Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Developers: Vectordean
- Publishers: Elite Systems
Dogs of War (1988): A Detailed Retrospective
Released in 1988, Dogs of War is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in the role of a freelance mercenary commander. You’ll be tasked with assembling a team of soldiers, purchasing weapons and equipment, and taking on a variety of missions around the globe.
The game’s missions are varied and challenging, and they’ll often require you to use a combination of strategy and brute force to succeed. In one mission, you might be tasked with rescuing kidnapped children from a terrorist stronghold, while in another you might be tasked with preventing a military coup.
No matter what the mission, you’ll need to carefully consider your approach. You’ll need to choose the right soldiers for the job, equip them with the right weapons and equipment, and develop a plan of attack that will minimize casualties and maximize your chances of success.
Dogs of War is a challenging game, but it’s also a deeply rewarding one. There’s a great sense of satisfaction to be gained from completing a difficult mission, and the game’s branching storyline ensures that there’s always something new to discover.
Gameplay
Dogs of War is a turn-based strategy game played on a hexagonal grid. Each turn, you’ll be able to move your soldiers, attack enemy units, and use special abilities.
Your soldiers come in a variety of classes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. There are riflemen, snipers, machine gunners, rocket launchers, and more. You’ll need to carefully consider the composition of your team when selecting soldiers for a mission.
In addition to soldiers, you’ll also be able to purchase a variety of weapons and equipment. This includes everything from basic rifles and grenades to high-tech body armor and night vision goggles. The right equipment can give your soldiers a significant advantage in combat.
Once you’ve assembled your team and purchased your equipment, it’s time to start planning your attack. You’ll need to carefully consider the terrain, the enemy’s positions, and your own strengths and weaknesses.
Combat in Dogs of War is resolved using a simple dice-rolling system. Each unit has a certain number of attack and defense dice, and the higher the number of dice you roll, the more likely you are to hit your target and cause damage.
Missions
Dogs of War features a wide variety of missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. Some missions are relatively straightforward, while others will require you to use all of your skills and resources to succeed.
Here are a few examples of the types of missions you can expect to encounter in Dogs of War:
- Rescue hostages from a terrorist stronghold
- Prevent a military coup
- Retrieve stolen oil paintings
- Assassinate a high-value target
- Defend a village from an invading army
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1988, Dogs of War has surprisingly good graphics and sound. The game’s maps are detailed and well-drawn, and the unit sprites are large and easy to see. The game’s sound effects are also well done, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Reception
Dogs of War was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, branching storyline, and realistic graphics. It was also one of the first games to feature a female protagonist.
Dogs of War has remained popular over the years, and it is still considered one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Amiga, and Sega Genesis.
Legacy
Dogs of War has had a significant impact on the strategy game genre. The game’s innovative use of a branching storyline and its focus on realism helped to set a new standard for strategy games.
Dogs of War has also been cited as an inspiration for a number of other popular strategy games, including X-COM: UFO Defense and Jagged Alliance.
Conclusion
Dogs of War is a classic turn-based strategy game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, branching storyline, and realistic graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a deep and rewarding strategy game to sink your teeth into, then Dogs of War is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
