" FAQ for c.s.i.p.g.s Beta 2 (2/2), comments invited?
Cloudman
Note -this is far from complete - ultmately I intend to get all entries to a
standard similar to the Civ2 one, for example. I've made a start on the more
common games that are talked about at the moment - I figured it was more
important to get something out than to make everything perfect wasting several
weeks at the start of the academic year, with several big games due out.
I can probably manage to find all the official stuff myself, thanks. If
people want to write a section on a game that's not here, you will of course
be credited. Apologies for the size - the frightening thing is how it's so
incomplete!
ABOUT THIS FAQ
Version - Part 2, Beta 2, released 21/Oct/96.
This version has lots more added to it, undergone considerable rewrites, and
I've checked out all links in the A-C sections - would have been much more if
it wasn't for Microprose (urgghh!).
Copyright 1996 Alastair Ainslie (ain...@cloud9.u-net.com). All rights
reserved.
Not for commercial redistribution without my explicit permission.
All trademarks and other rights acknowledged.
All suggestions welcomed (especially mailing lists), all flames ignored.
This is part two of the Frequently Asked Questions for the
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic newsgroup, containing a list of the games
discussed in c.s.i.p.g.s, along with references to homepages, patches, demos
etc. Part 1 dealing with general issues is posted separately. If you're
looking for a patch or demo, I strongly recommend you use this document to
find out the name of the patch, and then use ftpsearch or Altavista (see Part
1) to find it on a local server - it'll be much quicker and reduce
long-distance Net traffic. You can always use the link below if that doesn't
work. Gamesdomain and OGR (see part 1) and other games sites often have such
files as well. If possible, I have given Gamesdomain links, just because it
has two mirrors which you can reach by replacing gamesdomain.co.uk with
gamesdomain.com or .ru as appropriate. Again using these mirrors is quicker
and reduces bandwidth demands. I've listed places to get reviews in Part 1 -
I started listing them individually for each game, but it started getting
ridiculous.
Facts in this document will change faster than I can keep up with them, so I'd
really appreciate an email (ain...@cloud9.u-net.com) about any changes (at
least in A-C, as I haven't double checked the rest of it yet). Also any extra
games that should be included - I've just been concentrating on the current
'biggies'.
NOTE - I have snipped off any 'the's and other articles at the beginning of
titles, and spelt out numbers, so for example 3rd Reich will be found under
THIRD REICH.
AVAILABILITY
I will post the betas to comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic for discussion
purposes as they happen - there will probably be one more after this, in early
November. After that I will post it to comp.binaries.ibm.pc until I get it
approved to go in news.answers, which is where it belongs. I will also be
making it available on the Web, first as a zip file, then as HTML.
SOURCES
In order :
1. My own exeprience of the games or their demos
2. Developers' and publishers' websites
3. Other websites such as Gamesdomain - mostly just technical stuff - some
publishers don't even bother to say what OS the game uses!
4. comp.sys.ibm.pc.strategic itself, although I try to double check such
material.
***Microprose have finally revamped their website, so many MPS URLs may no
longer work.
http://www.microprose.com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/gameslist.html
has an index.
ACROSS THE RHINE
Abbreviation : AtR
Publisher : Microprose
Demo : ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/demos/atrvesa.zip
Battalion-level sim of the tank battles in the closing months of WWII, with
the ability to switch to first-person view in each tank. Apparently not bad
as a strategy game, but horrible as a tactical tank battle. Some people like
it, most don't.
FAQs : http://happypuppy.com/games/avatarx/faqs/atrhine.zip
ADVANCED CIVILIZATION
Publisher : Avalon Hill
Official website : http://members.aol.com/ahgames/comp05.html
Patch to v1.01 : ftp://members.aol.com/yogrendel/pub/ac_101.zip
After the huge success of Microprose's Civilization (qv), loosely based on
AH's board games Civilization and Advanced Civilization, AH thought they
better port AC themselves. Too late... Almost identical to the boardgame, so
if you liked that, you'll like computer AC.
If you've not played the boardgame, you'll probably prefer Microprose Civ2 or
CivNET instead.
Unofficial site : http://www.lilback.com/civilization/ah/computer.html
AFTERLIFE
Abbreviation : Afterlife
Publisher : LucasArts (Michael Stemmle)
Platforms : DOS CD-ROM SVGA and Mac
Released : 5/96 ish
Home page : http://www.lucasarts.com/static/afterlife/afterlifemenu.htm
Multiplayer : No?
8bit sound fix : http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/patches/after.html
Demo (10.5Mb) : http://www.lucasarts.com/static/afterlife/demo.htm
Interesting take on the SimCity theme where you have to manage Heaven and/ or
Hell. You have to attract souls by zoning and building structures - poor
planning of traffic flow and zoning is actually rewarded in Hell. Lots of
nice touches. There's a glossary in the official FAQ, along with equations
for how things work. Quite confusing at first, but enjoyable enough for a
while
Official FAQ : http://www.lucasarts.com/static/afterlife/afterlifefaq.htm
Unofficial FAQ http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~doyama/afterlife.html
Hacked save game http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/3805/
AGE OF RIFLES
Abbreviation : AOR
Publisher : SSI (Norm Koger)
Platform : DOS CD-ROM
Released : 96
Official website : http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/rifles/index.html
Mindscape site :
http://www.mindscape.com/msgames/Entertainment/AgeRifles/index.html
Multiplayer : PBEM
Demo (4.1Mb) : ftp://ftp.ssionline.com/pub/demos/aordemo.exe
Extra text files : http://www.onr.com/user/nkoger/
Latest version : 1.01
Patch location : ftp://ftp.ssionline.com/pub/updates/aor101.exe
Third in SSI's Wargame Construction Set series (qv Tanks!). Turn-based.
Build armies and fight the campaigns of the last century (more or less) :
Expansion of the British Empire, Mexican-American War, Prussian Unification,
Russo-Japanese War and the USA Civil War (2). THE big hex-based wargame of
the moment. Norm's now talking of an Age of Muskets prequel. Needs MSCDEX
2.23
Scenarios : http://ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu/~kklemme/scenario.htm
: http://www.swlink.net/~milo/aor/
Novastar scenarios http://www.vfr.net/~novastar/rifles.htm
AGE OF SAIL
Scheduled : Autumn 96
Abbreviation : AOS
Publisher : Talonsoft
Official website : http://www.talonsoft.com/
Multiplayer : some kind of head-to-head option
Screenshot : ftp://www.talonsoft.com/pub/talonsoft/aos.gif
Realtime sim of naval battles 1774-1820, from one-on-one up to Trafalgar.
Ships include Victory, Constitution and the Espanol. Also features scenario
editor and campaign game in the navies of Britain, France, Spain or the US.
Shame noone told the webmaster that the French had something to do with the
battle of Trafalgar.
Looks interesting - screenshot suggests the game's played from a
helicopter's-eye view. _The_ competition for WS&IM, and like WS&IM, is now
discussed in c.s.i.p.g.naval.
AIDE DE CAMP
Official website : http://www.cris.com/~sturmer/newadc.html
Latest version : 1.18
Patch location : http://members.aol.com/gsturmer/adc-118.exe
System for converting hex-based board wargmaes to PBEM
ALLIED GENERAL
Abbreviation : AG
Publisher : SSI
Platform : Windows 95/ Mac
Released :
Official website : http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/allied/index.html
Multiplayer : PBEM
Latest version : 1.1
Patch location : ftp://ftp.ssionline.com/pub/updates/ag_v101.exe
Demo : ftp://ftp.ssionline.com/pub/demos/AGDEMO.EXE
Sequel to Panzer General with a slightly improved engine & more balanced
scenarios. Less focussed than PzG, as you can play any of the three Allies.
Can lock up in Win 3.x (presumably with Win32?), but not Win95 - see FAQ. Demo
also available in parts - AGDEMO.A01 etc.
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Abbreviation : ACW
Developer : Adanac Command Systems
Publisher : Interactive Magic
Platforms : Needs Win95 for full music, can work under Windows 3.x SVGA
CD-ROM
Official website : http://www.imagicgames.com/acw.dir/acw.html
Multiplayer : No?
Latest version : 3.0M
Patch : ftp://ftp.imagicgames.com/pub/patches/acw/acwpatch.zip
Ptch needs new map ftp://ftp.imagicgames.com/pub/patches/acw/map.zip
Demo : ftp://ftp.imagicgames.com/pub/demos/acw/acwdemo.zip
One of the best Civil War-only strategy games with decent AI and bugfree.
Some people don't like the interface nor the lack of a tactical display. Some
people report a lot of disk churning - I think the patch helps with 8Mb
machines.
