I was a little surprised at R.A. Walker's review of "Blood & Iron" in LW 115. He appeared to be rather (disappointed with the product. I believe this programme (together with other computer moderated rules by the same company - "English Computer Wargames") has already been reviewed within the pages of LW, and received a somewhat better critique than Mr. Walker's, which is why I was surprised.

[Perhaps Bob read the review, went and purchased the rules based on it and then decided that he would present his views on the product. This gives both view points, so members can make up their own minds.]

Unlike Mr. Walker, I am not such a sceptic over the use of computer moderated rules. indeed without their use I doubt if I could game the larger battles which at present charge back and forth over my table. I very rarely game with less than 25 units (battalions/regiments/batteries etc.) per side, and have in the past undertaken (solo) contests with no less than 90+ units per side (in 6mm scale of course).

To be honest, these types of rules do take a little time initially, to set up (inputting info' about units, generals etc.) But once completed and saved to disk, this chore need not be undertaken again, and the details can be reused over and over. In most computer moderated rules there is usually some form of "army organiser" by which, with judicial application, the soloist can juggle his armies into whatever form he wishes. He may move units from one army to another, create brigades, divisions, reserves etc. recruit or disband units, increase unit numbers, take account of losses, and even print out "hard copies" of all this for his state records.

Yes they do take a little getting used to at first, but generally repay persistence ten times over. The watch word being, to "save" into to disk regularly and often. In that way it anything does go wrong something can always be retrieved.

In addition to "Blood & Iron" (19th Century), I make use of "Over the Hills" (18th Century) and "Hard Pounding" (Napoleonic) computer moderated rules - all excellent products of "ECW" - as well as "Follow the Eagle" (Napoleonic) by Dave Watkins. However. as distinct from Mr. Walker I tend to use an old Atari ST machine rather than an IBM PC compatible to run these programmes - it's far easier to carry about, and can make use of my old black and white TV as a monitor. I've never had problems with my Atari versions crashing, perhaps Mr. Walker's problems have something to do with the PC version of "Blood & Iron"?

I also used to make use of the SOTA computer moderated rules, both "Ancient" and Renaissance/Medieval", for the old "Spectrum 48K". Unfortunately, my old machine went "belly up" earlier this year and left me in something of a quandary. Would it be possible therefore, to ask SWA members if they know of any company which produces computer moderated rules for either the ancient or, more especially, the medieval/renaissance periods? I believe that a company based in Australia used to advertise in some of the "glossies" over here just such sets of rules, but I know of no others (apart from SOTA that is).

It would help me greatly if I could get hold of some medieval computer moderated rules, somehow. [Steve, on things "Computer-wise" all members should firstly get in touch with the Computer Adviser (our Graham) and I have forwarded your request on to him. If he is unable to help and I don't believe he has struck out yet, then I will publish the request in Lone Warrior.]

[Thanks to Bob and Steve for their views on computer moderated rules. Kenn]

More Computer Reviews:

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