SSI Games: L through R
Matrix Cubed
SSI Special Project Team
TSR licensed game
NA
(AM), I* (640K)
1992, $49.95
"JUMPIN' JUPITER--THIS IS REAL ROLE-PLAYING!
"Matrix Cubed picks up where SSI's popular Countdown to Doomsday leaves off--and keeps on going! A much bigger universe means much more to explore--including, for the very first time, Jupiter! And, with nearly twice as many new and different monsters, combat is fast, furious, and futuristic!
"Role-playing in space has never been this good: Matrix Cubed uses an enhanced version of SSI's award-winning AD&D computer fantasy role-playing game system. That means serious role-playing--your characters gain levels and skills as they explore the vast, complex and dangerous universe of the 25th century.
"Transfer characters from Countdown to Doomsday or create new ones. Meet friends and enemies from the last adventure as your new quest unfolds.
"Aided by higher character levels and better equipment, you and your team must scour the solar system and rescue scientists who can build the Matrix Device. This machine can transform any substance into pure energy, and is the only hope left for the devastated and enslaved Earth!" --1992
Personal note: I normally refrain from editorializing, but Countdown to Doomsday (more often referred to as simply Buck Rogers) was one of my very favorite SSI games from the final days of its Amiga support. I actually pre-ordered Matrix Cubed for the Amiga from Electronic Arts, SSI's distributor at the time. I was crushed when it was canceled. I'm still a bit upset about it. At least, EA had already sent me my free game (it was a buy one, get a classic free promotion), so I consoled myself by playing EA's Earl Weaver Baseball. The Amiga version was actually apparently reviewed by at least one German magazine.
Mech Brigade
Gary Grigsby
Advanced
AP, C
June 1985, $59.95
"Armored warfare of the 1990's. What will it be like when modern war machines-sleek, turbine-propelled, missile-armed, laser-guided-clash on the battlefield?
"The answer can be found when you play the definitive simulation of modern land battles: MECH BRIGADE.
"We've compiled the combat ratings for practically every weapon type found in the arsenals of the U.S., West Germany, England, and Russia: 10 tanks, 6 self-propelled anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), 4 helicopters, 6 recon/command vehicles, 7 armored personnel carriers, not to mention a huge roster of mortars, artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and infantry weapons.
"Using a modified version of the popular "Kampfgruppe" combat system, hit probabilities for every weapon are calculated instantly. Combat is resolved down to individual tanks, guns, and soldiers.
"Four scenarios are provided, each in a different area of West Germany. You can also create your own with the Random Setup. During solitaire, the computer can direct either side." -Spring 1985
"A grand-tactical simulation of modern armored warfare that features over 70 different weapons types." -Spring 1985
Awards: Computer Gaming World Hall of Fame.
Napoleon's Campaigns: 1813 & 1815
Paul Murray
Advanced
AP
?, $59.95
"You become Napoleon as you reenact his notorious campaigns at Leipzig and Waterloo." -Spring 1985
North Atlantic '86
Gary Grigsby
Intermediate
AP*, M, (C)
Spring 1983, $59.95
"The year is 1986. The great war in Europe is over, and Russia won. It now controls all of Germany and Norway. From its newly-acquired bases in Hamburg and Bergen, Russia threatens to project its airpower into the North Atlantic.
"NORTH ATLANTIC '86 is a massively-scaled land-sea-air simulation of a hypothetical Soviet-NATO confrontation in the very near future. As the Soviet aggressor, you can launch a paratrooper assault to take Iceland and the Faeroe Islands while attacking NATO ships and bombing Britain's main naval base at Scarpa Flow. A successful campaign will leave Britain isolated, her spirit devastated.
"As commander of NATO forces, you must attempt to hold Iceland against the Soviet onslaught. At the same time, Britain's morale must be bolstered by keeping her supplied. This means NATO convoys must get through!