Editor : ftp://ftp.imagicgames.com/pub/patches/acw/editor.zip
BATTLECRUISER 3000
Abbreviation : BC3K
Developer : 3000AD (Derek Smart)
Publisher : Take 2 Interactive Software
Distributors : Acclaim (N. America) Gametek (Europe)
Released : 10/96
Official page : http://www.take2games.com/battle.html
Latest version : 1.00a (1.00b on 1/Nov/96)
Manual patch offer:http://www.take2games.com/~t2supprt/man.html
7 years in the making, and all people can talk about is the manual, or rather
the inadequacy of the 30 page pamphlet in the box. Apparently this was 153
pages originally, and Derek will be publishing this on the Web, blaming Take2
for editing it. Meanwhile Take2 are offering registered users the manual to
the Xmas 95 non-release for free (see URL) while they work out a patch to the
manual (!). Some people have complained vociferously about bugs; it seems to
be memory hungry (say 600Kb free) and to not like QEMM's Stealth feature. The
180Mb(!) full install may help here too; alternatively, try the minimum 30Mb.
There are also some completed bis that missed the CD mastering. Patch v1.00a
was released 21/Oct/96; patch 1.00b will be released on 1/Nov/96; Derek's
original combat AI will be incorporated in a mid-November patch. For details
see Dejanews and search for Derek's post 'BC3K Patch News'. The European
version will have a new manual and the v1.00b program - nice to have the
manual beta tested for us!
Take2 were responsible for the combat sequences, which are accurate -
everything happens at half the speed of light and are unplayable, whilst the
AI is a bit stupid. On the other hand, Derek's much-vaunted neural net
creates a believable universe to immerse you in - sadly it doesn't control the
combat AI. There's always lots going on - it's not just you vs. the universe.
Oh, and the game - you control a Battlecruiser with 4 fighters (controllable
separately), fighting the Gammulans. Kind of Elite meets Carrier Command,
although a space version of Across the Rhine might be a more appropriate
analogy.
There seems to be a deep, complex game in here, there's little doubt of that,
but wait for the patch and the availability of a full manual (or move to
Europe).
Keyboard chart : http://www.take2games.com/~t2supprt/bckeys.html
Technical FAQ : http://www.westol.com/~t2supprt/bc3k.html
Pre-release FAQ : http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/9579/bnew.txt
Unofficial pages : http://www.worldaccess.nl/~schmitzp/bc3000ad.html
Screen shots : http://www.rcsn.nb.ca/alumni/truemang/bc3000ad.htm
BATTLEGROUND 1: ARDENNES, 2: GETTYSBURG, 3: WATERLOO, 4: SHILOH, 5: ANTIETAM
Publisher : Talonsoft
Official website : http://www.talonsoft.com/briefing.html
Successful wargame series. Lots of patches etc. on the official website
BG3:W page : http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~mst
BATTLEGROUND 6: SINAI
Scheduled : Autumn 96
Publisher : Talonsoft
Official website : http://www.talonsoft.com/intelligence.html
There have been suggestions that BG:6 may be Bull Run (with both Manassas
battles) followed by Prelude to Waterloo, but the Sinai one is the one listed
on the Talonsoft page <shrug>.
BATTLE ISLE 3 (Europe) / BATTLE ISLE 2220 (N. America) : SHADOW OF THE EMPEROR
Abbreviation : BI3
Publisher : Bluebyte (Germany)
Platform : Windows 95 SVGA CD-ROM
Released :
Official website : http://www.bluebyte.com/us/products/bi2220/bi2220.htm
(see : http://www.bluebyte.com/ for UK and deutsche links)
Multiplayer : Up to 6 IPX
Patch location : Who needs one, this game was coded by Germans <g>!!
Demo : ftp://ftp.bluebyte.com/public/demos/bi2220.zip
Has been described as being like Perfect General 2 with a dose of Dune 2.
Build towns, factories etc. to create tanks, planes, ships.
Like a BMW 3 series - glossy, mechanically sound, but uninspired.
Unofficial site : http://www.logonvision.de/gameworld/bi3/
BROKEN ALLIANCE
Description : http://www.cris.com/~sturmer/broken.htm
Add-on for Panthers in the Shadows (qv)
CAPITALISM
Abbreviation : Cap
Developer : Enlight Software
Publisher : Interactive Magic
Platform : DOS CD-ROM SVGA, Mac
Released : 11/95
Official websites: http://www.enlight.com/cap.htm
: http://www.imagicgames.com/capitalism.dir/capitalism.html
Multiplayer : PBEM & hotseat added in v1.1
Latest version : 1.1
Patch location : ftp://ftp.enlight.com/capp110.exe
Demo : ftp://ftp.imagicgames.com/pub/demos/capdemo1.exe
The real-time business strategy game - incorporates retailing, manufacturing,
mining, farming, management, marketing, financial management, accounting,
economics and the stock market.
FAQ : http://www.enlight.com/capfaq.htm
Unofficial FAQ : http://www.enlight.com/capstrat.htm
CAPITALISM PLUS
Scheduled : Christmas 96
Platform : Windows 95 and DOS
Official website : http://www.enlight.com/capplus.htm
Capitalism rerelease with some new features, random events and scenario
editor. Maps 4x bigger, new products, scenarios and maps.
CAPITALISM 2
Scheduled : Autumn 97
Will have full multiplayer capabilities and a lot of new game features.
CARRIERS AT WAR
Official website : http://www.ssg.com.au/index_files/carriers_home.html]
Simulation of naval air warfare in the 1930's and WWII. The Complete Carriers
at War is now available and contains CAW I, CAW II, the CAW Construction Kit,
and all scenarios.
Website : http://www.rapidramp.com/wize/
Now in comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.naval
CASTLES 2: SIEGE AND CONQUEST
Publisher : Interplay
Platform : DOS CD-ROM & floppy
Official website : http://www.interplay.com/games/saleca2.html
Demo : ftp://ftp1.interplay.com/pub/demos/castdemo.zip
"You want to be King of France. But to get it, you've got to build an empire
by forging diplomatic alliances with power-hungry barons, mine the land for
valuable minerals, feed your people and defend your land. Accomplish these
tasks, defeat your opponents and you've got the job!"
strategy guide http://www.interplay.com/hint/armchair.html
CAVEWARS
Scheduled : 11/96
Publisher : Avalon Hill
Official website : http://members.aol.com/ahgames/comp05.html
Multiplayer : 'Up to 5 players'
Think MOO with caverns replacing star systems, and a magical flavour. Hmmm.
We'll see.
CIVIL WAR GENERAL
Abbreviation : CWG
Publisher : Sierra
Platform : Windows 3.x
Official website : http://www.sierra.com/entertainment/civilwar/
Multiplayer : "Modem and Network play"
Scenarios : ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/funstuff/civilsn1.exe
Command the Army of Northern Virginia through 8 battles of the US Civil War
with a multimedia history of the war. Strategic elements to campaign mode, but
you can fight individual battles too.
CIVILIZATION
Abbreviation : Civ1
Publisher : Microprose (Sid Meier)
Platforms : MS-DOS and Windows versions (and Mac, Amiga, consoles?).
(Freeware X-windows port at
http://www.daimi.aau.dk/~allan/freeciv.html)
Released : Ages ago - 1991?
Official website : None at http://www.microprose.com
Multiplayer : No (see CivNET)
Demo : ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/demos/civdem.zip
Manual supplement:
http://www.microprose.com/ftp/mps-online/new-versions/civ3.txt
Various patches/ sound drivers at
http://www.microprose.com/ftp/mps-online/new-versions/
along with various editors, cheats, a jukebox(!) and MPS FAQs
One of the classic strategy games of all time, although the overhead 2D
graphics now seem crude. You must shepherd a nation from the Stone Age to the
space race, in military and economic competition with computer players,
gaining territory, scientific advances, money and Wonders of the World.
Superceded by CivNET and Civilization 2, but still highly playable.
There is a nasty bug that causes a crash when the Domestic advisor has no more
advice to give. This can be avoided by turning off the advisors.
FAQ : http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/civfaq1.html
Website : http://www.lilback.com/civilization/
Book : Sid Meier's Civilization, or Rome on 640K a Day
by Johnny Wilson and Alan Emrich. ISBN 1-55958-191-3
CIVNET
Abbreviation : Civnet
Publisher : Microprose (Sid Meier?)
Platforms : Windows 3.x (95 compatible)
Multiplayer : modem, hotseat, IPX/SPX, NetBIOS, TCP/IP
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/civnet.html
Latest version : 1.02 (15 march 1996)and needs it
Patch location :
ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/new-versions/civnetp3.zip
Demo : See Civ1
Review : http://www.zdnet.com/gaming/content/960320/rev1/main.html
At last, a multiplayer version of Civ! What more do you want? The thinking
man's Deathmatch - but clear your diary first!
