Developer: TalonSoft

Age of Sail (1996)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Age of Sail (1996): A Timeless Classic of Naval Combat

Prepare to set sail on an epic journey through the Age of Sail, a groundbreaking real-time naval combat game that has stood the test of time. Released in 1996 by Talonsoft, Age of Sail offers an immersive and historically accurate experience that brings the grandeur and excitement of the era to life.

A Blend of Strategy and Action

Age of Sail masterfully combines real-time strategy with thrilling naval combat. Players take command of powerful sailing ships from various nations, including Britain, Spain, France, and the United States. Engage in intense battles against AI opponents or challenge human players in multiplayer mode.

The game features an impressive roster of historically accurate ships, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. From the majestic Victory to the swift Constitution, you’ll have a wide range of vessels at your disposal.

Immersive 3D Graphics

For its time, Age of Sail boasted impressive 3D graphics that brought the naval battles to life. The ships are beautifully rendered, and the water effects are realistic, creating a truly immersive experience.

The game’s detailed environments add to the atmosphere. You’ll sail through vast oceans, navigate treacherous storms, and engage in combat amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Historical Accuracy

Age of Sail is not just a game; it’s also a valuable historical resource. The developers consulted with naval historians to ensure the game’s authenticity. The ships, weapons, and tactics are all meticulously recreated, providing players with an accurate glimpse into the Age of Sail.

The game includes a comprehensive campaign mode that spans from 1775 to 1820. Players can rise through the ranks of the navy, from a lowly Ensign to Admiral of the Navy. The campaign features a variety of missions, including historical battles and fictional scenarios.

Endless Replayability

Beyond the campaign mode, Age of Sail offers immense replayability. The game includes over 100 scenarios, each presenting a unique challenge. Relive famous naval battles like Trafalgar and Cape St. Vincent, or create your own custom scenarios using the powerful scenario editor.

The scenario editor is a fantastic tool that allows players to create their own naval battles to any specification. With over 2,000 historically accurate ships to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

A Legacy of Excellence

Age of Sail has been praised by critics and players alike for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and historical accuracy. It has received numerous awards, including Game of the Year from Computer Gaming World.

Despite being released over two decades ago, Age of Sail remains a popular and respected game. It has a dedicated community of fans who continue to enjoy its timeless gameplay and historical authenticity.

Conclusion

Age of Sail (1996) is a masterpiece of naval combat gaming. Its blend of strategy, action, and historical accuracy has made it a timeless classic. Whether you’re a history buff, a strategy enthusiast, or simply enjoy thrilling naval battles, Age of Sail is a must-play experience.

So hoist the sails, fire the cannons, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Age of Sail!

Review Score

8/10

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Norm Koger’s: The Operational Art of War vol. 1 – 1939-1955 (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Norm Koger’s: The Operational Art of War vol. 1 – 1939-1955 is a turn-based wargame developed by Norm Koger and published by Talonsoft in 1998. It is the first in a series of wargames that focus on historic conflicts, mainly World War 2 and Korea, at the operational level, which is between army- and battalion-sized engagements.

TOAW is a complex and challenging game that offers a deep and rewarding experience for wargamers. It is not a game for the faint of heart, but for those willing to put in the time to learn its intricacies, TOAW is one of the most rewarding wargames ever made.

Gameplay

TOAW is a scenario-driven game, meaning that there is no campaign where you fight battle after battle. Instead, each scenario is a standalone conflict, with its own unique objectives and challenges. Scenarios can last from a couple of hours to several years (in game time).

The game is played on a zoomable map that can be viewed in either top-down or isometric (pseudo 3D) mode. The latter mode shows units as “miniatures-like” icons, representing the main type of equipment in the formation. The other mode uses military symbols for representation.

Units in TOAW are modeled individually, down to infantry guns, tanks, etc. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and must be used accordingly. For example, infantry is good at defending against infantry and urban areas, but is vulnerable to tanks and artillery. Tanks are good at attacking and defending against other tanks, but are vulnerable to infantry and artillery. Artillery is good at supporting other units and attacking from a distance, but is vulnerable to counter-battery fire.

