John Kisner released the first issue of his new quarterly game review magazine, Zone of Control. The 54-page magazine is professionally done and packed with features, game reviews, and game advertisements. Feature articles cover the various mechanics of wargames and their design. Game reviews are insightful, and the games are rated on System (Complexity), Size, Graphics & Design, Game (Fun Factor), Simulation (Realism), and innovation.

The magazine is designed to be the "Voice of American Wargaming" (a tall order indeed!) and is not affiliated with any gaming company. In fact, John will not accept reviews from any person who has ties with the industry. This is a nice touch, and one to be applauded by the mass of wargamers who have been taken by the reviews that appear in many of the "house organs" which proliferate in the industry.

The first issue reviews 16 different games ranging from ancients to modern warfare. Six feature articles, on various facets of wargaming, round out the magazine and provide the gamer a great deal of interesting information.

The magazine is well written, the graphics complement the articles, and the honest handling of the games reviewed promises to give the wargamers an impartial look at an industry rife with conflicting views and reviews that bury games for no other reason than the reviewer wasn't involved in production. Subscriptions are $18 dollars for four issues and are available from Zone of Control, Inc. (515) 277-8920.

Industry News 1995

Zone of Control: The Voice of American Wargaming
Battles on the BBS: Bomba vs. Youst
3W Gone
Moves is Back