There used to be a Microprose FAQ and a player registry, but they've got lost
in their site reorganisation - try:
http://www.microprose.com/corporatedesign/techsupport/techsupp.html
Setting up : http://www.iag.net/~jlehett/civtech.html
Websites : http://206.84.2.5/dm/games/civnet.html
: http://www.ualberta.ca/~wtsang/civnet.html
Pictures and maps: http://www.wam.umd.edu/~tjsjr/civpics.html
IRC #civnet page : http://www.radix.net/~mikes/civnet.html
Challenge board : http://www.wizweb.com/arena/civnet/
Email : majo...@jagunet.com with message 'subscribe civnet-list'
Usenet : alt.games.civnet (quiet, but increasingly taken over by
Civ2)
CIVILIZATION 2
Abbreviation : Civ2
Publisher : Microprose (Brian Reynolds)
Platform : Windows 3.x (95 compatible) CD-ROM
Released : 4/96
Official website : http://www.microprose.com/gamesdesign/civ2/civ2.html and
MPS What's new
Multiplayer? : No*
Latest version : 2.42 (9 October 1996)- enables 32 bit Video for Windows
Patch location :
ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/new-versions/civ242.zip
Demo : None on-line - but has been seen on magazine CDs in the UK
Review : http://www.avault.com/yarlen/civ2.html
Gameplay is much the same as Civilisation. The game now has 3D isometric
view, prettier graphics, new units, new Wonders, and more diplomacy options.
There was a text file listing the differences between Civ1 & 2, but it no
longer seems to exist.
The game can be infinitely customised by changing RULES.TXT and using the map
editor and cheat-menu-cum-scenario-editor. Microprose are planning to release
a scenario disk, but there's plenty on the Web. If you liked Civilisation,
you'll love Civ2; it's a must-have whether you're a Civ1 pro or completely new
to this kind of game. However, with a big empire, you do end up having a lot
of micromanagement to do.
*Some remains of multiplayer development work are left in GAME.TXT but despite
repeated calls in c.s.i.p.g.s, Microprose has _NO_ plans to implement this
:-(((
Technical FAQ : http://www.microprose.com/ftp/mps-online/help/civ2faq.txt
FAQ list : http://www.dreamscape.com/overlord/civ2/civ2hint.html
Kenworthy FAQ :
http://www.happypuppy.com/games/lordsoth/cheats/strategy/civ2.txt
Azeraab's FAQ : http://www.silentplanet.com/www/azeraab/civ2faq.txt
Unofficial websites
US (?) : http://www.dreamscape.com/overlord/civ2/civ2main.html
: http://www.webcom.com/drwoods/civ2.html
: http://www.swlink.net/~milo/
Norway : http://login.eunet.no/~robertro/civ2/civ2.htm
Australia : http://www.intcon.com.au/projects/civ2/
Usenet : alt.games.civnet
Mailing list : "Subscribe CivMail" in the subject, "sign-on (your name)"
in the body, sent to: civiliz...@hotmail.com
CLOSE COMBAT
Abbreviation : CC
Developer : Atomic Games
Publisher : Microsoft
Platform : Windows 95 native CD-ROM SVGA, Mac
Released : 7/96
Official website : http://www.atomic.com/res/ccmain.html
: http://www.microsoft.com/games/kickbutt/default.htm
Multiplayer : 1-2 players TCP/IP, modem, not null modem (like all
DirectPlay games)
Latest version : 1.0a - speeds up scrolling in particular
Patch location :
ftp://ftp.atomic.com/pub/patches/CloseCombat/Win95/ccupdate.EXE
:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/kickbutt/game_recon/patch.htm
Demo(cctrial.exe): http://www.atomic.com/res/ccdownload.html (7.2 Mb)
Most people love it. Realtime tactical squad-level wargame with no strategic
element as in C&C. Based on the Normandy campaign - the Americans breaking
out from Omaha Beach, the Germans trying to stop them. Complex psychological
model allows your soldiers considerable autonomy (ie less like the C&C
clickfest) and very good AI. However one reviewer compared Close Combat to a
creative dissertation developed by a PhD candidate in Psychology. FAQ
suggests CC2 will happen.
The patch is meant to support NT, but needs a Win95 dual-boot system (why
bother?) unless you enter in the Run dialogue "D:\setup\acmsetup /Z
cchook.dll /T cc.stf /S D:\"
(where D: is your CD drive) and then run the patch. (credit to: Peter Fisla).
Official FAQ : http://www.atomic.com/res/ccfaq.html
Unofficial FAQ : http://www5.palmnet.net/~tkm/ccfaq.html
Tips : http://www.gamespot.com/features/closecombat/index.html
Yahoo site list :
http://www.yahoo.
com/Recreation/Games/Computer_Games/Genres/Strategy/War_Games/Titles/Close_Com
bat/
Unofficial CC HQ : http://www5.palmnet.net/~tkm/cc.html
CC editor? : ftp://ftp.dfm.com/pub/users/icode/CCombat/ccEdit.zip
COLONIZATION
Abbreviation : Col
Publisher : Microprose (Sid Meier)
Platform : MS-DOS VGA, Amiga
Released :
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/colonization.html
Multiplayer : No
Latest version : 3.0
Patch location :
ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/new-versions/COLV30.ZIP
Demo : ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/demos/coldemo.zip
You take the part of the British, Dutch, French or Spanish (each of whom have
different advantages) and try to build a colony in the New World (random map
or the real one) that can win a war of independence from the troops of the
motherland. Meanwhile you can trade and fight with the natives and other
Europeans. Compared to Civ there's much more emphasis on colony development,
with several trades for colonists to learn, and on trade. The military
options are much more restricted, with only generic soldiers and dragoons for
most of the game. 'Founding Fathers' play a role similar to Wonders in Civ.
Fun, especially with privateers on an island map, but less long-lived than
Civ. Cheat menu - Alt+WIN
FAQ : http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/faqdir/colonization.faq
COMMAND AND CONQUER: TIBERIAN DAWN
Abbreviation : C&C
Developer : Westwood Studios
Publisher : Virgin Interactive
Platform : MS-DOS MCGA (C&C95 due by Christmas 96?)
Released : 9/95
Official website : http://www.westwood.com/index.html
Multiplayer : 1-2 (modem, null modem), 1-4 (IPX and Kali!) Buddy CD
provided
Latest version : 1.22 (English) 1.20p (francais & deutsch)
Patch & tech FAQ : http://www.westwood.com/infodir/techsupport/techcc1.html
Demo (9.3Mb) : ftp://ftp.westwood.com/pub/cc1/previews/demo/cc1demo1.zip
Optional extras : ftp://ftp.westwood.com/pub/cc1/previews/demo/cc1demo2.zip
Win95 theme : http://www.westwood.com/cc1/screenpak/cc1screenpak.html
Another classic - a million copies sold. Combines a realtime tactical wargame
with elements of strategy. The tactical elements are fairly standard: send
the little soldier/tank/chopper to their doom with a mouseclick - too many
mouseclicks for some people. The strategic bits require you to harvest
'tiberium' which converts to cash to buy buildings for your base or new units.
These, the many scenarios and the multiplayer hooks are what make C&C such a
rich game. On the other hand, some 'pure' strategy gamers don't like it
because of the frantic clicking preventing full consideration of strategy -
each to their own. Some Win95 problems.
Unofficial FAQ : http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/faqdir/command-n-conquer.faq
FAQ latest version http://kublai.pacificrim.net/~solaris/cnc.html (not
available?)
CCedit & links : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/5458/cnc.html
Mixman : http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8682/
Scenario pack : http://news.third-wave.com:80/case/ccpack/ (I couldn't get
in)
Websites : http://www10.torget.se/temple (very comprehensive, and it's
mirrored!)
Lots of links : http://www.vvm.com/~jdonohue/cc.html
: http://www.io.org/~isarog/c-c/
Book : ?Official C&C Strategy Guide Brady Publishing ISBN:
1-566-86-247-7
Usenet : alt.games.command-n-conq or alt.games.command.and.conquer
COMMAND AND CONQUER: COVERT OPS
Abbreviation : C&C:CO
Official website : http://www.westwood.com/covertops/mmmain.html
Demo : http://www.westwood.com/covertops/assets/covtdemo.zip
2 new missions and 2 more multiplayer maps
COMMAND AND CONQUER: RED ALERT
Scheduled : 17th Nov
Abbreviation : C&C:RA
Developer : Westwood Studios
Publisher : Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Official website : http://www.westwood.com/redalert/redalert.html
: http://www.vie.com/ultrashock/games/red.html
Multiplayer : Up to 6 players, LAN, modem
C&C prequel. Originally an add-on pack, now an independent game. Could be
being held up as C&C is still selling so well - so don't buy C&C until Red
Alert is out! 36 RA websites are listed on
: http://www.oz.net/~kerhop/redalert.htm
Pre release FAQ : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/4181/
Usenet : alt.games.command-n-conq or alt.games.command.and.conquer
CONQUEST OF THE NEW WORLD
Abbreviation : CotNW
Interplay
Platform : SVGA
Official website : http://conquest.interplay.com/
Multiplayer up to 6 over a local network, head-to-head with a modem or
serial cable and via e-mail over the Internet.