The game includes a wide range of weather effects and political events that can impact gameplay. For example, rain can slow down movement and make it difficult to attack, while snow can make it difficult to move and attack. Political events can also have a major impact on the game, such as the outbreak of war or the surrender of a country.

Features

TOAW is a highly customizable game. All features of the game (units, map, events, etc.) can be edited through the included scenario editor. This allows players to create their own scenarios or modify existing ones to their liking.

The game also includes a number of features that make it easy to learn and play. These features include:

  • A detailed tutorial that teaches the basics of the game.
  • A comprehensive manual that provides in-depth information on all aspects of the game.
  • A number of pre-made scenarios that can be used to learn the game or to play against the computer.
  • A hotseat mode that allows two or more players to play the game on the same computer.
  • A PBEM mode that allows players to play the game against each other over the internet.

Reception

TOAW was released to critical acclaim. It was praised for its depth, realism, and replayability. The game has been ranked as one of the best wargames ever made by a number of publications, including Computer Gaming World, IGN, and GameSpot.

Legacy

TOAW has had a major impact on the wargaming genre. It is one of the most popular and influential wargames ever made, and it has inspired a number of other wargames, including the Panzer General series and the Total War series.

TOAW is still played by a large and dedicated community of fans. There are a number of active online communities where players can share strategies, create and share scenarios, and play against each other.

Conclusion

Norm Koger’s: The Operational Art of War vol. 1 – 1939-1955 is a classic wargame that offers a deep and challenging experience. With its detailed unit modeling, scenario-driven gameplay, and extensive scenario editor, TOAW is a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

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The Operational Art of War II: Modern Battles 1956-2000 (1999)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

The Operational Art of War II: Modern Battles 1956-2000 is a turn-based strategy game developed by TalonSoft and released in 1999. It is the sequel to The Operational Art of War, which was released in 1998. Modern Battles 1956-2000 covers a wider range of historical conflicts than its predecessor, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and the Gulf War.

The game features a detailed and realistic simulation of modern warfare, with a focus on operational-level combat. Players take control of armies and corps, and must manage their resources and make strategic decisions in order to achieve victory. The game’s AI is highly sophisticated, and provides a challenging experience even for experienced players.

Modern Battles 1956-2000 was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best strategy games ever made. It has been praised for its realism, depth, and challenge. The game has also been used by military professionals to train and simulate combat operations.

Gameplay

Modern Battles 1956-2000 is a turn-based strategy game that takes place on a hexagonal map. Players control armies and corps, and must manage their resources and make strategic decisions in order to achieve victory. The game features a wide variety of units, including infantry, armor, artillery, and air power. Players must also take into account the terrain, weather, and supply lines when making their decisions.

The game’s AI is highly sophisticated, and provides a challenging experience even for experienced players. The AI is able to adapt to the player’s tactics, and will often surprise the player with unexpected moves. The game also features a number of different difficulty levels, so that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.

Historical Campaigns

Modern Battles 1956-2000 features a number of historical campaigns, including:

  • The Korean War
  • The Vietnam War
  • The Six-Day War
  • The Yom Kippur War
  • The Gulf War

Each campaign is based on actual historical events, and the player must complete a series of objectives in order to achieve victory. The campaigns are all very challenging, and require the player to use all of their skills and knowledge in order to succeed.

Multiplayer

Modern Battles 1956-2000 features a multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against each other online. The multiplayer mode supports up to eight players, and players can choose to play on a variety of different maps. The multiplayer mode is a great way to test your skills against other players, and to learn new tactics and strategies.

Reception

Modern Battles 1956-2000 was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realism, depth, and challenge. The game has also been used by military professionals to train and simulate combat operations.

Modern Battles 1956-2000 has been consistently ranked as one of the best strategy games ever made. In 2001, the game was inducted into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design’s Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Modern Battles 1956-2000 is considered to be one of the most influential strategy games ever made. The game’s realistic and challenging gameplay has set a new standard for the genre. The game has also been used by military professionals to train and simulate combat operations.

Modern Battles 1956-2000 is still played by many people today, and it continues to be considered one of the best strategy games ever made. The game’s legacy is sure to continue for many years to come.

