SSI Games: A through C

B-24

John Gray

Introductory

AP (64K), C*, I (256K), (ST)

1987, $34.95

"B-24 is a flight/combat simulator that challenges you to fly 19 dangerous bombing raids over Hitler's oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania. You command the lead B-24 Liberator, which will determine the course of action for an entire formation of forty B-24s.

"But first, you must learn to fly this cantankerous bomber. You'll find it hard enough just to get off the ground or land without crashing. Then, you'll have to deal with fuel leaks and failure-prone superchargers. Two simpler scenarios let you practice taking off, flying in formation against flak and enemy fighters, bombing targets and landing.

"Once you're ready, it's time to bomb Ploesti. You can fly in real time or up to sixty times faster.

"Before you take off, check the wind forecast to help you determine how much fuel and how many bombs you can carry. Your first goal is to race to your fighter rendezvous points. The escort fighters will be waiting for you at a specified time and place. Don't be late because they can only stay up for so long.

"Your job is to reduce Ploesti's total oil production below what was accomplished historically (8500-9500 tons/day). If you succeed, you'll be told how much you would have shortened the war in Europe!

"Includes graphics routines from The Graphics Magician by Polarware." --Summer 1987

Note: Although SSI initially referred to B-24 as a "flight/combat simulator," legal threats, apparently from subLOGIC (creators of Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator II) caused SSI to rechristen it a "flight/combat emulator."

Baltic 1985: Corridor to Berlin

Roger Keating

Advanced

"When Superpowers Collide" series

AP: P-7.1, R-7.1, E-7.1 (F87/W88)

C: P-6.8, R-7.0, E-7.1

?, $34.95

"West Germans invade East Germany in an attempt to free West Berlin. Third in the series: "When Superpowers Collide." -Spring 1985

"Third in the 'Superpowers' series: NATO forces must literally carve open a corridor across East Germany to rescue its trapped troops in Berlin." --Fall 1987/Winter 1988

Battalion Commander

David Hille

Introductory

AP (64K): P-6.9, R-7.1, E-7.1 (F87/W88)

Battle for Normandy

Tactical Design Group

Intemediate

AP: P-6.7, R-6.9, E-6.5 (F87/W88)

AT (40K): P-7.0, R-7.1, E-6.9

C: P-6.7, R-6.9, E-6.7

I (64K): P-6.6, R-6.8, E-6.7

? $39.95

"D-day! Re-create the massive Allied invasion of Northern France in June 1944." -Spring 1985

NB: Also released on AT (40K) & C cassette

Battle of Antietam

David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel

Introductory/Intermediate/Advanced

AP, AT, C, I (128K)

?, $49.95

"A grand-tactical simulation of the Civil War's bloodiest day. The battle unfolds in detail so real you'll feel like you're playing a miniatures game." --Fall 1987/Winter 1988

The Battle of Shiloh

Tactical Design Group

Introductory

AP, AT

Pre-Summer 1982, $39.95

"Command Union or Confederate forces in this realistic and enjoyable look at the great Civil War battle for Tennessee." -Winter 1985

Ratings (Summer 1982, Apple)

P: 7.5

R: 6.4

E: 6.5

Battlegroup

Gary Grigsby

Advanced

AP*, C

?, $59.95

"KAMPFGRUPPE was the definitive simulation of Russian Front armored warfare; BATTLEGROUP is the ultimate Western Front game." --Fall 1987/Winter 1988

Bomb Alley

Gary Grigsby

Intermediate

AP

? $59.95

"The definitive simulation of the Summer 1942 Mediterranean Campaign, includes the Battle of Crete." -Spring 1985

Breakthrough in the Ardennes

David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel

Advanced

AP, AT, C

? $59.95

"Take command in this detailed regimental/brigade-level simulation of the Battle of the Bulge." -Spring 1985

Broadsides

Wayne Garris

Introductory

AP, AT, C

? $39.95

"The romantic and adventurous age of fighting sail is here again as you captain an 18^th-century warship." -Spring 1985

"Captain an 18th-century warship in this game that uses arcade-like graphics and strategy simulation to bring back the age of fighting sail." --Fall 1987/Winter 1988

Carrier Force

Gary Grigsby

Advanced

AP, AT (40K), C

? $59.95

"Four classic carrier battles in the Pacific during World War II: Midway, Santa Cruz, Eastern Solomons, and Coral Sea." -Spring 1985

Cartels & Cutthroats

Dan Bunten [Dani Berry]

Introductory

AP*, C, I

? $39.95

"Run your own megabucks corporation in the economic jungle of Big Business. For up to 6 players." -Spring 1985

"Experience the rewards and headaches of running a megabucks corporation in the jungle of Big Business. For up to six players." --Fall 1986/Winter 1987

Colonial Conquest

Dan Cermak

Introductory

AT, C, AP, ST, (AM), (M), (I)

June 1, 1985. $39.95.