Latest version : 1.11
Patch Location : http://www.quicksilver.com/conquest/index.html
Demo cnwdemoa.zip: http://conquest.interplay.com/mirror/conquest.html
Going for the Colonization market - prettier, but maybe not quite the
gameplay. People still enjoy it though. A Deluxe version is on the way,
according to the website.
FAQ : http://conquest.interplay.com/cheat.html
DEADLOCK: PLANETARY CONQUEST
Abbreviation : Deadlock
Publisher : Accolade
Platform : Windows 3.x + Win32s or Windows 95
Released : 9/96
Official website : http://www.accolade.com/products/deadlock/acdlspla01.html
Multiplayer : Email, Modem, Netbios (so needs KaliNB)
Patch : coming in November
Demo : http://www.accolade.com/achpdemo01.html
Civilization clone, where different races have different attributes. Very
pretty, but the AI lets it down apparently. reducing replay value. The
Netbios support originally forced people to use TEN and Mplayer, but the
specially developed KaliNB 'hack' (Kali's words...) works fine.
DEFINITIVE WAR GAME COLLECTION 2
Publisher : SSI
Official website :
http://www.ssionline.com/cgi-bin/omixlink?758964418+products/dwc2/index.html
Appears to be a must-buy for the serious wargamer or for the newcomer wanting
to get into wargames (most of them are good enough to be on a wargamer's shelf
already). According to the SSI website it contains :
SSI : Clash Of Steel, Panzer General, Steel Panthers, Tanks!
Intracorp/ 360 : Harpoon II with WestPac & Cold War Battlesets
: V for Victory: Utah Beach, Market Garden
Koei : Ghengis Khan II, Operation Europe: Path To Victory, Romance
of the 3 Kingdoms
Colorado : High Command
Spectrum Holobyte: Command HQ
DESTINY
Abbreviation : Destiny
Publisher : Interactive Magic (Adrian Earle)
Platforms : Windows 95 SVGA CD-ROM
Released : 9/96
Official website : http://www.imagicgames.com/destiny.dir/destiny.html
Multiplayer : TCP/ IP
Latest version : 1.1
Patch location : ftp://ftp.imagicgames.com/pub/patches/destiny/destpch1.exe
Caused a storm in c.s.i.p.g.s when first released. Sadly this was because the
version featured exclusively in CompUSA (& Media Play?) before the USA-wide
roll-out was indeed a prerelease version that was full of bugs. The patch
updates the 24 Sep executable to 3 Oct, but many small bugs remain, including
crashing on Cyrix 586s.
Very complex Civilization-style game. Nice idea in theory, but gets very
tedious. Manual not great (few extra bits in Acrobat documentation).
Graphics not great.
Official FAQ : http://www.imagicgames.com/destiny.dir/tips.html
DIPLOMACY
Avalon Hill
Play one of 7 powers in pre-WWI Europe. Limited military simulation - it's
all about dealing with other players PBEM, PBM or whatever. Great game if
that's your thing.
mini-FAQ : http://www.mindspring.com/~ecbean/minifaq.html
Diplomatic Pouch : http://www.sni.net/~mhand/DipPouch/
Usenet : rec.games.diplomacy
DUNE 2: THE BUILDING OF A DYNASTY
Platforms : DOS & Amiga
The game that spawned the real time tactical/ strategy genre that evolved into
C&C.
Usenet : alt.games.dune-ii.virgin-games
EMPIRE
Just to clear things up, comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic is the place to post
about the New World Computing games "Empire Deluxe" and "Empire II: The Art of
War", or the PC version of an old VAX classic called "Empire: Wargame of the
Century" which came out in the 80's and may be found at
ftp://ftp.iol.ie/users/ai/pcempire.zip
However, for the multiplayer game found on Unix, VMS, OS/2, Macs, and Windows,
you should go to rec.games.empire, for which I suggest you
read the FAQ :
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/games/empire/faq/faq.html
(from which the above was gleaned)
EMPIRE DELUXE
Publisher : New World Computing
Released : 93
Scenarios : http://mars.superlink.net/user/mok/html/empire.html
PBEM lists : http://www.dartmouth.edu/~dbott/edpbem.html
: http://www.mds.mdh.se/~dat95mbn/empire/
EMPIRE II: THE ART OF WAR
Publisher : New World Computing
Platforms : DOS or Windows 95
Official website : http://www.nwcomputing.com/empire2/empire2.html
Novastar site ; http://www.vfr.net/~novastar/empire2.htm
Latest version : 1.1
Patch location : ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/pub/dresden/games/patches/e2dv101.zip
FAQ : http://www.nwcomputing.com/faq/faq.html
Can use Empire Deluxe maps.
: http://mars.superlink.net/user/mok/html/e2aow.html
ENEMY NATIONS
Scheduled : November 96
Abbreviation : EN
Developer : Windward Studios (David Thielen)
Publisher : Viacom New Media
Official website : http://windwardstudio.com/enemy.htm
or? : http://www.windward.net/enations/index.html
Multiplayer : TCP/ip, Netbios, IPX direct to Winsock - no Kali etc.
needed
Latest version : 1.00.123 beta demo 24Mb!
Available from : ftp://ftp.gamesdomain.com/pub/companies/windward
Described as Transport Tycoon/Sim City meets C&C - less dull than the former,
less frantic than the latter. Also described as "This Means War" done right.
Sounds very promising - I've got the demo,& would be playing it if I wasn't
writing this FAQ.;-)
Dave has been haunting this group giving lots of support.
Unofficial FAQ :
http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/faqdir/Enemy.Nations.Unofficial.faq.txt
Beta testers on : Efnet IRC on channel #enemynations.
FANTASY GENERAL
Publisher : SSI
Officialwebsite : http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/fantasy/index.html
Demo : http://www.mindscape.com/demos/fan_gen_demo.zip
Minicampaign : http://www.ssionline.com/extras/fg_minicamp.html
FIELDS OF BATTLE
Web page : http://login.dknet.dk/~bvlstone/fob/fob.html
FIFTH FLEET
Publisher : Avalon Hill
Official website : http://members.aol.com/ahgames/comp03.html
Latest version : 1.2
Patch location : ftp://members.aol.com/yogrendel/pub/5f_12.zip
Now discussed in comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.naval
GALACTIC CIVILIZATIONS
Abbreviation : GalCiv
Platforms : OS/2
The original reason for OS/2ers to smirk at DOSers, on account of its
excellent AI
FAQ : http://oahu.cern.ch/~markus/games/galciv/galciv.html
GALACTIC CIVILIZATIONS 2
Abbreviation : GalCiv2
Platforms : OS/2
Official website : http://206.65.85.49/galciv2.html
Time to conquer the Universe again before Bill Gates redefines the standard
for God <g>!
FAQ : http://www.magmacom.com/~svirani/GalCiv2/gc2-faq.html
Web page : http://traffic.ce.gatech.edu/galciv/
GALACTIC EMPIRES
"A PBEM computer moderated strategy game of space conquest for one to nine
players. You compete against computer and human empires to become the Supreme
Galactic Overlord. v2 coming soon"
: http://www.connect.ab.ca/~empires/
GALAXIS
Coming soon? "Diplomacy in space"?
GAZILLIONAIRE
Developer : Lavamind
Publisher : Spectrum Holobyte?
Official website : http://www.gazillionaire.com/gaz.html
or : http://www.microprose.com/gazill.html
I've got to quote the blurb here:
"In Gazillionaire you are an intergalactic wheeler-deeler rocketing among the
7 planets of Kukubia as the head of your own trading company. Your spaceship
is loaded with 100 tons of moon ferns, oggle sand, lava lamps, diapers and
toasters. Your goal? Sell the cargo, make a cool profit and earn one million
kubars before your squid faced competitors beat you to it."
One of the most successful shareware strategy games. Not sure what the story
is with it appearing on SH's page - is it a marketing deal or a takeover of
Lavamind?
FAQ :http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/faqdir/gazillionaire.faq
GAZILLIONAIRE DELUXE
Official website : http://www.gazillionaire.com/gaz2.html
The description for this is more mundane :
"Gazillionaire Deluxe is a cross between Monopoly set in outer space and Wall
Street in wonderland. It's a wild intergalactic trading game complete with
funky Monty Python style aliens, exotic worlds to explore and dangerous
pitfalls."