Conclusion

The Operational Art of War II: Modern Battles 1956-2000 is a classic strategy game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s realism, depth, and challenge make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Battleground 3: Waterloo (1996)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Battleground 3: Waterloo (1996) Review: A Historical RTS Masterpiece

Introduction

Battleground 3: Waterloo is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by TalonSoft and released in 1996. It is the second game in the Battleground series, following Battleground: Ardennes. Waterloo focuses on the famous Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, between the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte and the Allied armies of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Prussia.

Gameplay

Waterloo is a traditional RTS game, similar to other titles such as Command & Conquer and Warcraft. Players control units from a top-down perspective, constructing buildings, gathering resources, and engaging in combat with enemy forces. However, Waterloo also features some unique gameplay elements that set it apart from other RTS games.

One of the most notable features of Waterloo is its focus on historical accuracy. The game features a detailed recreation of the Battle of Waterloo, complete with accurate unit types, formations, and battlefield terrain. Players can choose to play as either the French or Allied forces, and each side has its strengths and weaknesses.

Another unique feature of Waterloo is its emphasis on morale. In addition to the traditional health and attack stats, units in Waterloo also have a morale stat. Morale can be affected by a variety of factors, such as unit losses, proximity to enemy units, and the presence of leaders. Units with high morale are more effective in combat, while units with low morale are more likely to rout.

Campaign

Waterloo features a single-player campaign that follows the historical events of the Battle of Waterloo. Players can choose to play as either the French or Allied forces, and each campaign offers a different perspective on the battle. The campaign missions are well-designed and challenging, and they do a good job of capturing the chaos and excitement of the actual battle.

Multiplayer

In addition to the single-player campaign, Waterloo also features a multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against each other online or over a LAN. The multiplayer mode supports up to 8 players, and there are a variety of different maps and game modes to choose from.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released in 1996, Waterloo has impressive graphics and sound. The unit models are detailed and well-animated, and the battlefield environments are lush and atmospheric. The sound effects are also top-notch, and the music is suitably epic and stirring.

Reception

Battleground 3: Waterloo was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its historical accuracy, innovative gameplay, and excellent graphics and sound. Waterloo was also a financial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Battleground 3: Waterloo is considered one of the best RTS games ever made. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it has been cited as an influence on a number of other RTS games. Waterloo’s focus on historical accuracy and innovative gameplay set a new standard for the RTS genre, and it remains a classic example of how to create a compelling and immersive strategy game.

Conclusion

Battleground 3: Waterloo is a must-play for fans of RTS games and history buffs alike. It is a well-crafted game that offers a unique and challenging experience. Whether you are a seasoned RTS veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Waterloo is sure to impress you with its historical accuracy, innovative gameplay, and excellent graphics and sound.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Battleground 5: Antietam (1996)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Battleground 5: Antietam (1996): A Timeless Masterpiece of Civil War Strategy

Released in 1996, Battleground 5: Antietam stands as a towering achievement in the annals of strategy gaming. Developed by TalonSoft and published by Interactive Magic, this turn-based wargame transports players to the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, the Battle of Antietam.

Historical Immersion

Battleground 5: Antietam is a meticulously crafted historical simulation that immerses players in the complexities of the American Civil War. The game features an enormous map of the Antietam battlefield, accurately depicting the terrain, roads, and landmarks that played a crucial role in the battle. Players can choose to command either the Union or Confederate forces, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses.

The game’s historical accuracy extends beyond the battlefield. Detailed unit rosters reflect the actual regiments and brigades that fought at Antietam, and each unit’s capabilities are based on historical research. Players must carefully consider the terrain, unit formations, and supply lines to achieve victory.

Gameplay that Stands the Test of Time

Battleground 5: Antietam’s turn-based gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. Players take turns moving their units across the battlefield, engaging in combat, and managing their resources. The game’s combat system is realistic and unforgiving, with factors such as unit morale, terrain, and flanking bonuses playing a significant role in determining the outcome of battles.

One of the game’s standout features is its fog of war system. Units have limited visibility, and players must rely on scouts and other reconnaissance units to gather intelligence about the enemy’s positions and movements. This adds a layer of uncertainty and tension to the gameplay, as players must make critical decisions with incomplete information.

