In the world of computer gaming it would seem that summer 1996 has turned into a frantic who can we buy next. Sierra have added Impressions, a well respected name, and SubLogic to an ever expanding group [family according to the flyer] of companies. Names like Domark and US Gold you probably recognise but Eidos PLC probably not. Well now those three have merged and a new company has emerged called Eidos Interactive. Microsoft are also absorbing the odd game company - well Bill Gates has to spend his money on something.

At this point in time all we, the humble consumers, can really do is wait until the dust settles to see if all this results in better games, more of them, of a higher quality and with less of the hype. Maybe, just maybe, it will stop the continual 'coming soon' syndrome and just announce the games when they are actually available.

Just as an example of how ridiculous it gets 'Third Reich' by Avalon Hill has been arriving since September 1994 and is, as of July 1996, still arriving. At least now we have a fully playable demo covering Poland to the invasion of France so who knows the whole game may make it by Christmas 1996, but don't hold your breath [suffocation is fatal].

Right having released the safety valve lets put this column back on track. The following preview snippets are of 'up and coming games' for 1996/97 and were trawled from over 200 items. Note this information has come from the USA, on occasions the games are not released into Europe, but these are what caught my eye which I considered worth looking out for.

Wooden Ships and Iron Men - Avalon Hill. There is a demo of this game currently doing the rounds which should indicate that its release is imminent. It is set in the age of sail and takes you from single ship duels through to major engagements. There are lots of sailing and weaponry options, ship boarding and even a campaign game set during the War of 1812 (Are you reading this Rich Barbuto?) [Rich will be delighted to hear that when Chris Constable and I attempted at do damage to the Continental Navy in the demo game only our superior speed at running away saved us! Kenn]

Battle of the Ironclads - Grolier Interactive. A windows based game which re-creates the famous duel between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (Merrimac). It is a very detailed simulation with options, difficulty levels, alternative scenarios. Claims are it has been extensively researched and comes with video and music to give some atmosphere.

Close Combat - Microsoft. Any of you who have been around a while will probably remember Beyond Squad Leader well this is another reincarnation. There is a trial version out on the Internet "http://www.microsoft.com/games/kickbutt/" for those of you who want a try out first. It is set in Normandy on D-Day and has specific personalities for the soldiers, motivation, leadership all of which have a significant impact on what happens throughout the game.

The Civil War: Master Player's Edition - Empire Interactive. This is a re-work of 'The Civil War" which I reviewed in LW113. This edition adds new historical battles including Fredricksburg and Antietam and has improved the graphics. It is said to address complaints raised about the original with an improved AI engine for both the campaign and battle modes. It still operates in DOS like the original and comes complete with a strategy guide.

Battleground Antietam - Talonsoft / Empire Interactive. This is number 5 in the series and is set in ACW again [somebody up there likes me]. It is scheduled for release around September 1996 and there is rumour that it will include "incompetence modelling" to cater, I assume, for one George Brinton McClellan whose caution [I am being polite] permitted a very inferior force to emerge almost victorious dragging the war on even longer. It seems that each new game in the series adds more goodies with Talonsoft seeming to be really responsive to what their customers think.

Command and Conquer: Red Alert - Westwood. The news is that the Windows version has gone SVGA which means units look smaller but you see more of the map. It is set in an alternate history where Hitler never got to power and it was Stalin who decided to march through Europe. The AI has been given an overhaul and is said to be difficult in the extreme at the hardest levels. There are new units with the corresponding widening of strategy options. The units include thieves, spies, destroyers, cruisers, MiGs, paratroopers, submarines. It appears that it will come complete with a terrain editor (proof again that companies do listen to their customers).

More Computer Reviews:

Games Corner: Industry News
Victorian Warfare
Response: Blood & Iron
Battleground: Waterloo
Lone Warrior on MagWeb