"NORTH ATLANTIC '86 lets you get your hands on all state-of-the-art weaponry systems. Their names are as deadly as they are colorful: surface-to-air missiles such as the Sea Dart; the Exocet, Tomahawk, and Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles; NATO fighters and bombers such as the Tomcat, Eagle, and Falcon; their Soviet counterparts such as the Flogger, Badger, and Backfire bomber. Every ship is also rated for electronic warfare (i.e., ECM & ECCM) and sonar.
"Using the highly successful game system seen in GUADALCANAL CAMPAIGN, this strategy simulation is at once highly complex and detailed yet easily playable. Combat is resolved down to the last destroyer, fighter plane, and submarine!
"In solitaire play, the computer commands Soviet forces." -Spring 1983
"SSI's projection of giant-scale air-land-naval battles in future Soviet-NATO confrontations." -Spring 1985
Norway 1985
Roger Keating
"When Superpowers Collide" series
Advanced
AP*, C*
July 1985, $34.95
"Each game in the 'WHEN SUPERPOWERS COLLIDE' series presents a different scenario of possible NATO-USSR confrontations in various tinderboxes around the world.
"'Germany 1985' led off with a Soviet invasion into West Germany through the Fulda Gap.
"'RDF 1985' proposed a Russian seizure of the oil-rich Persian Gulf, which demanded an urgent U.S. response with its Rapid Deployment Force.
"'Baltic 1985' hypothesized a NATO rescue of its besieged forces in Berlin.
"Now, we are proud to announced the fourth installment in our popular series: NORWAY 1985. This time, the Soviets choose Norway as their window of attack. In addition to the normal complement of fighting units, this game features ski troops.
"Like its predecessors, NORWAY 1985 boasts all the ingredients of a great wargame. Beautiful scrolling color graphic displays, a simple yet sophisticated movement system, and realistic combat rules. In solitaire play, the computer can direct either side." -Spring 1985
"The fourth installment of the popular "When Superpowers Collide" series proposes Norway as the target of a Soviet attack." -Spring 1985
Objective: Kursk
Gary Grigsby
Advanced
AP, AT
?, $39.95
"A very detailed grand-tactical simulation of the Battle of Kursk, Russia in 1943 involving more than 4000 tanks." -Spring 1985
Operation Market Garden
David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel
Advanced and Intermediate
AP*, AT*, I (128K, Color/B&W), C*
April 1985, $49.95
"From the authors who brought you the award-winning 'Knights of the Desert' and 'Battle for Normandy' comes another wargaming classic: OPERATION MARKET GARDEN.
"Launched in September 1944, this operation required three Allied airborne divisions to secure six bridges in Holland, thus opening a way for the 30th Corps to cross into northern Germany. But due to over-hasty strategic decisions and pure bad luck, Operation Market Garden fell one bridge too short--and failed.
"In contrast, SSI's OPERATION MARKET GARDEN is a gaming success. It is really two games in one: The Advanced Game for hardcore strategists and the simpler Intermediate Game for up-and-coming armchair generals.
"But no matter which level you choose, you'll be playing a feature-laden operational-level simulation with a tactical flair. From bridge blowing and building to the vagaries of weather, every historical detail has been included.
"During solitaire play, the computer plays the Germans." --Winter 1985
"The massive Allied airborne assault to capture the bridges of Holland in 1944." -Spring 1985
Panzer Grenadier
Roger Damon
Introductory
AP, AT, C
?, $39.95
"Command a regiment of panzer grenadiers, Hitler's elite armored infantry against computer-directed Russian forces on the Eastern Front!"--Summer 1986
Panzer Strike!
Gary Grigsby
Advanced
(AM), AP* (64K), C, I, (ST)
December 1987, $49.95 (C: $44.95)
"PANZER STRIKE! boasts the highest resolution of any of our World War II titles. Each unit symbol represents either one tank/gun or a squad of infantry; each square of the 60x60 map, 50 yards. The action is so detailed, you'll feel like you're caught in the middle of the blitzkrieg of the Germany Army in all its major campaigns.
"Three theaters are covered: The entire Eastern Front, the Western Front in 1940, and the North African campaign. This tactical game includes practically every ground weapon used in those theaters--from tanks, tank destroyers and artillery to trucks, mortars and machine guns.