Unrivaled Depth and Complexity

Battleground 5: Antietam offers an unparalleled level of depth and complexity for strategy gamers. The game features a wide range of unit types, each with its unique capabilities and limitations. Players must carefully balance their forces, ensuring they have the right mix of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and support units to succeed on the battlefield.

The game’s campaign mode provides a challenging and rewarding experience, with players tasked with completing a series of historical scenarios based on the actual events of the Battle of Antietam. The campaign mode offers multiple difficulty levels, catering to both casual and hardcore strategy enthusiasts.

In addition to the campaign mode, Battleground 5: Antietam also features a robust multiplayer mode. Players can compete against each other in head-to-head battles or team up to take on AI opponents. The multiplayer mode adds a whole new dimension to the game, allowing players to test their skills against human opponents.

Stunning Graphics and Immersive Sound

Despite its age, Battleground 5: Antietam still holds up visually thanks to its detailed and atmospheric graphics. The game’s terrain is rendered in beautiful 3D, and the unit sprites are well-animated and visually distinct. The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with realistic gunfire, explosions, and period-appropriate music that further enhance the immersive experience.

Legacy and Impact

Battleground 5: Antietam has had a lasting impact on the strategy gaming genre. Its innovative fog of war system, realistic combat mechanics, and unparalleled depth have influenced countless subsequent strategy games. The game is still revered by many as one of the greatest Civil War strategy games ever made.

In 2012, Battleground 5: Antietam was inducted into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design’s Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring quality and significance in the gaming landscape.

Conclusion

Battleground 5: Antietam (1996) is a masterpiece of strategy gaming that continues to captivate and challenge players today. Its historical accuracy, immersive gameplay, and stunning graphics make it a timeless classic that deserves a place in any strategy gamer’s collection. Whether you’re a Civil War buff, a strategy enthusiast, or simply appreciate a well-crafted game, Battleground 5: Antietam is an experience not to be missed.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Rising Sun (2000)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Rising Sun (2000)

Rising Sun is a turn-based strategy game developed by Impressions Games and published by Sierra Entertainment. It was released on October 31, 2000, for Microsoft Windows. The game is set in the Pacific Theater of World War II and allows players to take control of either the United States or the Japanese Empire.

Rising Sun is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a deep and immersive experience. The game’s turn-based combat system is easy to learn but difficult to master, and the AI is challenging enough to keep even the most experienced players on their toes. The game also features a wide variety of units and weapons, which allows players to tailor their strategies to their own playstyles.

One of the things that makes Rising Sun so unique is its focus on realism. The game’s developers went to great lengths to ensure that the game accurately reflects the historical events of World War II. The game’s maps are based on real-world locations, and the units and weapons are all based on actual historical counterparts. This attention to detail helps to create a truly immersive experience that draws players into the world of the game.

Another thing that sets Rising Sun apart from other strategy games is its emphasis on combined arms warfare. In order to be successful in Rising Sun, players must learn to use all of the different types of units and weapons at their disposal. Infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft all have their own unique roles to play, and players must be able to coordinate their forces effectively in order to achieve victory.

Rising Sun is a complex and challenging game, but it is also a rewarding one. The game’s deep and immersive gameplay, combined with its focus on realism and combined arms warfare, make it a must-play for fans of strategy games.

Gameplay

Rising Sun is a turn-based strategy game in which players take control of either the United States or the Japanese Empire. The game is played on a hex-based map, and players must move their units around the map in order to capture objectives and defeat their opponents.

The game features a wide variety of units and weapons, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Infantry is the most basic unit type, and it is good for capturing objectives and holding ground. Tanks are more powerful than infantry, but they are also more expensive and slower. Artillery can attack units from a distance, and it is good for softening up enemy defenses. Aircraft can be used to attack ground units or to provide air support for other units.

Players must use all of the different types of units and weapons at their disposal in order to be successful in Rising Sun. Infantry is good for capturing objectives and holding ground, tanks are good for breaking through enemy defenses, artillery is good for softening up enemy defenses, and aircraft can be used to attack ground units or to provide air support for other units.

