1944: Across the Rhine

MicroProse

Preview By Graham Empson

Having read three reviews of this game in the past few weeks I have to say that I am very impressed. The game averaged 85% overall, and got recommendation of the month twice. Microprose seem to have finally combined all the best elements of simulations and wargames into a single game. Now that in itself is quite an achievement. Attempts have been made in the past but as we all know tanks work in platoons, squadrons, companies, battalions as part of an army. They need support from infantry, artillery, other armored vehicles etc. So now you have large number of vehicles which of course significantly reduces the players direct participation, the aims of simulation are based around small numbers, ideally one, so you have a dilemma, a conflict of interest. Past efforts came to grief attempting to resolve the dilemma. Now Microprose are renowned for their detailed manuals, the depth and complexity of their games, and this one is no exception. So, if you are a serious gamer, like reading hefty manuals, can deal with complexity, WW II is your era and you have a high powered PC (minimum of a 20486/DX4 CPU chip, 8 meg of memory, a CD-ROM drive, a sound card) this could be the game for you if you have £44.99 to spare..

So if you are still interested here comes a game preview. By basing the game in the last year of WW II they have avoided problems of allowing superior equipment to override the commander's skill. Though German equipment was more advanced by 1944, this was negated to a large extent by the American equipment being far more numerous, better maintained, more fully equipped with fuel and ammunition. By allowing you to choose a rank from a platoon commander on up to battalion commander, you can go from the thick of the action up to high level tactical command responsibilities. The game runs in real time and can be played in three ways. First option is Battle, which as the name suggests means you choose from a list of battles, decide on command level, reality level, and off you go. The other two options are at a campaign level, historical where the result cannot alter only your performance against actual commanders, and hypothetical campaign which allows you to change the course of events. You have available numerous options which can add to the complexity and has the potential to keep you occupied for a long time - at least until the sequel comes out.

As my PC lacks a CPU with enough power I shall not be doing a full review, since I only review what I actually play. I can only hope someone out there buys it, tries it, and reviews it, if only to see if it lives up to its rave reviews in the glossies.

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