Jane's F-15
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 25 NOV 1998 by Scott Parrino
Jane’s F-15 was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the past few years and in my opinion, it succeeded masterfully. F-15 packs the exact flight model used in United States Air Force (USAF) simulator complexes, a vast array of ordnance, an excellent communications system, a professional mission editor, and the most jaw-dropping detail ever given to a single plane (graphically).
Caesar III
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 18 NOV 1998 by Scott Parrino
At first glance the game may look like a dressed-up version of Caesar II, but it is not. It has far more depth – and requires much more work. This is not an easy game – this is no SimCity. It is a puzzle in which every piece interacts with every other piece, even those far away. The pieces interact with one another and are dependent upon each other. You have to juggle so many needs and requirements just to get the city built and working, let alone working well, that the casual gamer will soon find himself overwhelmed, defeated and sent to the galleys as a slave. Toy around with this engine and you will have some fun, but your days as a governor will be numbered.
Vangers
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 13 SEP 1998 by Scott Parrino
Vangers seems appropriate for kids 10 and up; the storyline may have some resonance for adult fans of science-fiction writers like Rudy Drucker, K. W. Jeter, and David Drake. The skill level required is very slight, a plus for gamers more interested in exploring alien worlds than in testing the limits of their sensory-motor skills. The game brings to the screen a well-balanced combination of story, imagery and sound that may not be cutting-edge, but is entertaining nonetheless.
Team Apache
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 21 AUG 1998 by Scott Parrino
Team Apache incorporates a lot more into the game than just simply the simulation of one AH-64 Apache attack helicopter--in a Campaign the player is given command of an attack helicopter company in the field, complete with personnel issues to resolve with pilots and copilot/gunners, and a force of seven Apaches and supporting weapons and maintenance crews.
M1 Tank Platoon II
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 28 JUL 1998 by Scott Parrino
You pick up the box and study the graphics. Bold silver lettering, a striking infrared view of an M1 and a Hind helicopter reach out and take hold of you. "The Definitive Simulation of Modern Ground Warfare" is prominently displayed and you fondly remember the original M1 Tank Platoon. You think to yourself, "finally, a Tank Sim that'll get it right"! Your cash hits the counter and you head home post haste to install this baby. You can't wait to command a tank platoon in simulated combat.
iPanzer '44
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 28 JUL 1998 by Scott Parrino
iPanzer'44 simulates armored engagements during World War II from 1944 to 1945. The game includes an impressive fifty scenarios and two campaigns. The campaigns can be played as German or Allied player and covers the 1944 summer offensive on the Easter Front (Germany versus the USSR) and the Battle of the Bulge (Germany versus the United States). Engagements range from commanding a single tank to a tank company complete with supporting units.
Panzer Commander
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 26 JUL 1998 by Scott Parrino
That being said, stop reading this review, and go get this fine game. This is a solid game that people will be playing for a long time, especially with the battle editor and free Internet play support through MPlayer. Enjoy and watch out for my Panther behind that house!
Comanche Gold
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 20 JUN 1998 by Scott Parrino
Comanche Gold is the Gold version of the third Comanche sim (Comanche 3 by NovaLogic.) NovaLogic has taken on the task to offer a fun, playable sim, accurate enough to reflect the technologies that this new chopper offers. Comanche Gold is essentially the latest patched version of Comanche 3 with many missions assembled into several campaigns and the official Commanche Gold Strategy Guide.
Red Baron 3D vs. Flying Corps Gold
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 1 JUN 1998 by Scott Parrino
Two impressive simulations of biplane dogfights in World War One appeared in 1997 and have continued to improve through 1998 with new versions that add player suggestions and support for popular 3D accelerator cards. Sierra and Dynamix’s Red Baron II is now Red Baron 3D and Empire Interactive and Rowan Software’s Flying Corps is now Flying Corps Gold. This article compares the two, first in general terms, and later in detail.
