This is a computerised version of Games Workshop's successful Warhammer Fantasy Battle tabletop wargames rules. It requires a PC with a minimum specification of a 486-DX12 66MHz processor, 8Mb RAM, Windows 95, at least 20MB free hard disk space and a double-speed CD-ROM drive. A sound card is also recommended but not essential. RRP is 44.99 pounds but shop around, I got it for œ29.99. As the game runs under Windows 95, installation was straightforward, no mucking about with expanded/extended memory problems. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the sound aspect of the game as my old Ad-Lib sound card died years ago but the game runs fine without it.

In the game, you take the role of mercenary commander Morgan Bernhardt as he battles his way across the Warhammer World in search of fame and fortune. Rather than allow you to set up your own battles and scenarios, the game follows a pre-set campaign story which unfolds as you complete each mission. You start with only two units, one infantry and one cavalry. As the game progresses and your experience (apd purse) increases, you can hire more units to enable you to take on more demanding assignments.

At the start of a mission you are given a brief which details the background situationl your duties and what payments will be made before and on completion of the mission. Once you've accepted the assignment, you decide which units you wish to take with you and their marching order. You are then taken to tile battlefield where you can deploy your units and give them orders. In the case of an ambush situation, you are thrown straight into the action so your marching order can be important.

The battle screen is divided into three main areas. To the top right is a map of the entire battlefield with the position of each unit shown by its banner. The largest area is the 3D view of the battle which you can observe from anywhere on the battlefield and from any angle by positioning the 'camera'. This window, when viewed in the highest screen resolution, is almost as good as looking at a real wargames table. You can extend the 3D view by removing the map but I find the map invaluable for keeping an eye out for new enemy units as they appear and for keeping track of the overall situation. The bottom third of the screen contains all the option buttons and information panels that enable you to give orders to units and check on their current status.

The battles themselves are fought in real time so no messing about for 10 minutes thinking about your next move here. To give new orders to a unit or use a magical item belonging to its captain or a wizard you first select the unit by clicking on it, either in the 3D view or on the map. Orders available will vary slightly depending on the type of unit.

For example, the combat order will normally let a unit close to hand-to-hand combat but if the unit has missile weapons they also have the option to stand and fire at their selected target. Other options allow you to wheel, turn or increase/decrease the frontage of your units. This interface is very easy to use and I found myself using it quite comfortably after only a couple of small battles. Units will act with a reasonable amount of intelligence when you are distracted elsewhere but don't rely on them to always do what's best.

Units have the same characteristics as in the tabletop version so anyone familiar with the Warhammer rules will be right at home here. Even if, like me, you've not played the tabletop rules and don't know a goblin from a rat ogre, don't worry as the superbly illustrated 120 page manual includes plenty of background detail and hints on play. Don't take its advice on how to win the first mission though, I lost miserably when trying it their way.

The package boasts over 40 battles to fight and so far I've played about ten, some of them more than once so there's no shortage of action. As the games are linked in a campaign setting, you not only have to win your battles, but win them convincingly enough to enable you to take on the next one without too many casualties. Recruits are available between battles but rarely enough to bring your units up to full strength.

The game looks and plays like a tabletop wargame and the real-time element makes things even more exciting. The battles are, as you would expect with a fantasy setting, quick and bloody. I would love to have seen a scenario editor to enable me to create my own battles though I suspect Games Workshop would see this as a threat to tabletop product sales or even future computer campaign games. Overall though, I have no complaints and found the game to be exciting and challenging.

Other Computer Game Reviews:

• War CD-ROM Power Pack
• Battleground Ardennes
• Battleground Ardennes and Battleground Gettysburg
• Caesar II
• Operation Crusader
• The Last Blitzkrieg
• Great Battles of Alexander
• Blood and Iron
• Command & Conquer: The Covert Operations
• Harpoon Classic

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