"The ratings for armored vehicles go beyond even our usual high standards for realism. For example, armor is segmented into front and side of hull, front and side of turret, and top.
"In PANZER STRIKE!, you can simulate single battles or an entire campaign. The former lets you play against another player or the computer. If you wish to depart from the historical setups already provided, you can create your own by buying your forces, drawing new maps and establishing different missions.
"The campaign scenario pits you against the computer. It creates the maps and determines the type of battles: assaults, pursuits or meeting engagements. The ultimate objective of the campaign is to fight--and win--as many battles as possible before the war ends." --Fall 1987
Phantasie
Doug Wood
Introductory
AM, AP*, AT, C*, I, (M), ST
March 1985, $39.95
"A multiple-character role-playing game, PHANTASIE is set in medieval times. You command a group of one to six characters with such roles as monk, priest, wizard, ranger, thief, or fighter. The priest is skilled in curative, protective magic, while the wizard's spells are quite offensive. With low hit points, they aren't very good in hand-to-hand combat. For that, you'll need the ranger or the fighter.
"With this motley crew, you search the lands for the Nine Rings with which you can defeat the Black Lord. You must map out new terrain, explore maze-like dungeons, solve puzzles, learn spells, gain experience, and battle countless monsters. It's a strategy oriented quest with more obstacles than you can shake a wand at!
"All this is conjured by beautiful Hi-Res color graphics and a spell-binding storyline that help suspend reality and launch you into our magical world. No computer-carrying adventurer will want to miss out on the glorious excitement and enchanting experience that is PHANTASIE." --Winter 1985
"A multiple-character role-playing game set in medieval times, your group attempts to retrieve 9 rings and defeat the Black Lord." -Spring 1985
Phantasie II
Doug Wood
Introductory
?, $39.95
(AM), AP*, AT, C*, (I), ST
Ratings: AP C ST
P 7.5 8.0 8.0
R 6.9 7.3 7.0
E 7.5 7.9 7.7 (Fall 1987 ratings)
"Locate and destroy the Dark Lord's evil orb in this new adventure that is the exciting sequel to SSI's best-selling fantasy game." --Fall 1987
Phantasie III: The Wrath of Nikademus
Doug Wood
Introductory
?, $39.95
AM, AP*, (AT), C*, I, ST
Ratings: AM AP C ST
P 7.5 7.6 7.6 7.9
R 6.4 7.2 7.6 7.5
E 6.8 7.5 7.7 8.1 (Fall 1987 ratings)
"More than a sequel to PHANTASIE I and II, this is the final confrontation between your band of 6 heroes and the Dark Lord Nikademus." --Fall 1987
Pool of Radiance
SSI Special Projects Team
Introductory
AM (1MB), AP (128K), (AT), C, (GS), I (256K), M, (ST)
July 1988 (C), August (I), September (AP, delayed), $49.95 (C: $39.95, AP: $44.95)
"Located on the northern shore of the Moonsea in the Forgotten Realms, the fabled city of Phlan had been overrun by monsters led by a mysterious leader. Your quest: discover the identity of this evil force and rid Phlan of its scourge.
"POOL OF RADIANCE represents the first in a line of software created by SSI in collaboration with TSR--the producers of the legendary ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (R) fantasy role-playing system. It adheres faithfully to AD&D standards. Roll up your characters from four Classes, six Races and nine Alignments in classic AD&D game fashion; or use the party already provided.
"The computer graphics are strictly state-of-the-art. Cities, dungeons and encounters are shown in realistic 3-D perspective. Personalize your heroes' combat figures with individual weapons, armor and colors. Add NPCs (computer controlled Non-Player Characters) to your party of up to 6 PCs (Player Characters) to fill out your 8-character party. Control your PCs during battle, or let the computer handle some or all of the action. To help your party on its many difficult missions, the Adventurer's Journal guides you with history, maps, clues and rumors. A Translation Wheel converts Elvish and Dwarish writing to English." --Summer 1988
(Yes, that "Translation Wheel" was the obnoxious copy protection.)
