Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Publishers: Cases Computer Simulations
Frontline (1990): A Classic Turn-Based Strategy Game
Frontline is a turn-based strategy game developed by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) and released in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, and Macintosh. The game is set in a fictional World War II-era conflict between the Allies and the Axis powers. Players take control of either side and must use their military units to defeat their opponents.
Frontline is a highly detailed and realistic wargame that simulates many aspects of combat, including unit movement, combat, and supply lines. The game features a large number of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider the terrain and the composition of their forces when making their decisions.
Frontline 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 praised for its deep gameplay, challenging AI, and realistic graphics.
Gameplay
Frontline is a turn-based strategy game in which players take turns moving their units and engaging in combat. The game is played on a hexagonal grid, and each hex can be occupied by a single unit.
Units can move a certain number of hexes per turn, and they can also attack enemy units that are adjacent to them. Combat is resolved using a simple die roll, and the attacker’s strength is compared to the defender’s defense. The winner of the combat deals damage to the loser, and the loser may be forced to retreat.
In addition to combat, players must also manage their supply lines. Units that are not supplied will become weakened and eventually die. Players must carefully plan their movements to ensure that their units always have access to supplies.
Units
Frontline features a large number of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most common unit types include:
- Infantry: Infantry are the backbone of any army. They are relatively weak in combat, but they are also inexpensive and easy to produce.
- Armor: Armor units are heavily armored and can deal a lot of damage in combat. However, they are also slow and expensive to produce.
- Artillery: Artillery units can attack enemy units from a distance. They are very effective against infantry, but they are vulnerable to attack from armor.
- Air units: Air units can fly over terrain and attack enemy units from the air. They are very effective against armor, but they are vulnerable to attack from anti-air units.
Terrain
The terrain in Frontline plays a major role in gameplay. Different types of terrain can provide different advantages and disadvantages to units. For example, forests can provide cover for infantry, while hills can give artillery units a better field of fire.
Players must carefully consider the terrain when making their decisions. The right terrain can give them a significant advantage in combat.
Supply Lines
Supply lines are essential for keeping units alive and fighting. Units that are not supplied will become weakened and eventually die.
Players must carefully plan their movements to ensure that their units always have access to supplies. They can do this by building supply depots and by using transport units to move supplies to the front lines.
AI
The AI in Frontline is very challenging, even on the lower difficulty settings. The AI is able to adapt to the player’s tactics and make intelligent decisions.
Players must be careful not to underestimate the AI. Even the most experienced players can be defeated by the AI if they are not careful.
Graphics
The graphics in Frontline are very impressive for a game released in 1990. The game uses a top-down perspective, and the units are all very detailed. The terrain is also very well-rendered, and it provides a realistic backdrop for the battles.
Sound
The sound in Frontline is also very good. The game features a variety of sound effects, including gunfire, explosions, and the sound of marching troops. The music is also very well-composed, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere.
Reception
Frontline was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its deep gameplay, challenging AI, and realistic graphics. Frontline was also a financial success, and it helped to establish SSI as a leading developer of strategy games.
Frontline is still considered one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made. The game has been praised for its timeless gameplay and its realistic and immersive atmosphere. Frontline is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
