WAR IN THE GULF - AMIGA STYLE By Steve King No single group of people were more prepared to fight the War in the Gulf than computer owners. Almost every significant piece of allied war equipment is available as a computer simulation, and for months prior to the actual conflict, this type of software was the hottest thing on the market. Would-be fighter pilots were unloading their bombs on Iraqi installations while M-1A1 tank commanders were seeking out their enemy counterparts with the aid of A10 tank killers screeching over the desert landscape. The war began on January 16, 1991 at about 4:45 pm EST when President George Bush ordered the commencement of a massive air attack on strategic Iraqi installations. The star performers of the mission were the ship-launched Tomahawk Cruise missiles and the radar evading Stealth Fighter Bombers. Luckily for us war gamers, MicroProse markets a simulation of the stealth aircraft. F-19 Stealth Fighter Publisher: MicroProse Software F-19 Stealth Fighter is quite an ambitious simulation. It comes on three diskettes packed with over five megabytes of compressed programs and data files. The cockpit contains over fifty controls, a choice of seventeen weapons, five built in defense systems and a CRT that can display eight different screens. You also have eleven viewing perspectives with zoom in and out capabilities. An autopilot feature helps you fly swiftly to your target and your computerized video targeting system makes destroying enemy aircraft, ships and installations a breeze. As the F-19 is probably the most complex aircraft in the sky, mastering the simulation is not as easy as others. Certain airborne actions must be taken and procedures followed in order to make the plane "invisible" to radar - a key to the success of many of the scenarios. There are four missions included with the simulation: Libya, the Persian Gulf, the North Cape and Central Europe. For each, a certain conflict level can be selected which determines your targets and the types of weapons you can use. The manual is almost 200 pages and is one of the most comprehensive available. It includes tutorials, an abundance of information on weapons systems and a thirty page section on techniques and tactics. MicroProse also provides a much needed keyboard template. F-19 is probably the most challenging and complex aircraft simulation on the market and if you have the time to spend to master it, I would certainly suggest you volunteer for active flight duty as your country could certainly use your talents. Obviously, our supply of cruise missiles and stealth fighters is limited and the bulk of the surgical bombing had to be carried out by our more plentiful supply of jet fighters. Unfortunately, the workhorse aircraft, the F-15 Strike Eagle, is not available as an Amiga simulation, but the single crew F-16 is. Of all the aircraft, the F-16 typifies the classic dogfighter and is capable of protecting larger friendly aircraft as well as attacking ground targets. At nearly fifty feet long, the F-16 can fly at Mach 2 and carry an awesome array of weaponry, ranging from missiles to 2000 pound bombs. Due to its popularity and versatility, it is not surprising that there are two simulations available for the F-16. Falcon: The F-16 Fighter Simulation Publisher: Spectrum HoloByte; one megabyte recommended Quite appropriately, the mission scenarios in Falcon all take place in a desert environment which makes Gulf War role playing much easier. Before you begin, you must select your rank (which affects both the difficulty level and the plane's performance), your armaments and one of twelve missions. As with most combat flight simulators, the cockpit controls are quite complex. The heart of the cockpit is the Head-Up Display (HUD) - a sheet of glass placed in front of the canopy that displays vital flight information such as airspeed, heading, altitude and flight path ladder. Most importantly, it contains targeting information and data which changes depending on the type of weapon you have armed and intend to use. In the center of the cockpit, just below the HUD, is the Combined Map/Electronic Display (COMED) which in radar mode monitors enemy aircraft and in map mode displays your position relative to the ground. Numerous other controls, switches and indicator lights can be found on the instrument panel including a threat warning system - a miniature radar screen that shows the presence and location of enemy planes and missiles. By pressing various numeral keys, you can look towards the back and both sides as you fly. Other keys let you view your aircraft from the outside. The twelve missions on the disk range from practice bombings to destroying SAM sites to downing four MIGs. An additional mission disk - "Counterstrike" is also available. Falcon comes with a comprehensive 146 page manual that contains a "quickstart" tutorial to get you flying, and a separate keyboard command summary card. Finally, if you have at least one megabyte of