Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS)
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Personal Software Services
- Publishers: Personal Software Services
Falklands ’82: A Strategic Wargame Classic
Released in 1986, Falklands ’82 is a turn-based strategy game that recreates the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Developed and published by Personal Software Services, it is the fifth installment in the Strategic Wargames series.
Gameplay
Falklands ’82 is played on a map of the Falkland Islands, which is divided into a grid of squares. Each square can be occupied by one unit, which can be either a ground unit (infantry, artillery, or tanks) or a naval unit (ships or submarines).
The player controls the British Task Force, and their objective is to either defeat all Argentine forces on the islands or recapture every settlement. The Argentines are controlled by the computer AI.
Each turn, the player can move their units, attack enemy units, or build new units. Units can move a limited number of squares per turn, and their movement is affected by the terrain. For example, units move more slowly through forests and mountains than they do across open ground.
Combat is resolved using a simple dice-rolling system. When two units attack each other, the attacker rolls a die to determine the number of hits they inflict. The defender then rolls a die to determine how many hits they block. The unit with the most hits inflicted wins the combat.
Falklands ’82 is a challenging game, and the player must carefully consider their strategy in order to succeed. The game offers a variety of different difficulty levels, so players of all skill levels can enjoy it.
Historical Accuracy
Falklands ’82 is notable for its historical accuracy. The game map is a faithful recreation of the Falkland Islands, and the units and weapons are all based on real-world counterparts. The game also includes a number of historical scenarios, such as the Battle of San Carlos Water and the Battle of Goose Green.
The game’s historical accuracy has been praised by critics and historians alike. In a review for the website IGN, Steve Butts wrote that “Falklands ’82 is one of the most historically accurate wargames ever made.”
Legacy
Falklands ’82 was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
Falklands ’82 has also had a significant impact on the development of the turn-based strategy genre. The game’s innovative use of a hex-based map and its focus on historical accuracy have influenced many later games, such as the Panzer General series and the Total War series.
Conclusion
Falklands ’82 is a classic turn-based strategy game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s historical accuracy, challenging gameplay, and variety of different scenarios make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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