Roger Keating & Ian Trout GAME DEVELOPER:Strategic Studies Group (SSG) GAME PUBLISHER:Strategic Studies Group (SSG) Copyright 1986, Strategic Studies Group (SSG) The first time I read about Reach for the Stars was in a computer magazine at the local library, after reading about 10 lines of…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Steve Magestro GAME DEVELOPER:Quantum Quality Productions (QQP) GAME PUBLISHER:Quantum Quality Productions (QQP) Copyright 1995, Quantum Quality Productions (QQP) The first in an aborted Pure Wargame series, this late WW II game was disappointing in every respect: poor AI, confusing interface, and badly written manual. As loyal…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Mike Lorensen GAME DEVELOPER:US Gold GAME PUBLISHER:Accolade Copyright 1986, Accolade One of the earliest real-time space combat / trading / strategy game was well ahead of its time for its blend of trading and combat that preceded EA’s classic Starflight by a few years. A hit…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Peter Molyneux GAME DEVELOPER:Bullfrog GAME PUBLISHER:Bullfrog Copyright 1993, Bullfrog One of the most underrated Bullfrog games ever, this is an accessible wargame similar to its more popular cousin Populous, but this time you’re a military commander instead of a god, and therefore your “powers” are more…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER: GAME DEVELOPER:Impressions GAME PUBLISHER:Impressions Copyright 1995, Impressions After simulating the automobile industry with Detroit, Impressions turns its attention to the oft-neglected but imminently crucial energy sector. Here you must micro-manage power plants and lay power lines across the country. The game’s over-ambitious attempt to incorporate…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Peter Molyneux GAME DEVELOPER:Bullfrog GAME PUBLISHER:Electronic Arts Copyright 1992, Bullfrog Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods is a great sequel to one of the most unique computer games ever made. It was unfortunately not as successful, although every aspect of the game has been improved…

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs GAME DESIGNER:Stefan Kurth GAME DEVELOPER:Cybernetic Corporation GAME PUBLISHER:MicroProse Copyright 1994, Software 2000 In one of the most original strategy games, the premise of Pizza Tycoon is unique: you are a pizza guru/businessman/gangster who must build up a reputable chain of pizza restaurants while dealing with mafias, picky…