ram, you can connect two computers together (an Amiga, Atari ST or Macintosh) and engage in a real time dogfight. F/16 Combat Pilot Publisher: Electronic Arts Unlike Falcon, F/16 Combat Pilot provides a more strategic simulation while at the same time allows you to fly the more normal in-cockpit missions. The game begins in a squadroom where you can choose various options (such as a demo, weapon data and a "quickstart" flight) by clicking on different parts of the picture. In F/16, you have a choice of five different missions with the option of practicing flying, landing or any of those missions. Once you have become proficient at handling your aircraft, you can select Operation Conquest, a strategic global conflict involving real-time interaction between aircraft, ground forces, military installations and essential services. Before you begin your mission, the Electronic Strategy Display screen will show the current tactical situation in the combat zone, highlighting all of the pertinent landmarks and geographical features. Clicking on various buttons surrounding the display will access information such as mission objectives, weather data and intelligence reports. From here you can move to the hanger to graphically select the weapons you want to carry. The cockpit in F/16 is significantly different from Falcon, the only similarity being the HUD display. In F/16, the aircraft is equipped with three Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) which stretch across the cockpit underneath the windshield. Each MFD can display one of eight functions such as Track-While-Scan air to air radar, Ground-Target-Ranging, a Moving Map Display, weapons status, a digital artificial horizon, and Primary Flight Data. F/16, like Falcon, also includes modem play and an instrument landing system to make returning to base much easier but does not have any out of cockpit views to enable you to see your plane from the outside. F/16 comes with a 44 page manual which is not as thorough as Falcon but provides the essentials and is easier to get through. The significant difference between F/16 and Falcon is that while F/16 has fewer missions, it contains a strategic scenario where you are captain of a squadron of aircraft that must defend a large area from enemy attack. Not only must you fly missions, but you must also assign other targets to your squadron for them to attack. Falcon, however, has better graphics and handles significantly better than F/16. While the strategic air war is vital to the success of the campaign, there will probably have to be an accompanying ground war to ultimately evict Iraq from Kuwait. Unfortunately, Iraq's 550,000 troops, 4200 Soviet built TU-29 tanks and thousands of artillery and armored personnel carriers will prove a formidable barrier - particularly since we have committed only about 1000 M-1A1 Abrams tanks to the conflict. The United States, however, does have a technological advantage: TOW guided missiles, the A- 10 Thunderbolt and the Apache attack helicopter. And thanks to Electronic Arts and MicroProse, we can command both types of aircraft. A-10 Tank Killer Publisher: Electronic Arts (Dynamix); 1 MEG required This aircraft, affectionately known to the troops as the "Warthog", is one of the most effectively designed aerial tanks killers. It attacks ground targets at a speed of only several hundred miles per hour at an altitude of between 50 and 300 feet, and has a range of nearly 2400 miles. Designed as a flying tank, its arsenal is overpowering. It can carry missiles, infrared and laser guided bombs, cluster bombs, and durandal anti-runway penetration bombs. Its most impressive weapon, however, is its Avenger 30mm cannon that fires 4200 milk bottle size shells per minute which are made out of pencil thin strips of depleted uranium covered with steel jackets. When this shell hits a tank, the jacket peels off and the heavy uranium pierces the armor like a hot knife cutting butter, inflicting an incredible amount of damage to the tank and its occupants. Of all the flight simulators, I feel that A-10 is the nicest as it combines many target rich missions with an aircraft that is far easier to fly than the more complicated fighters. A-10 comes complete with ten missions and an additional ten are available on a separate diskette. You can elect to fly a single mission (or combine them into a continuous campaign where your successes and experience are carried over from one mission to the next) and are not required to actually land the plane. When you select a single mission, you can also choose a threat level, limited or unlimited ammo, and whether you want to pilot an "invincible" aircraft. These options make it easy for a novice to get up and go. The cockpit is relatively simple and clutter free, containing the usual HUD display and a graphic tactical map. A radar warning receiver alerts you to enemy SAMs and aircraft, and two electronic threat indicators let you know whether incoming missiles are infrared or