"The late 1800's and early 1900's marked the Age of Imperialism, with the U.S., Great Britain, Germany, France, Russia and Japan as the most active participants.

"Now, SSI brings back the yesteryears in a fun and simple game of world domination: COLONIAL CONQUEST™.

"For up to six human players or a minimum of one human and five computer opponents, this easy strategy simulation puts you in charge of one of the six imperialistic nations. You collect money through taxation of your lands and use it for espionage, subversion, fortification, or buying armies and fleets. Your goal: to conquer as many minor nations as possible and host yourself up as the mightiest ruler on Earth.

"The 1880 and 1914 Scenarios are semi-realistic. The army/navy size of each major power is set according to historical records. A Standard Scenario lets you set your own.

"Using joystick control and beautiful scrolling color graphics, this game is a joy to play. After all, it quenches the thirst in all of us, the thirst for...power!" -Spring 1985

"Strive for world control in this simulation of the Age of Imperialism (late 1800's and early 1900's). -Spring 1985

Award: Family Computing 1985 Best Game of the Year.

Combat Leader

David Hille

Introductory

AT, C

? $39.95

"Arcade-like graphics and action plus strategy-gaming sophistication and realism make this a sure winner. Joystick required." -Spring 1985

"Be company commander, platoon leader, or squad leader in this exciting game of tank battles that combines arcade action with strategy simulation." --Fall 1986/Winter 1987

NB: Also released on AT & C cassette. (Can you say "real-time strategy" in the middle 1980s, boys and girls?)

Computer Ambush

Ed Williger & Larry Strawser

Advanced

AT, C, AP*, (AM), (I), (M)

? $59.95

"New, improved edition lets you wage World War II man-to-man combat 40x faster than before" -Spring 1985

Computer Baseball

Charles Merrow & Jack Avery

Introductory

AM, AT(40K)*, AP*, C*, I, M, (ST)

? $39.95

"Create and manage any team you like in this superb strategy simulation of America's national sport!" -Spring 1985

Award: "Voted '1982 BEST COMPUTER SPORTS GAME' by Electronic Games Mag." -Spring 1985

Computer Bismarck

John Lyon

(Joel Billings & Dave Cook co-credited in Winter 1981 catalog only)

Intermediate or Advanced (different ratings in different catalogs!)

AP*, T (32K cassette or 48K disk)

? (SSI's first game) $59.95

"COMPUTER BISMARCK accurately simulates the epic battle between the awesome German battleship and the British Home Fleet. The computer program eliminates the drudgery of paper & pencil wargames--remembering all the rules and details while keeping track of the battle on a North Atlantic map on your video display.

"Play the Computer. It maneuvers the Bismarck and U-boat wolfpacks so well that you'll have to command the British ships and aircraft brilliantly to avoid losing your merchant convoys (and World War II along with them).

"Play a Human. Each of you plots his strategies in grease pencil on an off-screen mapboard while the battle is fought on the video screen (monochrome or multicolor depending on your display capabilities). You deploy battleships, cruisers, carriers, destroyers, submarines, oilers, merchant ships, recon planes and bombers--each with unique and realistic operating parameters. You must deal with all the variables which challenge an actual battle commander: aircraft endurance; naval fuel, firepower, and damage; shadowing and searching ability (better in radar-equipped vessels); and visibility--which depends on weather, which varies with geography and time.

"More like Chess than Pong, Computer Bismarck is a test of intellect and courage rather than hand-eye coordination. If you can imagine playing chess with pieces like a knight who must return to the stables periodically for a fresh horse or a queen whose radius of action can be affected by battle damage...all on a 360-square chessboard partially obscured by thunderstorms and fog...that's Computer Bismarck!

"Along with the game's program disc, you get 2 mapboard charts (for plotting secret strategies in grease pencil between moves), 2 ship data charts, 2 system command cards, a loading instruction sheet, and a rule book." --Winter 1981

"British ships and aircraft attempt to rid the North Atlantic of Nazi Germany's deadly battleship." -Spring 1985

Computer Conflict

AP*

Introductory

Before Summer 1982 $39.95

"Two tactical games on modern warfare: Red Attack and Rebel Force." --Summer 1982

Ratings:

P: 7.3

R: 5.0

E: 6.0

Computer Quarterback

Dan Bunten [Dani Berry]

Introductory

AP*, AT, C*, (ST)

? $39.95

"Our popular real-time simulation of semi-pro and NFL football. Game paddles required." -Spring 1985

"A real-time strategy simulation of NFL football that is probably the most sophisticated & realistic around. Game paddles required." --Fall 1987/Winter 1988

NB: Not Apple III compatible.

Conflict: Korea

Norm Koger, Jr.

NA

I, AM; ST in Europe (?)

Conflict: Middle East

Norm Koger, Jr.