Pools of Darkness
SSI Special Projects Team
NA
AM (1MB), I* (640K)
1992, $59.95
"THE FINAL CHALLENGE, THE ULTIMATE ENEMY...
"...a cataclysmic conclusion to the greatest AD&D computer fantasy role-playing series ever!
"First there was Pool of Radiance. Next came Curse of the Azure Bonds. Then followed Secret of the Silver Blades. Now, the epic has come full circle--Pools of Darkness takes you back to the Moonsea area for the final battle against the ultimate enemy.
"Prepare yourself for the biggest adventure yet! Pools of Darkness propels you into alternate dimensions on an enormous quest. And, it boasts a fully evolved version of the award-winning game system used throughout the series.
"Transfer your characters from Secret of the Silver Blades with levels, money and items intact, or create new characters! Either way, you're in for some high-level action! Battle monsters never before encountered. Cast powerful new spells. Achieve character levels well above the 25th level!
"As if this weren't enough, state-of-the-art graphics and crisp digitized sound make this a true masterpiece of the fantasy role-playing art!" --1992
Notes: Pools of Darkness, the final entry in the Pool of Radiance "Gold Box" AD&D games, was, interestingly, the first in the series (for IBM) to not support CGA and the first to require hard drive installation.
President Elect
Nelson Hernandez, Sr.
Introductory
AP, C
?, $39.95
"Campaign for the Presidency in the grueling 9-week race using historical or imaginary candidates." -Spring 1985
President Elect: 1988 Edition
Nelson Hernandez, Sr.
Introductory
AP*, C, I (256K), ST
1987, $24.95
Ratings: AP C I ST
P: 7.5 7.8 7.6 7.6
R: 7.9 7.9 7.3 7.5
E: 6.9 7.3 7.0 6.9 (Summer 1988 ratings)
"Who's going to win the wide-open presidential race in 1988? Don't wait for the pundits and pollsters to predict the outcome. Play PRESIDENT ELECT, 1988 Edition and predict it yourself--right now. This fun, fast and realistic simulation of the electoral process makes a perfect gift for armchair politicians of all ages--from the seasoned campaign follower to the youngster just learning about America's democratic structure. Most current and potential candidates come rated for their socio-economic views, foreign policy positions and charisma. You are free to change these ratings. On the campaign trail, you do all the things a good candidate must do: make campaign stops, advertise, debate. If you predict the correct winner with this game, you'll have a chance to win up to $1988 in our President Elect Contest. See details in game box or contact SSI." --Fall 1987
"Who'll win in '88? Find out today with this realistic model of the race for the presidency. It also re-creates all the election years from 1960 to 1984." --Summer 1988
Professional Tour Golf
Henry Richbourg
Introductory
AP, C
?, $39.95
"Tee off against the Masters on some of the most challenging and famous golf courses in the world." -Spring 1985
Prophecy of the Shadow
?
NA
I*, (AM)
1992, $59.95
"Elevate yourself to a higher level of fantasy gaming and play Prophecy of the Shadow. SSI's latest role-playing adventure boasts stunning digitized art and animation, a dynamic soundtrack and colorful sound effects. It's fast and easy to play, thanks to point-and-click icon-based commands, graphical inventories and conversation interface. As you search for the way to prevent an ancient prophecy from coming true, you'll cast magic spells, solve puzzles, explore dark dungeons, battle monsters and encounter the long-dead. All of which you'll find quite uplifting." --Summer 1992
Queen of Hearts
John Lyon
"RapidFire" series
Introductory
AP, AT
?, ? [closed out in Spring 1985]
"Perfect for pinball fanatics who've been yearning for true realism in video arcade action." -Spring 1985
Questron
Charles Dougherty
Introductory
AP*, AT (40K), C, (I), (M)
Spring 1984, $49.95, $39.95 (C)
"QUESTRON, a fantasy adventure role-playing game, marks our proud addition to the never-ending saga of the battle between good and evil. It is a tale of the Questron Empire, which has come under murderous attack by Mantor, the renegade sorceror, and his legion of hell-spawned monsters.