radar controlled. Finding your targets is as simple as switching to the Strategic Map - an overview of the entire battlefield with targets indicated by various icons - and clicking on a target. The selected target will become the direction guide for the Destination Marker on the HUD so all you have to do is turn the aircraft until the marker is centered and fly straight to your target. Once you come within range, the graphic Target Identification Display shows the current target and locks your weapons on to it. After that, just fire your weapon and get out. A-10 has a number of different views including outside views from the target's viewpoint. Pressing "S" brings up the Status Screen with a graphic representation of damage and weapon inventory. The program also has a unique VCR interface which is a menu accessible at any time that controls the vital elements of play and allows you to customize the level of detail to fit the speed of your computer. A-10's 48 page manual is quite sufficient and the game makes extensive use of digitized images in the pre and post simulation segments. While the A-10 may not be suitable for computer top gunners, there is never a dull moment to spare. The A-10 is not the sole flying anti-tank weapon available and for those who may prefer to pilot an attack helicopter, MicroProse's Gunship may fit the bill. Gunship Publisher: MicroProse Gunship is a simulation of an AH-64A Apache whose function is close ground support for the troops - particularly against armored vehicles and anti-aircraft weapons. The Apache is able to fly at 184 mph at an altitude of over 20,000 feet, and can carry a large variety and quantity of air to air and air to ground missiles. Take my word for it, a helicopter is not an easy aircraft to fly. Unlike conventional aircraft where pushing the joystick forward and back causes the plane to climb and dive, a helicopter literally requires two hands to fly. The joystick serves as the cyclic joystick which causes the helicopter to move forwards, backwards and from side to side. Another set of controls - the first four function keys - cause the helicopter to ascend and descend. And yet another set of controls will cause the helicopter to rotate when hovering. To successfully fly the Apache, you must learn to use all of these controls in unison. The cockpit has the usual complement of controls and instruments including a HUD, CRT display and an automated target course indicator which you set by clicking the mouse on your objective on the large strategic map display. Once you have mastered the art of flying, you speed towards the target while avoiding the usual anti-aircraft fire, enemy planes and SAMs. As in most advanced aircraft, you have a number of electronic and mechanical devices to thwart the enemy. The Apache is outfitted with a novel and very effective Target Acquisition and Designator System (TADS) consisting of a helmet worn by the pilot and gunner that senses where they are looking, points the weapon in that precise direction and locks it onto the target. Once locked, you simply select the appropriate weapon and fire. Gunship comes complete with five flying regions - training, Southeast Asia, Central America, Western Europe and the Middle East. An options screen allows you to set a number of game parameters and you can select the weapons you feel are most appropriate for your mission. The eighty page manual includes beginner tutorials, an explanation of helicopter aerodynamics, flight and battle tactics, and mission descriptions. MicroProse also includes a keyboard template which turns out to be a truly invaluable aid. If you become bored with flying supersonic aircraft and yearn to hover over the heat of battle, then Gunship is certain worth a try. The ultimate and most deadly action will take place on the ground - man to man; tank to tank. Fortunately for the United States, it began developing a new breed of main battle tank in 1972 called the M-1A1 "Abrams". Its armor contains depleted uranium and its 120mm cannon fires special armor piercing ammunition, making the M-1A1 is the most technologically advanced battle tank in history. Most unique, however, is its ability to use computers, lasers and thermal optical devices to see through smoke and darkness and, more importantly, to fire while moving at over 40 mph! The tank also contains a number of electronic sensing devices that alert the crew when it has been targeted by the enemy. M-1 Tank Platoon Publisher: MicroProse Tank Platoon places you in control of four M-1A1 tanks with sixteen crew members. During gameplay, you can hop from tank to tank and manually take over the duties of any of the crew with the others performing their own jobs. Tank Platoon is both a strategic simulation and a tactical arcade type game rolled into one. You have a choice of six battle scenarios which are randomly generated producing millions of different situations. While based on a Soviet adversary, they are sufficiently generic to allow you