GENE WARS
Developer : Bullfrog
Released : 9/96 SVGA
Official website : http://www.bullfrog.co.uk/games/gene/index2.html
Multiplayer : Up to 4 (only 1 CD needed) IPX, modem patch coming
Realtime, bit like a sci-fi Warcraft with bits of Populous, Deadlock & Dune 2
thrown in. Mixed opinions but favourable on balance- get the demo and make up
your own mind.
: http://home.earthlink.net/~dearmad
GREAT NAVAL BATTLES
Abbreviation : GNB
Official website : http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/gnb5/index.html
Current versions : 1.2
Patch location : http://www.ssionline.com/support/index_support.html
Four parts : I) North Atlantic 1939-43
: II) Guadalcanal 1942-43
: III) Fury in the Pacific 1941-44
: IV) Burning Steel 1939-42
These are combined in : THE COMPLETE GREAT NAVAL BATTLES: The Final Fury
As the multiplicity of campaigns suggest, a very popular WWII naval simulator.
Should now be discussed in c.s.i.p.g.naval
HARPOON / HARPOON CLASSIC/ HARPOON CLASSIC ONLINE
Abbreviation : Harpoon
Developer : Three-Sixty
Platforms : MS-DOS EGA & Mac (Harpoon) Windows 3.x (Harpoon Classic)
Released : ~1990
Multiplayer? : See Harpoon Classic 97 for Harpoon Online
Latest version : 1.58e
Classic realtime strategy game of modern naval (and air) warfare, as used by
navies around the world. Mostly consists of directing groups of ships, subs
and aircraft against other groups and 'point' bases, from the C-in-C's point
of view. The large number of scenarios and the scenario editor are definite
plusses. Now looks dated but still plays well. Three Sixty sold the rights
of Harpoon I(version 1.32), to Alliance Interactive Software, concentrating on
H2 instead. Alliance fixed a lot of bugs, in particular the one that crashed
consistently in big scenarios. They also ported it to Windows (Harpoon
Classic) which can cope with bigger scenarios, and comes with the original
battlesets + 3 Designer Series packs of battlesets, ~100 scenarios in all.
Now belongs in c.s.i.p.g.naval
Saul Jacobs' page: http://www.flash.net/~sjacobs/index.html (*THE* Harpoon
page!)
FAQ : http://www.mono.org/~oktup/harpoon/harpfaq.html
Goat Locker : http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/~moreau/harpoon.html
HARPOON CLASSIC 97
Scheduled : November 96
Developer : Alliance Interactive
Publisher : Interactive Magic
Platform : SVGA Windows 95, Windows 3.1, or Mac
Official website : http://www.imagicgames.com/harpoon.dir/harpoon.html
Multiplayer : 'Internet' (Harpoon Online http://www.kesmai.com )
Online open beta :
ftp://ftp.kesmai.com/games/harpoon/openbeta/full_version/hnow099l.exe
Basically the same as Harpoon Classic with a major graphics/ interface revamp
and 50 new scenarios, making 250 in all. Will have hooks to Harpoon Online
built in, an exciting prospect as Harpoon is a game that cries out for 2
players... and more ?
HARPOON 2
Developer : Three-Sixty
Publisher : Intracorp (see also Definitive Wargame Collection)
Platform : DOS
Official website : http://www.intracorp.com/html/three-sixty_software.html
Latest version : Only in Admiral's edition, otherwise get the patch.
Patch location : ftp://ftp.intracorp.com/pub/threesixty/h2update.zip
More of a simulator than a game. While a lot of Harpooners' requests were
added, the already steep learning curve has become Eiger-like.
The Admiral's Edition of Harpoon2 contains all the battlesets plus a new one,
the scenario editor, and a database editor (at last!).
Uses a nonstandard DOS extender, so CANNOT be run in a DOS box in Windows 3.x
or 95. See
Saul Jacobs' page: http://www.flash.net/~sjacobs/harpoon2.html
FAQ : file://jumi.lut.fi/pub/harpoon/cz/harpoon2.faq.Z
Now discussed in c.s.i.p.g.naval
HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC
Abbreviation : HoMM
Publisher : New World Computing (Phil Steinmeyer)
Platforms : DOS, Mac, and Windows 95 (adds editor and more scenarios)
Released : Autumn 95 (DOS) 2/96 (Win95)
Official website : http://www.nwcomputing.com/heroes/heroes.html
Multiplayer ? : Hotseat, modem, Netbios
Latest version : v1.2 (DOS)
Patch location : http://www.nwcomputing.com/
Demo : 90Mb!!, so only on magazine CDs
Technical FAQ : http://www.nwcomputing.com/faq/faq.html#Heroes
Like Warcraft 2 with spells, castle building and MOO-like combat. (thanks to
George Lin's FAQ for most of the above)
FAQ : http://www.users.fast.net/~ktolar/geoweb/homm/homm.htm
Website http://www.jagunet.com/~robertm/homm.html
HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC 2
Scheduled : 11/96
Abbreviation : HoMM2
Publisher : New World Computing
Platforms : DOS & Windows 95
Multiplayer : Up to 6, IPX and TCP/IP
Will add more units, more room on the battlefield, improved multiplayer and a
scenario editor.
iM1A2 ABRAMS TANK
: Interactive Magic
Platfom : Windows 95
Demo : http://www.imagicgames.com/demos.html
Has been described as M1 Tank Platoon jazzed up.
JAGGED ALLIANCE
Abbreviation : JA
Publisher : Sir-tech
Latest patch : 1.13
Patch location : http://sir-tech.com/tech/ja_113.zip
Demo : http://sir-tech.com/tech/jademo.zip
Technical FAQ : http://sir-tech.com/tech/jagged.html
Brilliant turn-based strategy game. 'XCOM with attitude' was one description.
Sir-tech's technical support page is quite hard to get into, so for patches &
demos I suggest you go to OGR, Compuserve or this page :
: http://www.braxi.com/garcia/deadly.html
JAGGED ALLIANCE: DEADLY GAMES
Abbreviation : JA:DG
Demo : http://www.sir-tech.com/demos/
Latest patch : 1.12 (make sure you don't get the JA one!)
Patch location : http://sir-tech.com/tech/dg112.zip
: ftp://ftp.ogr.com/pub/ogr/demos/dg112.zip
'Harder than the original but more fun' was one comment
It seems that Sir-Tech accidentally included a mercenary editor in the initial
release of
the JA:DG demo. The editor allows you to change not only the visible traits of
any mercenary, such as sex, body type, salary, and skills, but also many
hidden traits, like as which other mercs he likes and dislikes (lists have
been published here - goto DejaNews). But the file format was changed after
the 'turn limits' patch, so it doesn't work.
Links : http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/sirtech/dgmerc.htm
http://latte.cafe.net/usr/blade/ja2.html
Merc stats : http://www.pcug.org.au/~psvansch/jagged.zip
Merc Contracting Centre : http://www.terravirtua.com/jadg/
LAST BLITZKRIEG
Scheduled : ?
Publisher : SSG
Official website : http://www.ssg.com.au/index_files/blitzkrieg.html
Regimental level sim of the Battle of the Bulge. Win95 only, SVGA.
LORDS OF THE REALM 2
Scheduled : End 10/96? By Xmas, anyway
Abbreviation : LOTR2
Developer : Impressions (David Lester)
Publisher : Sierra
Platform : Windows 95
Demo : http://www.sierra.com/entertainment/lords2/demo.html
Turn-based medieval empire game. Needs DirectX v2. Multiplayer allow
time-limited simul-turns.
MAGIC: THE GATHERING
Scheduled : November 96
Official website : http://www.microprose.com/magic/game.html
Long awaited version of the card trading game discussed in
rec.games.trading-cards.magic.*
Lots of pages already around.
MASTER OF MAGIC
Abbreviation : MoM
Developer : Simtex
Publisher : Microprose
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/masterofm.html
Latest version : 1.31 (major improvements and bug fixes)
Patch location :
ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/new-versions/mom131.zip
Demo : ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/demos/momdemo.zip
Multiplayer : Hotseat with 3rd party Multiplayer Master of Magic Shell
(MMoMS)
Technical FAQ : http://www.microprose.com/momfaq.html
MOM & Win95 : http://www.proaxis.com/~jarvinen/magic/win95.htm
Fantasy Civ/MOO-like game. 'At first your magical powers are weak, but will
grow as you research spells and acquire magical resources. You send out
colonies to expand your borders. Your armies and magical creatures search for
treasure, expand your empire by conquest, and defend your realm from rampaging
monsters and enemy wizards. As your fame grows, powerful heros join your
cause. To win you must either defeat all the other wizards or become powerful
enough to cast the awesome Spell of Mastery. Of course, the other Wizards are
trying to defeat you.'