The game also features a variety of different terrain types, which can affect the movement and combat abilities of units. For example, forests provide cover for infantry, but they can also slow down tanks. Mountains provide a defensive bonus for units, but they can also make it difficult to move around.

Players must take into account the different terrain types when planning their moves. For example, it is important to use forests to cover your infantry, and to avoid moving tanks through mountains.

Historical Accuracy

Rising Sun is one of the most historically accurate strategy games ever made. The game’s developers went to great lengths to ensure that the game accurately reflects the historical events of World War II.

The game’s maps are based on real-world locations, and the units and weapons are all based on actual historical counterparts. The game also features a number of historical events, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway.

The game’s attention to detail helps to create a truly immersive experience that draws players into the world of the game. Players can feel like they are actually participating in the historical events of World War II.

Combined Arms Warfare

Rising Sun is a game that emphasizes combined arms warfare. In order to be successful, players must learn to use all of the different types of units and weapons at their disposal.

Infantry is good for capturing objectives and holding ground, tanks are good for breaking through enemy defenses, artillery is good for softening up enemy defenses, and aircraft can be used to attack ground units or to provide air support for other units.

Players must be able to coordinate their forces effectively in order to achieve victory. For example, players can use infantry to capture an objective, and then use tanks to support the infantry and hold the objective. Players can also use artillery to soften up enemy defenses, and then use aircraft to attack the weakened enemy units.

Combined arms warfare is a complex and challenging aspect of Rising Sun, but it is also a rewarding one. Players who are able to master combined arms warfare will be able to achieve great success in the game.

Conclusion

Rising Sun is a must-play for fans of strategy games. The game’s deep and immersive gameplay, combined with its focus on realism and combined arms warfare, make it a truly unique and rewarding experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Battleground 4: Shiloh (1996)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Battleground 4: Shiloh (1996)

A Tactical Masterpiece of Civil War Gaming

Journey back to the hallowed grounds of Shiloh, Tennessee, where one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War unfolded. Battleground 4: Shiloh (1996) invites you to relive this pivotal conflict in a groundbreaking tactical wargame that combines historical accuracy with thrilling gameplay.

Immerse Yourself in the Chaos of Shiloh

Step into the fray as Union or Confederate forces and command your troops across a sprawling battlefield teeming with authentic Civil War units. From the roar of artillery to the thunderous charge of cavalry, Battleground 4: Shiloh recreates the chaos and intensity of the original battle with meticulous detail.

Command a Vast Array of Units

Take command of a diverse range of infantry, cavalry, and artillery units, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Infantry can engage in close-quarters combat or form defensive lines, while cavalry excels at flanking maneuvers and rapid pursuit. Artillery provides devastating long-range support, capable of shattering enemy formations.

Master the Art of Strategy

Battleground 4: Shiloh is not a game of brute force. Victory requires careful planning, tactical maneuvering, and a keen understanding of the battlefield. Utilize cover, coordinate your units effectively, and exploit the terrain to outsmart your opponent. Every decision you make can turn the tide of battle.

Experience Historical Authenticity

The developers of Battleground 4: Shiloh have gone to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy. The game features meticulously researched uniforms, weapons, and equipment, as well as detailed recreations of the actual battlefield. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Civil War and witness the conflict unfold as it truly happened.

Unleash Your Inner General

With a vast array of customizable options, Battleground 4: Shiloh allows you to tailor your gameplay experience to your liking. Choose from a variety of difficulty levels, adjust the AI behavior, and even create your own custom scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned wargamer or a newcomer to the genre, Battleground 4: Shiloh offers a challenging and rewarding experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Battleground 4: Shiloh is the fourth installment in the acclaimed Battleground series, known for its innovative gameplay and historical accuracy. The game has received widespread critical praise, earning a review score of 8.5 out of 10 from IGN. It has also been recognized by the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design, winning the Origins Award for Best Historical Game in 1997.

Conclusion

Battleground 4: Shiloh (1996) stands as a testament to the power of video games to educate and entertain. It is a masterpiece of tactical wargaming that immerses players in the chaos and grandeur of the American Civil War. Whether you’re a history buff, a wargaming enthusiast, or simply a fan of great games, Battleground 4: Shiloh is an essential experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

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