When Two Worlds War

By: Impressions

Copyright (c) 1994 Lee Perkins

In times of conflict, victory depends upon the best possible use of available resources and careful deployment of one's military units. A flexible strategy is absolutely essential, since entire civilizations have fallen by a single tactical error. Even more to the point; the most powerful fighting force is useless when kept behind friendly lines. To be sure, you may have a fine defence when the enemy comes calling, but the main idea is to take a war to the aggressor's doorstep.

These hard lessons were learnt from my first timid dalliance with the Westock-Waadam Warfare Workstation (aka: W4); When Two Worlds War's central device. This system is designed to channel the industrial/military capability of an entire planet into the hands of a single user. A daunting prospect, since the W4 user is required to take charge of over 40 controls in order to wage war with either a computer or human opponent.

Resources, such as mines, power stations, farms and laboratories are needed to fuel one's war effort. At the start of every scenario, players may create an initial set of parameters that assign resources, technology levels and military units. Once the simulation is running, a sound strategy is to pump up one's own planetary resource and technology levels, while trying to build enough military units of a suitable type. At first, take a defensive stance; sending out your forces as they roll off the production line is a big mistake. Once there is a strike capability present, send it where it will do the most harm... One or two fighters beetling around randomly does not cut it; send over an entire turn's production run, and concentrate them in the same general area. Repeat as necessary.

Overall, W2WW is an intricate tactical simulation that confronts a player with a staggering amount of information, while offering flexibility in gameplay at the same time. Although its 120-page manual has to be kept fairly handy, the game's online help clarifies most control functions while playing. Users with an Aria soundcard are able to issue voice commands to the W4 interface, and the game is able to be played via modem in real-time. Graphics in W2WW could be considered as fairly disappointing, but they are quite adequate for playing purposes, and do not detract from an otherwise fascinating exercise in strategic thinking.

Reviewed on: PC 386 SX-33, Sound Blaster Pro audio card

Recommended retail price:  $89.95
Suggested audience rating: PD (Parental Discretion)

Challenge:      85%
Entertainment:  85%
Sound:          80%
Graphics:       70%

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