The Great Battles of Hannibal

Computer Game Review

Review by Kenn Hart

from Interactive Magic

This is like one of my tabletop wargames, bodies and units everywhere, but on a screen and it is very realistic it is. Sound effects are good and I really like the melee ones so much, I am thinking of putting it on cassette for use in my tabletop games! Just listen to the legions march forward - daunting. The artwork and graphics are outstanding and I particularly like the shield designs, pattern on trousers etc., which could be used as a guide for painting an Ancient Army. The hexes are still visible but the excellent artwork hides a lot, and gives an impression of a landscape not a 'hex landscape'.

Melee animation is really good and the figures really get stuck into each other. I like the way the game zooms in on a melee, but only one at a time, that is why the running commentary is essential in order to find out what happen elsewhere on the field. The Running Commentary is the way that when there are many events happening at once all over the battlefield, you are given a brief summary on what has just happened. This gives you a chance to catch your breath assess the situation and get ready for the next move.

Use of the ground and fighting in the traditional manner is a must if you want any success. Could do with a better definition of routing troops, and I had a lot, by outlining them in red (?) or something to make them really stand out. I know they throw their weapons away and they no longer carry a flag but when, in the heat of battle, one is trying to order troops it is frustrating to try and rally a unit who has just bought a ticket home! Perhaps I should pay more attention.

The A/I reacts well to moves the player tries and does not just march past and wait to be hit in the back but will turn to face then react. Makes it more of a challenge for the player to my mind. To watch how the computer moves the legions is very educational and will definitely affect my tabletop play (if I ever get the time) when next I blow the dust off my mini heroes.

Elephant stampedes. Age old wargames argument is that elephants on routing will run directly away from the unit they have been in contact with. I have never agreed with this and in Hannibal the routing elephants go every which way and they are loose! You have been warned in that they stomp anyone friend or foe! They sure do make a lot of noise doing it as well!

Although it recommends 16 RAM, I found this playable but somewhat slow and I had played a couple of games at 16 just before Chris upgraded my machine to 32 RAM. Changes the game, handles well and there is an obvious notice in game speed. One of things a player must do is mount his generals on steeds as fast as Pegasus and give them spurs. There is only a limited amount of actions a general can do in a turn and he must be within command range, so position him and so choose his orders carefully. The general not only gives orders but can restore Cohesion, for units that have suffered casualties. I believe, from my limited experience, it is essential that units regain their cohesion at earliest opportunity.

Random Turns - I love it! No more "Your turn, my turn", but beware it can be extremely frustrating - so do not rely on it being your turn next! Not for the faint hearted or Rule Bender. Touch of the Piquet on screen.

A minor moan is that the screen grabs in the User Book are difficult to decipher, they could have been made bigger to give better definition. This is a common error with game books but these grabs are essential until a player is "into" a game. Apart from that the booklet was excellent, well presented and informative.

There are 11 scenario games of which I have so far played 5 games, needless to say as the Great Man himself. ( Won 4 lost 1! Still with a bit of practice will refight my defeat and hopefully win). Have no interest in commanding Romans, they do as they are told. Not yet tried the Campaign Game and have no intention of playing on the Internet or by Email, of which there are options - so no challenges please!

This game has given me the opportunity to fight again ancient battles and although I am tempted to get my 15mm figures out, the limited time I have available prohibits it, so enter Stage Left "The Great Battles of Hannibal"! No setting up time involved and it is the nearest thing I have yet come to of an ancient tabletop wargame being played on a computer. Can only highly recommend this game and look forward to others in the series, hopefully something from the Japanese Age of Country at War? Any fan of Hannibal or the period must purchase this game. Wish I had played this prior to going to Carthage last year it would have added to my visit.

[At present The Great Battles of Alexander are being reviewed with the details published in Lone Warrior when well tested and I believe that The Great Battles of Caesar are due out soon. Now I really fancy fighting two matched Roman Armies against each other, that will put the onus on generalship and the opportunity to send in waves of screaming Celts against the legions is an opportunity I must wait for.]

Available from: Interactive Magic, Gingers Court, 1st Floor, 36A High St, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1HE. Www.imagicgames.co.uk

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