TITLE: Computer War in Russia (DOS game that does run on
Windows XP)
PUBLISHER: Originally by Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI)
then revised (v3.2) and republished as a free download by Matrix Games (Matrix
Games).
SCOPE: Operational game of WWII in the eastern frontby
weeks. Originally published by SSI as excellent Apple IIe game, then later
revised as a PC game Second Front. cWIR is the third and improved iteration
for DOS.
SSI/Matrix CATALOG DESCRIPTION: War In Russia - Matrix
Edition allows you to play up until July 1945, fighting for four years over
the new improved map. Arnaud Bouis and his dedicated team have once again
improved upon Gary Grigsby classic wargame War In Russia. Arnaud Bouis and
team began this project back in May 2000, its aim being to fix the bugs to
one of our favorite computer wargames and has done a great job. Please note
that the version available here at Matrix Games is also the same version available
at Arnaud Bouis site.
GAME BOX DESCRIPTION:
YEAR PUBLISHED (EDITIONS): SSI Edition: XXXX; Matrix
Edition: May 1, 2000
CREDITS
Original Game Design: Gary Grisby
Game Development:
Artwork:
Box Art:
Typesetting: Colonial Composition
Printing: Monarch Services
Playtesting:
NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 0, 1 or 2; Game does include an effective
Artificial Intelligence opponent. Computer can play either side and either
side can be give Help or Even More Help to balance. However after repeated
plays; an Human opponent will be desired. Players can give HQs either full
player control, full human control or something in between. Oddly when the
computer players itself, it seems to result in a Soviet victory by February
1944.
WGA COMPLEXITY SCALE (1-10):
TYPICAL PLAYING TIME (HOURS):
MAP SCALE: 1 Week
UNIT SCALE: The manuever units is a Axis Korps or Soviet
Army. Each player typically manaages the components of each (divisions, independet
tank; SPG, and AT units). Players assign plane groups to headquarters with
a variety of available missions. Players also influence production of armor
and planes by type.
TIME SCALE PER TURN:
NUMBER OF GAME TURNS:
ARTICLE LISTING: None yet identified
GAME INVENTORY: Self contained computer game.
WBC & AVALONCON HISTORY: Not Applicable
PBEM TOOLS:
The program is setup for secured PBEM play. Only one player can see the
battle details as it happens
but all battles results can be reviewed at any time.
PBEM OPPORTUNITES: I am looking for an
opponent.
WARGAME ACADEMY COMMENTS: I had played a campaign game
of WAR IN THE PACIFIC versus another player consuming a year's worth of Saturdays
in 1985 before I could make computer assist tools on my Apple IIe. Playing
the Allies, by 1944 I had to invest four hours of planning for a 5 minute
turn (when each ship last refitted, refueled, adjust progression of material
through the merchant pipelines, base improvement, airplane /ship construction,
etc. Computer PACIFIC WAR does most of this detail for you but allows you
to tweak airplane production choices. It is an excellent replacement for WAR
IN THE PACIFIC which is generally considered unplayable. Even cPCW may overwhelm
the light hearted as keeping ship types, ground units, air units where you
need them, when you needed them is critical for the Allies to maintain a schedule
towards victory.
WARGAME ACADEMY GAME TOOLS: I have made several to ease
my play. Most of the tools are customized for the Allied player which is the
only side I have played to date.