Jane's Israeli Air Force (IAF)
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 14 MAY 1998 by Scott Parrino
This survey sim puts one in the cockpit of one of the many IAF fighter jet aircraft. IAF appeals to beginner to medium skill level of flight simulation. Offered by the ultimate name in flight simulations, Jane's Combat Simulations.
Jane's World War II Fighters
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 15 MAR 1998 by Scott Parrino
One of the best WWII air combat simulations ever made. Set in the European theater, one can pilot a P51 Mustang, P47 Thunderbolt, P38 Lightning, Spitfire, BF109, FW190, or ME262. WWII Fighters combines air combat mixed with bomb lobbing donned in one of the best graphical worlds available.
TacOps
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 9 FEB 1998 by Scott Parrino
TacOps is full of fresh ideas on how a military simulation should be run. The ease at which players can give even intricate orders to entire formations makes it a snap to play. Other designers should take note and everyone even remotely interested in the subject should get it. Everyone is playing TacOps, even our military. In addition to all the unofficial training it is being used for, the USMC, USA, and Canadian Army are all reviewing it for possible use as a training aid. What better endorsement can a tactical simulation get?
Silent Hunter: Commander's Edition
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 5 FEB 1998 by Scott Parrino
Overall this game is a load of fun. There is a lot of replayability built into the Commander's Edition of Silent Hunter and even more if you sample the many user-made scenarios available on the Internet. I found myself getting very personally involved with the ships I commanded and fighting the dreaded one more ship (or turn) battle. Don't get discouraged early if you have little success. Silent Hunter requires practice and a sound understanding of naval tactics to master. If you choose to make the required investment of time, your patience will pay off big time, rewarding you with a truly unique gaming experience that just may make you feel like you're really hunting for juicy targets in the treacherous, enemy-infested waters of World War II's Pacific Theater.
Tigers on the Prowl
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 26 JAN 1998 by Wargamer Staff
Tigers on the Prowl (ToP) is a tactical-level, World War II, Eastern Front combat game from HPS Simulations. Units are platoons and sections and the player controls up to a brigade-sized force. Without a doubt ToP is the most realistic simulation of tactical WW II combat yet made. It is also a lot of fun. The short list of nit picky complaints we did have about the game are ALL being addressed in ToP's sequel, Panthers in the Shadows. Now, one last turn...
F-16 Multirole Fighter and MiG 29 Fulcrum
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 24 JAN 1998 by Wargamer Staff
The similarities between F-16 Multirole Fighter and MiG-29 Fulcrum are many. These two titles are bundled as one package, very user-friendly and easy to learn. There's no need to learn complex radar or flight control systems in order to switch between flying either the F-16 or MiG-29. Both of these games are a lot of fun and appeal to the novice flight sim player as much as to the experienced fighter jet jock. One can choose either title and simply jump right in and begin shooting the "bad guys." Either way, you're up and flying in no time.
Independence War:The Starship Simulator
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 17 JAN 1998 by Wargamer Staff
Independence War is an extremely well-done space combat action adventure game with a very good story and scenarios, excellent effects, and an interesting, convincing space flight and combat system.
Combat Flight Simulator
PC GAME REVIEW posted on 1 JAN 1998 by Wargamer Staff
Combat Flight Simulator is based on Microsoft's popular Flight Simulator 98 and the evolution from the one to the other is readily apparent. Basing Combat Flight Simulator on Flight Simulator 98 has its advantages. The advantages are that the game uses a proven graphics engine and flight model. This provides a relatively stable and bug-free operating environment. However there are two disadvantages (which I will discuss in more detail later); one is that the Flight Simulator 98 game engine is not really up to handling a combat environment without a very powerful PC behind it and the other relates to multiplayer. That notwithstanding, Microsoft has done a pretty good job of creating an accurate and fun World War Two air combat game.
Panzer Commander Editor Tips and Tricks
STRATEGY AND TACTICS ARTICLE posted on 1 JAN 1998 by Wargamer Staff
Here are my current notes on making scenarios for Panzer Commander. The manual already includes basic instructions and some good tips, so read those carefully first. My notes below are my additional tips, advice, explanations and warnings.
