Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Binary Design, Ltd.
- Publishers: Quicksilva Ltd.
Defcom (1986): The Game That Simulated Nuclear War
Defcom is a strategy video game released in 1986 by Tomahawk. The game simulates nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Players take control of either side and must make strategic decisions about which targets to attack and how to defend their own territory.
Defcom was one of the first video games to realistically simulate nuclear war. The game’s graphics were simple, but they effectively conveyed the devastation that a nuclear war would cause. The game also featured a realistic model of nuclear weapons and their effects.
Defcom was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realism, its challenging gameplay, and its thought-provoking subject matter. The game has been credited with raising awareness of the dangers of nuclear war and helping to prevent a real-life conflict.
Gameplay
Defcom is a turn-based strategy game. Players take turns moving their units around the map and attacking enemy targets. Units can be either land-based or sea-based. Land-based units include infantry, tanks, and artillery. Sea-based units include ships and submarines.
Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses. Infantry is good for defending territory, but it is weak against tanks. Tanks are good for attacking enemy units, but they are slow and vulnerable to air attacks. Artillery is good for long-range attacks, but it is inaccurate and can cause collateral damage. Ships are good for attacking enemy ships and coastal targets, but they are vulnerable to submarines. Submarines are good for attacking enemy ships and coastal targets, but they are slow and can be detected by sonar.
Players must carefully consider which targets to attack and how to defend their own territory. The game features a realistic model of nuclear weapons and their effects. Nuclear explosions can cause widespread damage and radiation sickness. Players must be careful not to target their own territory with nuclear weapons, as this will result in a loss of population and resources.
Reception
Defcom was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realism, its challenging gameplay, and its thought-provoking subject matter. The game has been credited with raising awareness of the dangers of nuclear war and helping to prevent a real-life conflict.
Defcom was one of the first video games to realistically simulate nuclear war. The game’s graphics were simple, but they effectively conveyed the devastation that a nuclear war would cause. The game also featured a realistic model of nuclear weapons and their effects.
Defcom was a challenging game to play. Players had to carefully consider which targets to attack and how to defend their own territory. The game also featured a high level of uncertainty. Players never knew exactly what the enemy was going to do, which made the game even more challenging.
Defcom was a thought-provoking game. It forced players to think about the dangers of nuclear war and the consequences of their own actions. The game also raised awareness of the importance of nuclear disarmament.
Defcom is still enjoyed by many today for its challenging gameplay and realistic graphics. The game is also a valuable historical document, as it provides a glimpse into the fears and anxieties of the Cold War era.
Legacy
Defcom has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game is credited with popularizing the real-time strategy genre. Defcom also inspired a number of other games, including Command & Conquer and StarCraft.
Defcom has also been used as a teaching tool. The game has been used to teach students about the dangers of nuclear war and the importance of nuclear disarmament.
Defcom is a classic video game that still has a lot to offer today. The game is a challenging and thought-provoking experience that can teach players about the dangers of nuclear war. Defcom is also a valuable historical document that provides a glimpse into the fears and anxieties of the Cold War era.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