to pretend you are fighting in the Gulf conflict. After all, the Soviets did train the Iraqis. You also have the option of selecting the quality of the enemy forces and beginners can practice maneuvers on either static or moving targets without having to worry about an enemy response. Tank Platoon provides six different views: the strategic mapboard, the gunner's view, the driver's view, outside looking at your tank, and the commander's view with the hatch both open and closed. From the mapboard, you can order the platoon or any individual tank to a particular location and instruct it to fire at will. In some scenarios, you can order air support (Scout and Apache helicopters as well as the A-10 Thunderbolt tank killer) and artillery bombardment, but be careful as it is quite easy to be injured by "friendly fire." By jumping to a specific tank, you can take control as you please. Obviously the most exciting position is the gunner's where you have complete control over the targets, the type of ammunition and the defensive smoke grenade launchers. The action in Tank Platoon is fast paced and considering the number of units engaged in the battle, you quickly experience the "fog of war". The manual is almost 200 pages long, provides a veritable almanac of information about tank warfare, tactics and battlefield weaponry, and contains a step by step tutorial for the beginner. Like Gunship and F-19, Tank Platoon also contains a keyboard template. If you're a landlubber, Tank Platoon will certainly satisfy your wargaming desires. While there is presently no dedicated strategic wargame for the War in the Gulf, you can with patience and loving care make up your own with the Wargame Construction Set by Strategic Simulations, Inc.. With WCS, you can develop a model of almost any military situation and use it in a traditional hex board game. This program has an Editor which lets you create terrain and military units and the game itself where you play out the scenario you created. The game itself consists of a sequence of turns comprising observation, movement, firing, and battle resolution. Your units are represented by icons for infantry, artillery, tanks, etc., and you move them over the terrain to the desired positions. To actually construct a game, you run the Editor which is quite similar to a paint program. You use the mouse to select different icons representing objects such as forests, roads, rivers, bridges, and cities and place them on an empty screen until you have recreated the geographical area you desire. Next you construct up to thirty one friendly and enemy units to which you can assign various strength and movement factors and then place them at the proper location on the map. Finally, you can save your scenario to disk and then play it in either one or two player mode. With all of the information available on both the strength and location of troops in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, you should be able to develop a scenario which approximates the Gulf War. Take heed, however, that this program is not for the impatient or for those looking for an arcade type shoot-em-up game. And if the war were fought several years from now...... In August, 1990, two new experimental prototype advanced tactical fighters (ATFs) were rolled out onto the runway: the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23A and the Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamics YF-22A. Each unique in its design, both have Short Take Off and Landing, stealth and supercruise capabilities, fly at Mach 1.5 and can soar to altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet. Through the efforts of Ocean Software, these two aircraft have been brought to life in F29 Retaliator. While in fact these aircraft have no real connection to the War in the Gulf, they do include both a desert scenario and an actual Middle East conflict situation where the targets are chemical plants, power stations and oil refineries. The cockpit contains the usual HUD and three user selectable MFDs. One unique feature is that one of the MFD screens displays the target through a camera mounted on the nose of the missile. The graphics are quite nice and the aircraft is much faster and more responsive than the others I've tested which probably reflects the characteristics of the aircraft. While the game does provide a Modem mode, unfortunately it is not operative on the Amiga version. There is an obvious wealth of war related software for the Amiga on the market sufficient to permit armchair aces and generals to pummel the Iraqis with impunity and vent some of their anger over the events in the Middle East. While we all probably agree with President Bush that the conflict should not be viewed as a Nintendo game, it is unfortunate that wars must be fought on battlefields with large losses of human lives rather than on computers. After all, in real wars when things get bad, you simply can't flick the off switch on a power strip and walk away.