"Questron's once-mighty armies lie decimated, and you become her only hope. Where massed forces have failed, the stealth and cunning of one man may yet succeed. Your quest is to find Mantor and steal his source of power, the Book of Evil Magic.
"You start off as a lowly serf, endowed with strength, stamina, dexterity, intelligence, and charisma. In your search for weapons, gold, food, knowledge and experience, you must cross treacherous lands fraught with creatues as innumerable as they are deadly. Yet, of all the dangers, none will be greater than the monsters you'll face when you enter Mantor's dreadful dungeons.
"Beautiful Hi-Res color graphics ass immeasurably to the magic of the storyline." --Spring 1984
"In this fantasy adventure game, you must battle hordes of monsters as you seek to destroy the evil wizard." -Spring 1985
Questron II
Westwood
AM, AP, C, GS, I, ST
Rails West!
Martin Campion
Intermediate
AP*, AT* (40K), C
March 1984, $39.95
"The year is 1870. Just a year ago, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific met in Utah to complete the first great Transcontinental. Now, RAILS WEST! gives you the chance to personally experience the exciting but risky nature of railroad development in the West.
"By raising money from banks or by selling stocks, you can start your own railroad company. Or you can buy enough shares of an existing corporation to gain control. No matter how you choose to play the game, its name is money. Your goal is to maximize your financial holdings any way you can. Just make sure you don't overextend yourself or run yourself into bankruptcy. Remember, there ain't no such thing as Chapter 11 back then!
"The Hi-Res color map of the West lets you watch the building of the railroad lines. The computer generates accounts and railroad operations statistics as needed. Up to eight companies (players) can be accommodated, with as many as four computer-controlled if desired.
"Designed by historian Martin Campion, RAILS WEST! is not just fun, its's [sic] also educational!" --Spring 1984
"In this sophisticated business game set in 1870, you'll wheel and deal as you try to build the richest Transcontinental railroad." -Spring 1985
Awards: Family Computing award winner, 1984
RDF 1985
Roger Keating
"When Superpowers Collide" series
Advanced
AP*, C
Spring 1983, $34.95
"The U.S. Rapid Deployment Force must take Soviet-captured oilfields in Saudi Arabia. Second in the "Superpower" series." -Spring 1985
Realms of Darkness
Gary Smith & Duong Nghiem
Intermediate
AP, C, (I), (ST)
?, $39.95
Ratings: AP C
P 7.3 7.6
R 7.1 7.5
E 7.4 7.6 (Fall 1987)
"Guide up to eight adventurers on seven different quests. Includes graphics from The Graphics Magician (R) by Polarware (TM)." --Fall 1987
Rebel Charge at Chickamauga
David Landrey & Chuck Kroegel
Introductory/Intermediate/Advanced
AM, AP* (64K), AT, I (256K), (ST)
?, $49.95
Ratings: AP AT C I
P 8.0 7.9 8.0 6.8
R 8.1 8.3 7.9 7.1
E 8.0 8.1 7.7 6.7
"Would the Union have lost the Battle of Chickamauga if you had been in charge? Find out with this simulation of the South's last major offensive thrust." --Fall 1987
Reforger '88: NATO Defense of the Fulda Gap
Gary Grigsby
Advanced
AP*, AT*, (C)
Fall 1984, $59.95
"Once every year, NATO forces embark on a milirary exercise that simulates defense of a Soviet strike into West Germany. Specifically, it tests NATO's ability to transport American reinforcements from the U.S. to the Rhien-Main airbase in Frankfurt. The success of such an operation demands that NATO troops in W. Germany withstand the Russian onslaught long enough for the reinforcements to arrive.
"The name of this exercise: Reforger.
"Now, REFORGER '88 makes the simulation available to every ardent wargamer. The Fulda Gap is chosen as the focal point of the Russian attack.
"Reforger '88 is a grand-tactical game of incredible resolution. Every infantry squad, every tank, APC, aircraft, gun and missile system is accounted for. It is so detailed that every aircraft squadron is categorized by its planes, such as the F-15, F-111, Tornado, AH-64, MiG-23, SU-24, and MI-24. Chemical warfare is also included. Two scenarios are provided: Surprise Attack and Advance Warning.