There are 6 type of magic and 14 races to play.(all from Bryan Jacobson's FAQ)
AI not great.
Version 1.31 fails to fix the "Raise Dead Bug", where casting Raise Dead in
combat scrambles the memory location where the galley stats are stored. If
you quit and reload, everything is reset but if you continue playing without
restarting you'll be facing 'wonder galleys'! To get it to work under Win95,
select 'no sound' or don't run in a DOS box.
FAQ : http://www.proaxis.com/~jarvinen/magic/momfaq.zip
unofficial pages : http://www.proaxis.com/~jarvinen/magic/magic.shtml
: http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/ee43cs/mom/
MOMedit : http://cosyfish.ab.umd.edu/~rdiblasi/software/index.html
MOM Heroes page : http://www.sound.net/%7Erearls/index.html
MMoMS : http://users.aol.com/mmoms/mmoms.html
Unregistered version gives you 2 humans and 3 computer players; registering
gives you 5 humans.
MASTER OF MAGIC 2
Scheduled : In development
Abbreviation : MoM2
Developer : Knightsoft
Official website : http://www.aloha.com/~knightsoft/mom2/mom2.html
More than an expansion pack, MoM2 nonetheless requires MoM 1.31 to work. It
'will completely change most apects of MoM and will create a totally new and
enhanced gaming exerpience.'
They want your suggestions !
MASTER OF ORION
Abbreviation : MOO
Developer : Simtex
Publisher : Microprose
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/moo.html
Latest version : 1.3
Patch location :
ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/new-versions/moov13.zip
Demo : ftp://ftp.microprose.com/pub/mps-online/demos/moodemo.zip
One of the most popular strategy games ever. Space version of MOM - as one of
10 races with different abilities, you make economic, social, political,
technological and military decisions in order to conquer the Universe. Delete
ORION.COM to allow CD-free running.
MASTER OF ORION 2: BATTLE AT ANTARES
Scheduled : 15 Nov 96 (By Christmas, anyway)
Abbreviation : MOO2
Developer : Simtex
Publisher : Microprose
Platforms : DOS and Windows95? SVGA CD-ROM
Official website : http://www.microprose.com/gamesdesign/moo2/moo2.html
Multiplayer : 1-8 players hotseat, modem, LAN, TEN
Big preview : http://www.happypuppy.com/pulse/previews/pc/masterof.html
The most awaited game of the last few months. Improves on MOO with
Stars!-style race customisation, MOM-style Heroes, trickier tech decisions and
fewer, more varied ships. See the above review for the lowdown - claims to be
based on 60+hours with the beta (it was also posted, without permission, to
c.s.i.p.g.s). Watch c.s.i.p.g.s turn into c.s.i.p.g.MOO2 overnight!
Just hope Spectrum Holobyte (Microprose's parent) can keep going until it
comes out.
Anticipation page: http://www.sound.net/~krb/moa
IRC : Undernet channel #moo2
M.A.X. - MECHANISED ASSAULT & EXPLORATION
Abbreviation : MAX
Publisher : Interplay (Gus Smedstad)
Platform : DOS SVGA
Official website : http://www.interplay.com/games/max.html
Multiplayer : 1-4 players, hotseat, modem, null modem, IPX, PBEM
Demo : ftp://ftp1.interplay.com/pub/demos/maxdemo1.zip
The blurb says "M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is the only
concurrent turn-based strategy wargame that combines fully-customizable
vehicles with "top-down" SVGA graphics, diverse campaigns and multi-player
action." Turnbased or simulturn Civ clone. Good buzz.
MECHWARRIOR 2
Abbreviation : MW2
Publisher : Activision
Official website : http://www.activision.com/mech2home/index.html
Multiplayer : NetMech addon allows 8 players online
31st century combat
Expansion Pack : Ghost Bear's Legacy (more missions, mechs, weapons)
FAQ etc. : http://rom.oit.gatech.edu/~willday/mw2/mech2/
Editors etc. : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/5458/mw2.html
: http://www1.clarku.edu/~rmohns/mw2/mw2-frames.html
Newsgroup : alt.games.mechwarrior2
MECHWARRIOR 2: MERCENARIES
Abbreviation : MW2:M
Official website : http://www.activision.com/mechmerc/index.html
Official FAQ : http://www.activision.com/mercnet/mercfaq.htm
Latest edition for 'Mech'ers. Bit buggy - patch coming?
Unofficial FAQ : http://rom.oit.gatech.edu/~willday/mw2/mercs/faq.html
Yahoo :
http://www.yahoo.com/Recreation/Games/Computer_Games/Titles/MechWarrior_2/
Webpages : http://netnow.micron.net/~jmcclain/mech2/mercs.htm
: http://www.lookup.com/Homepages/69636/mw/ms_home.html
: http://rampages.onramp.net/~val/merc.htm
Newsgroup : alt.games.mechwarrior2
MISSION FORCE: CYBER STORM
Publisher : Sierra
Official website : http://www.sierra.com/entertainment/cyberstorm/
http://www.sierra.com/games/cyberstorm/
Multiplayer : Yes - head-to-head & team - buddy CD
Demo : ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/demo/mfcsdemo.exe
Turn based strategy game in the Battletech universe, bit like Xcom. 80
missions and multiplayer campaign possible. Bugfree but no manual and dodgy
installation routine.
Quite good, replayability questionable.
Web page : http://www.sover.net/~nwillis/index.htm
Hacked savegame : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/3805/
MUZZLE VELOCITY
Abbreviation : MV
Scheduled : November
: ftp://ftp.eunet.ch/customers/digi4fun/digi4fun.html
Apparently "What Across the Rhine should have been". Give orders to yur
troops in C&C-style overhead view, then join tanks or people on the ground in
a Doom style view. Demo has 6 missions, full release will have 147.
NORSE BY NORSEWEST - THE RETURN OF THE LOST VIKINGS
Official website : http://www.interplay.com/games/nbynw.html
OPERATION CRUSADER
Good, older boardgame by Atomic.
http://205.180.52.4/leadeaters/
OVER THE REICH
Scheduled : Mastering on 22/Oct/96
Developer : Big Sky Software?
Publisher : Avalon Hill
Official website : http://members.aol.com/ahgames/comp04.html
"Reminds me of the board game Air Force/Dauntless with quite a few less planes
to fly."
PANTHERS IN THE SHADOWS
PitS
Sites tend to cover PitS in conjunction with Tigers on the Prowl, so see the
ToP section.
PANZER GENERAL
Abbreviation : PzG (_not_ PG)
Publisher : SSI (see also Definitive Wargames Collection 2)
Official website : http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/panzer/index.html
Multiplayer : No, but people have had a lot of problems with a TEN beta
version.
Latest patch : 1.2
Patch location : http://www.ssionline.com/support/index_support.html
Demo : http://www.mindscape.com/demos/PGENDEMO.EXE
Official FAQ : http://www.ssionline.com/support/faqs/faq_panzer_gen.html
Another SSI triumph. You start out as a German tank commander in Poland.
The Win95 version has restrictions on building units, as in Allied General
(the sequel, qv), increasing realism over PzG DOS.
Scenarios : http://www.JointChiefsPub.com/dow/generals_scenarios.htm
Utilities, addons: http://www.wargamer.com/pg/addons/
PATRIOT
Avoid. So buggy it's unplayable. Ranked worst game ever by 11/96 CGW. (Old
Salt & others)
PAX IMPERIA 2
Scheduled : 'Pax Imperia 2 will not be coming out in the near future'
(Brandon Curiel)
Company website : http://www.thq.com
Changeling Software, Inc turned into Changeling, Inc (Macs) and Heliotrope
Studios(development).
Heliotrope was taken over by T-HQ, who are now producing Pax2, although there
is no news about it yet - keep an eye on their website.
PLANETARY RAIDERS
Publisher : ICI games
Official website : http://www.icigames.com
"New mega-player internet game"
PERFECT GENERAL
Abbreviation : PG
PIRATES GOLD!
Publisher : Microprose
Platforms : DOS and now Windows 3.x
POWERDOLLS
Developer : Megatech
Official website : http://www.megatech-software.com/Dolls.html
Demo : available
OK tactical wargame, if not in the league of Steel Panthers
RAILROAD TYCOON
Publisher : Microprose
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/rrtycoon.html
REACH FOR THE STARS 2
Scheduled : Autumn 97
Developer : SSG
Publisher : Microsoft
Platform : Win95 only, SVGA
Official website : http://www.ssg.com.au/index_files/RFTS.html
Update of the space exploration and conquest game. SSG are inviting
suggestions!
