Europe Ablaze

Europe Ablaze is a video game in the strategy genre developed by Strategic Studies Group Pty Ltd. and published by Strategic Studies Group Pty Ltd. originally released in 1985. It is currently playable on Commodore 64, Apple II.

Europe Ablaze puts hundreds of aircraft at your command to send into the deadly skies of Britain, France and Germany during World War II. Put yourself in the shoes of Reichsmarschall Goering or Air Chief Marshal Portal to map out priorities for the entire campaign and establish tactical doctrines for your fleet commanders to follow. Then sit back and watch helplessly as the day's events unfold: successes, devastation and aircraft lost are tersely tallied at the end of each day, like a report card on which the fate of your nation depends. If that's too much responsibility and not enough action, the role of fleet commander is also available. To warm this seat, you need a real knowledge of air strategy. Plan night and day missions, approach vectors and rendezvous. Balance the attrition of your squadrons with the demands of your commander-in-chief. Select objectives that maximize each squadron's abilities and aircraft, but stay aware of enemy flight paths - your opponent has plans of his own.

Up to twelve hot-seat players can split the air command roles available in Europe Ablaze, or one player can take on all roles or even leave it all to the computer to learn some strategy. The detailed hexagonal maps included in the game lay out the objectives in each scenario and provide a platform for planning the next day's strategy. The computer screen alternates between brief menus leading to command and report screens, and a map of the entire campaign on which the day's events unfold. Although planning is turn-based, fleet commanders have access to 'run-time' commands by pausing the rotating clock marking the day's progress. Enemy attack plots can be examined, intercepts sent and patrols reinforced every five minutes if desired.

Behind the scenes, accidents occur, crews gain experience, repairs are made and the results are included in each day's report. Weather varies by region and changes with the season and time. Ultimately, victory depends on the destruction delivered; each air fleet commander is scored separately, and their contributions determine the scores of the commanders-in-chief, who decide the outcome of the scenario. A map editor adds the complete design of new campaigns and a sample Mediterranean scenario.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.