GENERAL MILITARY SIM For those of you fed up with zapping aliens from Zog, or taking out hordes of New York low-life with well-aimed Ninja kicks, SPM Software could well have the perfect alternative. General Military Simulator is a kind of construction kit for conflicts. Although it comes with a variety of preprogrammed scenarios, the beauty of it is that you can also invent your own. The game is based on SPM's established wargammg system, whereby two different map scales let you view both the campaign area as a whole and also zoom in to control your troop movements. The graphics are not earth-shattering, but they are functional. Remember, this is a thinking man's game, not an arcade blast. Armour, infantry, airborne units, etc are represented by icons. Turns alternate between you and your opponent, and on your turn you send orders to all your various battle units. This can take a long time, since it involves lots of menus and choices. The orders you can deliver fall into four categories: - MOVE: You specify a direction and the unit moves as far as it can. depending on type, terrain and fatigue.
- ATTACK: This causes your unit to attack an adjacent enemy force. Taking the initiative is often useful.
- DIG IN: Your units will prepare for attack, selecting the most advantageous positions offered by the terrain.
- BUILD: This is how you develop all those air bases, bridges, etc vital for a successful push.
The results of all the battles are worked out using ‘Effective Strength' calculations which take into account a units' strength, fatigue, morale, etc.Playing any of the battles in General Military Simulator takes time, and so does developing your own. However, this isn't the sort of game you'd blast away at while you're waiting for the kettle to boil anyway. For dedicated wargamers, and anyone who enioys a bit of thought-provoking strategy, GMS will provide many, many hours of entertainment.    
General Military Simulator's graphics ore crude but functional. You con design your own icons, too.
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