RED ALERT - see COMMAND AND CONQUER: RED ALERT
ROAD TO MOSCOW
Scheduled : November 96 or Jan 97
Developers : Arsenal Publishing
Platform : Windows 95
Demo : available in 'early October'
Preview : the November issue of PC Gamer magazine
Take the role of the German or Soviet Chief of Staff on the Eastern Front in
WWII, assigning generals to command your corps.'RtM ... has thousands of units
and thousands of strategic possibilities. Neither they nor Arsenal have any
intention of releasing a game of this size without a thorough testing. The
best I can tell you at this moment is that either RtM will be on store shelves
by Thanksgiving or right after New Year's Day. '
ROBERT E. LEE: CIVIL WAR GENERAL - See Civil War General
SERFS (Europe)/ SETTLERS (N. America)
SETTLERS 2
Publisher : Blue Byte
Official website : http://www.bluebyte.com/us/products/settlers2/settlers2.htm
Demo : ftp://ftp.bluebyte.com/public/demos/settlers2.zip
Latest version : v1.02 - even Germans make mistakes!
Buildings-based Civ-like game
FAQ : http://www.nis.za/homepgs/leibold/
http://www.cis.tu-graz.ac.at/home/passera/siedler2/faq.htm
Web page http://rs6000.tU-chel.ac.ru/whatsnew/settlers2/
SILENT HUNTER
Publisher : SSI
Latest version : 1.1
Demo : http://www.ssionline.com/demos/shdemo.exe
"Command a WWII American submarine in the Pacific - and sink as much enemy
tonnage as possible! Choose from a variety of American subs, including such
classes as Gato, Balao, Tambour, and Salmon. Then, let the hunt begin! Prowl
the shipping lanes. Steal into enemy harbors. Play individual missions or an
entire campaign."
For details of the patch, goto Dejanews and find : 'SILENT HUNTER v1.1 Update
Available'
Now discussed in c.s.i.p.g.naval
SIM CITY 2000
Abbreviation : SC2000
Official site:
http://www.maxis.com/shopping/product.
cgi?ProductName=simcity2000_network_edition
Multiplayer : with SimCity 2000 Network Edition
Demo : ftp://ftp.maxis.com/pub/maxis/demos/windows/setup2knet.exe
I'm not convinced this belongs here, as it lacks the element of competition
usually found in strategy games, but the original is explicitly mentioned in
the charter <shrug>
FAQ : http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~hanson/FAQ/
NE challenge brd : http://www.wizweb.com/arena/SimCity/
SPACEWARD HO! 4
Publisher : New World Computing
Platforms : Windows 95, Mac
Released : 10/96
Official website http://www.nwcomputing.com/spaceho/
Some of the early CDs had problems - the new ones have red letters on a black
CD, the reverse of the old ones. Some also disagree with Toshiba & Teac dives.
Get a replacement.
General impression is pretty favourable - sounds MOO like (?)
An explanation of how to get it working over the Net was posted as "Spaceward
Ho! for Win95 DOES work over the internet!" - search www.dejanews.com for it.
STAR CONTROL 2
Abbreviation : StarCon2
Developer : Crystal Dynamics (Paul Reiche III & Fred Ford)
Publisher : Accolade
Official website : http://www.accolade.com
Hugely popular space conquest game, with great music. Available in a pack
with StarCon1 (Star Control Collection); stands up well compared to Starcon3.
Funnier, too.
Website :
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/users/j/jchinn/public/starcon.htm
Music as .MOD :
ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/ac/accolade/starcontrol2/sc2_mods.zip
Sound effect.WAVs:
ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/ac/accolade/starcontrol2/sc2_wav.exe
STAR CONTROL 3
Abbreviation : StarCon3
Developer : Legend Entertainment
Publisher : Accolade
Official website : http://www.accolade.com/products/starcontrol3/index.html
Released : 10/96
Multiplayer : 2 player IPX, modem, null modem
Demo :
http://www.accolade.com/products/starcontrol3/acscdemo01.html
Sound effect.WAVs:
http://www.accolade.com/products/starcontrol3/acsctoy01.html
"STAR CONTROL 3 features intense alien interaction, space combat and space
exploration. Interstellar civilization is in chaos. The fabric of hyper space
has been torn asunder, and a disaster of cosmic proportions threatens to wipe
out all signs of intelligent life. Your only salvation lies in the secrets of
a lost civilization hidden within the galactic core. To survive, you must
command a massive fleet of alien allies in an expedition to the heart of the
galaxy. Encounter bizarre and ruthless races, negotiate sophisticated treaties
and engage in fast-action space combat."
Consensus is a slight feeling of disappointment - typical sequel not done by
the original creators.
Walkthrough : http://www.borg.com/~mlam/starcon3.htm
Webpage : http://hcirisc.cs.binghamton.edu/~tim/starcon3.html
STAR GENERAL
Scheduled : mid 11/96
Abbreviation : SG
Developer : Catware
Publisher : SSI
Official website : http://www.catware.com/stargen.html
Demo : is out
win95 saver : http://www.catware.com/sgss.zip
Demo has been reported to be tad disappointing. MOOish.
STARFALL
Official website : http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bcasey/starfall.html
Shareware version of board game
STARS!
Designers : Jeff Johnson & Jeff McBride
Distributor : WebMap Internet Services http://www.webmap.com/stars!
Platform : Windows
Official website : http://beast.webmap.com/stars%21/stargate.htm
Latest version : 2.6
Very popular shareware space exploration game
All discussion should take place in the long awaited rec.games.computer.stars
group.
STEEL PANTHERS
Abbreviation : SP
Publisher : SSI
Platform : SVGA DOS CD-ROM
Official website :http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/steel/index.html
Novastar site : http://www.vfr.net/~novastar/steel.htm
Latest version : 1.2n - the patch is a must
Patch location : http://www.ssionline.com/patches/update13.html
FAQ :
http://www.ssionline.com/support/faqs/faq_steel_panthers.html
The definitive turn-based tank sim? Maybe. WWII tactical squad-level combat
with campaign,
random scenario and scenario editor. Command an entire battalion or a single
squad, as any Allied or Axis nation, and go tank-to-tank.
Scenarios : http://www.wargamer.com/sp/scenario/
Utilities, addons etc.: http://www.wargamer.com/sp/addons/
http://users.vscht.cz/~bolekd
http://www.kansas.net/~snakes/index.html
STEEL PANTHERS CAMPAIGNS
Official website : http://www.ssionline.com/games/ssi/steelcamp/index.html
3 campaigns & 35 stand-alone scenarios for SP
STEEL PANTHERS 2: MODERN BATTLES
Demo : SSI?, OGR,cdmag, sp2demo.exe
http://www.rapidramp.com/wargamer/demos/sp2demo.exe
: http://www.ogr.com/features/strategy/strategy2.html
People seem to be getting pretty excited about the demo. WWII to Desert Storm.
Multiplayer
SYNDICATE
Multiplayer : IPX, only with Syndicate Plus
SYNDICATE WARS
Scheduled : 11/96
Demo : is out
TACOPS/ TACOPS FOR WINDOWS
Developer : Arsenal Publishing
Official website : http://www.arsenalpub.com/
Multiplayer : lots
Latest version : 1.04
Patch available : http://www.arsenalpub.com/tacops/update.html
FAQ : http://www.arsenalpub.com/tacops/faqhome.html
Detailed simultaneous turn-based strategy game. Opinions divide sharply e.g.
August CGW hated it, PC Gamer gave it an Editor's Choice. Great AI, less good
elsewhere.
Web page : http://www.JointChiefsPub.com/dow/tacops.htm
TANKS!
Publisher : SSI (Norm Koger)
Released : 1994
Platform : DOS VGA
Latest version : 1.30
Patch location : Norm's page, I think (see AOR) or SSI
Tactical platoon-level tank sim 1918-1990s. Scenario editor and random
generator. Brilliant.
1994 Wargame of the Year. Wargame Construction Set 2 - AOR (qv) is the
'sequel.
Commercial scenarios : http://www.vfr.net/~novastar/tanks.htm
THIRD REICH
Abbreviation : 3R
Publisher : Avalon Hill
Released : 10/96
Platform : VGA
Official website : http://members.aol.com/ahgames/comp02.html
Latest version : 1.01
Patch location : ftp://members.aol.com/yogrendel/pub/3r_101.zip
Multiplayer : NO! Modem & LAN to come in a patch
Faithful port of the AH boardgame. People seem to like it, although there is
the odd bug and the manual's not great.
TIGERS ON THE PROWL
Latest version : 1.26
Patch location : http://members.aol.com/gsturmer3/top-126.exe
TIGERS ON THE PROWL 2
Publisher : HPS Simulations
Official website : http://www.cris.com/~Sturmer/
Latest version : 2.03
Patch location : http://members.aol.com/gsturmer/top-203.exe
Another tank sim.
