World War 2: Battles of South Pacific Download (1993 Strategy Game)

World War II: Battles of the South Pacific is seemingly designed for all levels of war gamers rather than specifically for the die-hard purists that demand full accuracy in all things from a war game. While ships, submarines, aircraft and like hardware are based on historically accurate information, the actual game play and strategy needed to complete scenarios successfully doesn't always emulate proven war tactics. That's not necessarily fatal but expert war gamers will definitely be put off by the loosely structured approach to historical strategies and events. An example of this is the rigid and often incorrect alignment of fleet assignments in relation to each other and tactically preferred formations. Another minor gripe involves the unrealistic power of shore batteries when defending against a bombardment attack. The game has a fairly benign learning curve but winning individual scenarios or long campaigns can be tough or frustrating depending on which side you control. Very few of the battles are balanced which does in many instances replicate historical strengths while exploiting glaring or subtle weaknesses.

Individual victory conditions vary significantly from scenario to scenario and won't always be based on what the player may think they should be so careful attention should be given to a review of them before engaging the enemy. As far as in-depth coverage of the South Pacific war arena, a sufficient assemblage of scenarios are provided with eight quick games and three each of battles and campaigns. Length of game play naturally varies with the type of game selected with the short games playable in less than three hours, the moderate battles in day or so and the campaigns with their one-hour turns lasting significantly longer (days, weeks or even months).

Both the graphics and sound in World War II: Battles of the South Pacific are rather well done and add to the full gaming experience. The interface is not difficult and, in fact, makes the actual game play fairly simple and intuitive for novice and expert alike with prolonged play almost certain to build a satisfactory comfort level for the player. The scenarios, which include both historically based as well as hypothetical "what ifs", are thankfully diverse and entertaining. A good range of customizable game play factors are available in setting up most scenarios which keeps the replay value on the high side for repeated attempts of scenario success under varying conditions. This feature becomes important in light of the absence of any sort of scenario editor or builder which seems a bit unusual for these game developers. All things considered, World War II: Battles of the South Pacific offers the player a good, easy -to-use but challenging collection of fairly difficult scenarios to master. Although marginally short on historical accuracy but long on game play, the game offers something to every level of war gamer.

Graphics: Good visuals of ships and aircraft. Game maps are well drawn and clear and the overall package is fairly pleasing.

Sound: Nice war-like sound effects with tolerable music.

Enjoyment: There are more historically accurate war simulations on the market but the varied scenarios of this one are entertaining and supported by a smooth interface. You can learn the game mechanics fairly easily but mastering the scenarios is a definite challenge.

Replay Value: Even without a scenario builder, the options for setting up scenarios and the ability to play either side in the conflicts assures some replay value.

WWII: Battles of the South Pacific is a turn-based strategy game that allows the player to command the armies that participated in the titular historical battle. It is possible to play on either the Japanese or US sides, with hundreds of specifically modeled ships and planes. Each mission is recreated in historical detail, though there are also alternate "What If" situations among the scenarios. Port attacks and amphibious warfare are key gameplay elements. Scenario playing times range from two to more than a hundred hours each. Modem play is included in the game.

The "lost sheep" of QQP, World War II was released with even less fanfare than QQP's usually modest ad campaigns, perhaps because the company was hyping its more ambitious navy wargame The Grandest Fleet-- a wise choice, considering World War II's abstract gameplay that may not appeal to the majority of wargamers. Still, it's a solid wargame that has all the hallmarks of QQP games: solid AI, fun scenarios and complete player history.

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West Front, World at War Series (a.k.a. Operation Crusader, Stalingrad, D-Day: America Invades), World at War: Operation Crusader, World at War: Stalingrad, Rising Sun, Wooden Ships & Iron Men, V for Victory: Utah Beach, Uncommon Valor: Campaign for the South Pacific