Other publishers produce games in tune with the GameFix philosophy: games that fit your busy life style, and that can be quickly learned and easily shared with others. This column will keep you posted on other board, card, computer, and on-line games that can provide you another likely game fix.

Panzer General

Published by SSI, this computer game is a rock'n roll panzer pusher that is packed with fun. Each player conducts regiment- to division-size units across various European WWII campaigns over many scenarios. There are even campaign games that can be played from the German player's perspective where you lead a group of "core" units from battle to battle, improving their equipment and experience as the war progresses.

The look is beautiful, with quality sounds effects; but the play is the thing. Although no more realistic than, say, PanzerBlitz, like PanzerBlitz it is packed with compelling game play and replayability.

Panzer General , featuring admirable Artificial Intelligence capable of challenging even veteran wargamers, can also be played by two players (either via e-mail or while sharing the same computer). Doubt me if you will, but I predict that this game will have a pretty strong following among non-traditional wargamers. It's that pretty and that fun! SSI has discovered a winning formula with this game, and if you didn't get a copy for Christmas, and you have an IBM computer for gaming, treat yourself to a great time. Panzer General really delivers wargaming fun.

World War I

Published by Decision Games, this is among the first of their old SPI re-releases. Although the map has received a pleasant face-lift and the counters have added color to go with their new hard-hat haberdasher's look, I was most curious about the changes to this classic S&T mini-game.

Production oversights are likely to cause this version of the most playable strategic level WWI game I've ever seen to have more errata than its predecessor (which, overall, won't be that much).

Added to the game is a Caucasus Front between Turkey and Russia that, although nice, is something of a disappointment because I had hoped for an extension into the Middle East. Still, for anyone who doesn't have the original version of this fast-playing game of brutal trench warfare (Hey, there are six combat phases per game turn - talk about your carnage!), I'd recommend picking this one up.

If you're already set with the old SPI version, you can correct the game's errors and omissions easily and might enjoy this reprint's new features.