: http://www.cris.com/~sturmer/newtop2.html
PBEM club (Top & PitS : http://www.concentric.net/~rumbler/pits.htm
TOTAL MAYHEM (N. America)/ TOTAL MANIA (Europe)
Publisher : Domark
Official website : http://www.domark.com/mayhem/totalmayem.html
Demo (US) : http://www.domark.com/mayhem/tmdemo.zip
Demo (European) : http://www.domark.com/mayhem/tmndemo.zip
"Man is a slave race on a planet run entirely by machines. Calling themselves
the Mayhem Soldiers, a small group of Cyborg freedom fighters wage a
libertarian war against the machines that hold society in a death grip.
Battle alone or with your friends over a multi-player network using high
technology weapons and strategic combat tactics."
Syndicate-like game.
TRANSPORT TYCOON DELUXE
http://www.netzone.com/~metcalfm/tycoon/tycoon.htm
UFO: ENEMY UNKNOWN - Name of XCOM: UFO Defense (qv) in Europe
V FOR VICTORY
Developer : Atomic
Publisher : Intracorp
Official website : http://www.atomic.com/v4v.html
Good wargame series, all now available on 1 CD. See also Definitive Wargames
Collection.
WARCRAFT : ORCS AND HUMANS
Abbreviation : WC1
Publisher : Blizzard Entertainment, P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92713
Platforms : MS-DOS floppies or CD-ROM, Mac
Released : ?
Official website : http://www.blizzard.com/war1/war1.htm
Multiplayer : Serial cable, modem, IPX (2 players)
Demo (1.5Mb) : ftp://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/demos/war1demo.zip
Latest version : 1.21
Patch location : http://www.blizzard.com/bin/warcr121.exe
Real time fantasy strategy game, as you control the humans or orcs in the
fight for the land of Azeroth. Build a thriving economy and a military
machine to defeat your opponents.
FAQ : ??
Websites : http://users.aol.com/OrcsHumans/warcraft.html
Usenet : alt.games.warcraft
WARCRAFT 2: TIDES OF DARKNESS
Abbreviation : WC2
Publisher : Blizzard Entertainment, P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92713
Platforms : MS-DOS SVGA CD-ROM, Mac version coming/ already out?
Released : ?
Official website : http://www.blizzard.com/war2/war2.htm
Multiplayer : Serial cable, modem, IPX (up to 8 players), Kali (v1.2
upwards)
Latest version : The Beyond the Dark Portal expansion set has extra levels
and version 1.3
Patch : v1.2 patch adds Kali support and other fixes/ improvements
Now 1.33!
Patch location : http://www.blizzard.com/library/patches.htm
Demo (11Mb) : http://www.blizzard.com/library/war2ibm.htm
You control armies of humans (and their allies) or orcs (and their allies).
You must produce buildings and harvest resources to train troops and defeat
the enemy. Humans can cast a wider variety of useful spells, whilst weapons
upgrades cost each side different amounts.
Excellent game for multiplayer, justly popular.
FAQ : http://www.ogr.com/faqs/warcraft2.faq
also at : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/4006/war2faq.txt
Websites :
http://www.yahoo.
com/Recreation/Games/Computer_Games/Genres/Strategy/Titles/Warcraft/
http://www2.dk-online.dk/users/Thomas_N_Larsen/Strateg.htm
: http://www.andrews.edu/~fraizer/war2.cgi
: http://www.gamespot.com/features/wc2/index.html
: http://www.mtsu.edu/~csc10001/strat.html
Kali league pages: http://www.oz.net/~iwl/iwl.htm
: http://home.netinc.ca/~amolnar/war2/inwl.htm
Usenet : alt.games.warcraft
(adapted from Dan Zerkle's (zer...@cs.ucdavis.edu) FAQ by me)
WARHAMMER: THE SHADOW OF THE HORNED RAT
Abbreviation : WSOTHR
Publisher : Mindscape
Official page :
http://www.mindscape.com/msgames/Entertainment/WHRat/index.html
Sounds MOMish
WARLORDS 2 & WARLORDS 2 DELUXE
Publisher : SSG
Official website : http://www.ssg.com.au/index_files/warlords_ii_home.html
Warlords II is the world's favourite fantasy stategy game. Starting with a
single castle, you must build your armies, marshall your forces and conquer
the entire world, before your mean and avaricious neighbours do the same. With
random worlds, hidden maps, quests, diplomacy and super smart computer
opponents, Warlords II offers an entire world of conquest."
"Warlords II Deluxe is a completely new edition of the best selling fantasy
strategy game. It features network, modem and E-Mail play, new 256 colour SVGA
graphics, an improved movement system and faster gameplay. Warlords II Deluxe
also includes an enhanced Warlords II Scenario Builder and 60 Warlords
scenarios in an absolutely unbeatable CD-ROM package.
WARLORDS 3
Scheduled : Autumn 97
Developer : SSG
Publisgher : Broderbund
Official website : http://www.ssg.com.au/index_files/WLIII.html
Multiplayer : Up to 8 players!
It's the sequel to Warlords 2 (No!). So another fantasy explore-and-expand
game.
SSG are inviting suggestions!
WARWIND
Scheduled : by Christmas
Publisher : SSI
Official website :
http://www.ssionline.com/cgi-bin/omixlink?155238390+feature/feature.html
Demo (33Mb!) :
http://www.ssionline.com/cgi-bin/download.cgi?demos/WW_DEMO.EXE
SSI's take on Warcraft 2
WOODEN SHIPS & IRON MEN
Abbreviation : WS&IM
Publisher : Avalon Hill
Platform : SVGA
Official site : http://members.aol.com/ahgames/comp03.html
Released : 10/96
Demo : not yet available?
People seem a bit disappointed, but are waiting to compare it with Age of Sail
(qv).
Now belongs in c.s.i.p.g.naval
WORLD AT WAR
Developer : Atomic
Official website : http://www.atomic.com/watw.html
XCOM: UFO DEFENSE (N. America)/ UFO: ENEMY UNKNOWN (Europe)
Publisher : Microprose
Platforms : MS-DOS, Playstation
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/xcomtufo.html
Patch : v1.4 includes major sound upgrades
Patch location : http://microprose.com/
FAQ : http://members.aol.com/ksc1/docs/xcom1usg.zip
Websites : http://www.surfchem.kth.se/~aa/xcom/xcom.html
: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/andrew/usr/gd2d/www/xcom.html
:
http://www.franken.de/users/speedy/hakan/hobbies/games/xcom/Welcome-e.html
http://www.surfchem.kth.se/~aa/xcom/xcom.html
XCOMUtil page : http://www.comland.com/~stjones/xcomutil
A novel by Diane Duane, based on XCOM, is available from Prima Books (ISBN
0-7615-0235-1), but isn't recommended
(adapted from Kasey Chang's pages by me). Also thanks to Scott Jones
<stj...@austin.ibm.com>
XCOM2: TERROR FROM THE DEEP
Abbreviation : XCOM2
Publisher : Microprose
Official website :
http://www.microprose.
com/gamesdesign/gamespage/backproducts/backproductpages/xcomterror.html
Latest version : v2 and new Geoscape file ?
Start with Kasey Chang's Unofficial Strategy Guide - it's excellent, all 178Kb
of it!
USG (zipped) : http://members.aol.com/ksc1/docs/xcom2usg.zip
USG HTML : http://www.netropolis.net/dyrc/Xcom2/fr-xcom2.htm
: and Gamesdomain
Website : http://userwww.sfsu.edu/%7Ekschang/gamex01.htm
: http://happypuppy.com/games/faqcht/xcom2cht.htm
:
http://www.franken.de/users/speedy/hakan/hobbies/games/tftd/Welcome-e.html
(adapted from Kasey Chang's page)
XCOM3 : THE APOCALYPSE (provisional title)
Publisher : Microprose
Preview page : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/2777/xcom3.html
http://www.gulftel.com/~guitar/
Z :- BY THE BITMAP BROTHERS
Publisher : Virgin
Official website : http://www.bitmap-brothers.co.uk/
http://www.vie.com
Multiplayer : IPX
Unofficial website:http://www.monash.edu.au/~remah1
C&C clone with less resource management and some humour. Generally liked.
Z editor : http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/5458/z.html
ZAPATALISM
Developer : Lavamind
Official website : http://www.zapitalism.com
All trademarks and copyrights acknowledged. Not for commercial distribution.
Cloudman
----------------------------------------
Real email : ain...@cloud9.u-net.com
My favourite Usenet words : <snip>, [source:...], (was...)
My favourite Usenet thought : "That doesn't need to go to the newsgroup, I'll email it instead"