"During solitaire play, the computer directs the Russians." --Fall 1984
"NATO forces must defend Frankfurt and its vital airbase when Warsaw Pact troopers invade through the Fulda Gap." -Spring 1985
Rings of Zilfin
Ali N. Atabek
Introductory
AP*, C, I, ST
?, $39.95
"Reunite the two RINGS OF ZILFIN and gain ultimate power. Includes graphics routines from Penguin Software's Graphic Magician." --Summer 1986
Ringside Seat
Carl Saracini
Introductory
AP, C
?, $39.95
"Now, you can manage all the famous boxers of the past and present to find out who really is the greatest of all." -Spring 1985
The Road to Gettysburg
Paul Murray
Advanced
AP
?, $59.95
"You take the place of Generals Lee and Meade to direct this decisive Civil War campaign." --Spring 1985
Roadwar Europa
Jeff Johnson
Introductory
AM, AP*, (AT), C, I, ST (but near-simultaneous release on all formats but IBM)
1987, $39.95 (AM & ST: $44.95)
"In the 21st century, Europe suffered the same bio-war that devastated America, a holocaust that established the deadly scenario for SSI's exciting ROADWAR 2000.
"Now this sequel creates a post-doomsday Europe held hostage by maniacal terrorists who are threatening to detonate five nuclear devices across the continent. Before the United Nations caves in to their demands, it has agreed to a last desperate measure--send in the one man who can save Europe: You.
"ROADWAR EUROPA starts off with you as the leader of a large road gang equipped with cars, trucks, and motorcycles of your own design. Transfer your crew from ROADWAR 2000 or create a new elite band. Your mission is twofold: one, locate and disarm the five hidden bombs; two, pinpoint the enemy's headquarters and destroy the terrorist leaders.
"As you ride the highways, you'll battle mutants, cannibals, and rival road gangs. You can let the computer resolve combat quickly or choose to personally direct the fighting in great tactical detail. Order your men to fire with guns or crossbows, ram or board enemy vehicles.
"By fighting for new recruits, vehicles, supplies, ammunition and medicine, you'll maximize your chances for suvival. You'll also prepare for the final roadwar whose outcome will determine the future of all Europe!" --Fall 1987
Roadwar 2000
Jeff Johnson
Introductory
AM, AP, (AT), C, GS, I, (M), ST
?, $39.95 (GS: $44.95)
Ratings: AM AP C GS I ST
P: 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.1 7.1 7.3
R: 6.5 6.8 7.0 6.8 6.6 6.9
E: 6.9 7.2 7.1 7.0 7.0 7.2 (Summer 1988 ratings)
"Bacteriological warfare in the year 2000 has reduced the U.S. to a lawless wasteland. As a road gang leader, you seek 8 scientists who can develop a cure." --Summer 1988
Quick Abbreviations
Titles in GREEN are wargames. Titles in RED are TSR-licensed products.
AM=Amiga. AP=Apple II. AT=Atari 8-bit. C=Commodore 64. GS=Apple II GS. I=IBM PC. M=Macintosh. ST=Atari ST. T=TRS-80
PS=PlayStation. 3DO=3DO system. S=Sinclair Spectrum (U.K. only)
* indicates the program was released first on that platform. ( ) around a platform's abbreviation indicate the title was vaporware, advertised and/or planned, but never released.
Ratings Information:
"Our customer response cards, included in all SSI game boxes, asked you, the player, to rate each game for Playability (P), Realism (R), and Excitement (E). 9 is excellent and 1 is poor. Here, we present the average score for each game." --Summer 1988
Trademark Information:
All titles are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. SSI is currently a division of Mattel, Inc. TSR, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, AD&D, and the titles of all TSR-licensed games are trademarks or registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro.
Material on this page and throughout this website is presented as information only. Images of box covers, screen shots, and advertisements are copyrighted by SSI, TSR, Wizards of the Coast, Hasbro, and/or UbiSoft.