NA

I, AM; ST in Europe (?)

Spring 1991, $59.95

"CONFLICT: MIDDLE EAST offers you historical and hypothetical action in the world's most wartorn region. You can fight the entire historical 1973 Arab/Israeli conflict on an operational level. Or choose the hypothetical 1990's scenario which thrusts you into a modern-day desert war. Extensive research by our designers make this a superbly accurate and realistic simulation. You control every detail of land and air war--down to the individual infantry squad, vehicle and gun tube." --Spring/Summer 1991

The Cosmic Balance

Paul Murray

Introductory

"RapidFire" series

AP, AT, C

? $39.95

"This game not only lets you command a starfleet, it lets you build and design your own starship!" -Spring 1985

Cosmic Balance II: The Strategic Game

Paul Murray

Advanced

"RapidFire" series

AP, AT

? $39.95

"The strategic sequel to The Cosmic Balance™ is the ultimate training course for Galactic emperors-to-be." -Spring 1985

Curse of the Azure Bonds

SSI Special Projects Team

NA

TSR-licensed; Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, "Forgotten Realms" game world, "Gold Box" game

AM, AP* (128K), C*, I*, M, ST (1MB)

1989, $39.95 (C)/$49.95

"Fight to control your own destiny!

"After you saved the city of Phlan and located the Pool of Radiance, a simple trip to Tilverton should have been as easy as a noon-day stroll. But it wasn't...

"Ambushed, captured, and knocked unconscious, you awake with no idea who attacked you or how you arrived in Tilverton. You only know that five azure-blue symbols are imprinted just under the side of your right arm.

"The mystical power of the azure symbols ensures your will like metal bonds! And when the bonds glow, you must do as they command. No magic dispels the bonds and no cleric's prayers remove them.

"Your only hope: search the Forgotten Realms for members of the alliance who created the bonds and regain control of your own destiny. Only then can you be free of the Curse of the Azure Bonds." --1989-1990

Cytron Masters

Dan Bunten

Introductory

"RapidFire" series

AP*, AT

1982 $39.95

"In the far-flung future, small armies of Cytrons--Cybernetic Electronic Devices--have replaced large-scale warfare by sentient beings as the instrument for settling planetary disputes. Each army consists of laser-blasting shooter units, kamikaze-like mine cytrons, and guided missiles. For defense, there are mobile bunker cytrons and anti-missiles.

"To command these deadly but mindless machines is a military genius who has earned the revered title of...CYTRON MASTER!

"When you insert the enclosed disc, you begin your difficult but exciting apprenticeship to join the ranks of these rare men.

"At your disposal are energy centers with which to build the different types of cytrons. You must effectively deploy your units to destroy your opponent's forces, to capture his energy centers and augment your power. Your ultimate goal is to destroy the enemy's command center.

"This game is packed with fast-paced action, animation, and sound effects. In fact, it is so fast that three speed levels had to be incorporated to give you a chance to learn the game!

"Both two-player and solitaire (against-the-computer) scenarios are included." --Summer 1982

"An army of mindless but deadly Cybernetic Electronic Devices is yours to command. Game paddles required." -Winter 1985

NB: Also released on AT (32K) cassette. Not Apple III compatible.

Abbreviations:

Platforms: AM=Amiga (with 512K unless noted), AP=Apple II series (with 48K unless noted), AT=Atari 8-bit [400/800/XL/XE] series (with 48K unless noted), C=Commodore 64, GS=Apple IIGS (memory requirement in parentheses), I=IBM PC and compatibles (memory requirement in parentheses), M=Macintosh (memory requirement in parentheses), ST=Atari ST series (with 512K & color monitor unless noted), T=TRS-80 models I & III, requirements in parentheses. Platforms in (parentheses) were vaporware; the title was announced, but never released. An asterisk (*) after a platform abbreviation indicates it was the platform on which the game was originally released (and, presumably, coded).

Titles in GREEN are wargames. Titles in RED are TSR-licensed games.

I am beginning to include the playability (P), realism (R), and excitement (E) ratings that SSI included in most of their 1980s' catalogs. The rating scale was from 1 to 9, with 9 being excellent and 1, poor. Since these ratings changed over time, I have listed the catalog I got them from in an abbreviation next to the first platform rated. For catalog abbreviations: F=fall, W=winter, Sp=spring, S=summer.

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Note: All titles are trademarks or registered trademarks of Strategic Simulations, Inc., its licensors, and its parent company (of the moment). All images and quoted catalog descriptions are copyrighted by SSI. Used without permission.

We especially want everyone to know that AD&D, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, TSR, DragonLance, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, and Dungeons & Dragons are trademarks or registered trademarks of TSR, Inc./Wizards of the Coast. Additionally the titles of SSI games produced under license from TSR are, we believe, also trademarks of TSR/WotC.