Games published by General Quarters Software
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Action in The North Atlantic
One of General Quarters' best games, Action in The North Atlantic is a fun and accessible naval simulation set in World War II. The game focuses on a single battle: the Battle of Murmansk in World War II, in which your goal as the British naval commander is to sink the Germans' formidable Scharnhorst, or survive the British onslaught as the German commander.
There are many gameplay options that affect the length and difficulty of the game. You can choose whether to play at the tactical or strategic level, control the British or German navy, and the number of turns (for the tactical level) or days (for the strategic level) before the game ends. If you choose to play at the tactical level, you will command a single battleship, with a realistic radar screen and ship characteristics. You can smoke, train and fire cannons, as well as retreat from battle, or even sink the ship if the probability of losing is too great.
The graphics, being CGA only, are more than adequate for the game's focus on realism. A nice touch is that any shot you fire is animated on the screen and leaves a visible hole in the enemy's ship on impact. In this way, you can gauge the damage level of enemy ships by observing the size and number of holes in their hulls. Unfortunately, this also applies to YOUR ship, and maneuvering becomes the key to success, especially if you control the Scharnhorst on the German side, which is heavily outnumbered by numerous British warships. Once the battle is over or the maximum number of turns has been reached, the battle result is displayed with vital statistics, which can be printed on paper (although I doubt any modern printer will make this function work).
The game's strategic command mode, in contrast to the tactical mode, puts you in command of the entire fleet. In addition to plotting the courses of the various ships in your fleet, you can also call in an air strike, conduct aerial reconnaissance, and use submarines. As in any good strategic-level war game, astute planning and good timing are key to the success of your mission.
With two very different game modes, solid computer AI, a good balance of realism and gameplay, and an easy-to-use interface, Action in The North Atlantic is a fun naval simulation worth playing for all armchair commanders.
Air Raid Pearl Harbor
Released in 1990, Air Raid Pearl Harbor was a revolutionary game for the Apple II computer. Developed by Lucasfilm Games, this action-packed game allowed players to experience the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor from the perspective of a fighter pilot.
The game's graphics were top-notch for its time, featuring realistic depictions of the Hawaiian island and the naval base under attack. The attention to detail was impressive, with explosions, smoke, and wreckage creating an immersive and intense atmosphere.
Players took on the role of a US Navy pilot, flying through the air and defending the base from attacking Japanese planes. The controls were smooth and responsive, allowing players to perform complex aerial maneuvers and dogfights with ease. The gameplay was challenging but satisfying, with players having to strategize and use their skills to take down enemy planes while avoiding getting shot down themselves.
One of the most unique features of Air Raid Pearl Harbor was the ability to switch between different views. Players could choose between a first-person cockpit view or a third-person view, offering different perspectives and enhancing the gameplay experience. The game also allowed players to choose different types of aircraft, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, providing even more variety and replay value.
In addition to the main game mode, Air Raid Pearl Harbor also had a simulation mode, where players could practice their flying skills and hone their strategies without the pressure of enemy attacks. This mode was particularly helpful for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.
The game received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and impressive graphics. It was praised for its historical accuracy and realistic portrayal of the Pearl Harbor attack. The sound effects and music also added to the game's immersive experience, making players feel like they were truly in the midst of a harrowing battle.
Air Raid Pearl Harbor remains a classic game for the Apple II, standing the test of time and still enjoyed by gamers today. Its combination of intense action and historical significance make it a must-play for any gaming enthusiast. Its success also paved the way for similar combat flight simulators in the future, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Battle Stations: The Saga of the U.S.S. Houston
Battle Stations: The Saga of the U.S.S. Houston, released in 1992, stands out as a notable entry in the realm of DOS games. Developed by a small team at 3D Games, this simulation and strategy hybrid thrusts players into the tumultuous waters of World War II. As the title suggests, gamers find themselves in command of the U.S.S. Houston, a heavy cruiser that played a significant role in the Pacific Theatre. The game is lauded for its engaging blend of naval combat and strategic planning, effectively immersing players in the challenges faced by military leaders during wartime.
What distinguishes Battle Stations from other naval simulations is its emphasis on historical accuracy. Players are tasked with managing crew assignments, maintaining ship integrity, and executing tactical maneuvers under pressure. The developers meticulously researched the historical context of the U.S.S. Houston, integrating real-life events such as battles against Japanese forces. This commitment to authenticity resonates with history buffs and casual gamers alike, as they navigate through meticulously recreated scenarios that spotlight the harrowing experiences of war.
Graphically, Battle Stations employs a mix of 2D sprites for ship representation and a pseudo-3D environment that captures the essence of naval warfare. While the visuals may seem rudimentary by today’s standards, they evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm that resonates with players who recall the early days of computer gaming. The user interface is intuitive, allowing players to make strategic decisions without becoming overwhelmed by complexity. This balance between accessibility and depth ensures that newcomers to the genre can quickly acclimate, while veterans find enough challenge to keep them engaged.
Audio also plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere. The soundtrack features a blend of dramatic compositions that elevate the tension during naval encounters, immersing players further into the crisis at hand. Sound effects, while simple, effectively convey the clamor of battle, from the echoes of gunfire to the rumbling of the ship’s engines, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
Battleship Bismarck
Having enjoyed Midway: the battle that doomed Japan from GQS, I was very disappointed with Battleship Bismarck, another naval wargame dealing with the famous battle of the North Atlantic in early WWII between the great German Battleship Bismarck and the British fleet and search planes.
Not that the game is bad, if viewed with 1987 eyes, but now in 2001, the game's cga and keyboard interface detracts terribly. In Midway, the battle is a thrilling clash of two forces, managing the carrier strike forces, and searching for your enemy in the vast Pacific. With the nature of that tense and evenly matched battle, Midway surpasses this similar interface.
Bismarck, however, deals with submarine deployments and moving with very few ships. It's a game of hunting and destruction for both sides and, frankly, it's very dull. If you are a fan of Bismarck and the North Atlantic campaign, give it a try, you may think it is the best recreation of the battle out there. But, if you want to play a wargame, skip this one. It's terribly outdated.
Napoleon vs. The Evil Monarchies: Austerlitz 1805
The Battle of Austerlitz, one of the first computer games to depict one of Napoleon's most famous battles, is an innovative game that boasts real-time gameplay and a user-friendly interface. But, like the authors' previous game, Borodino: 1812, it is marred by shallow gameplay: winning requires ahistorical, arcadian 'tank-racing' tactics rather than true military acumen.
It's fun for a while, but has very little replay value or long-term gameplay. It's worth a look if you're interested in the era or if you collect wargames in general. For a much better treatment of war, however, try other wargames such as Talonsoft's 1996 classic, Waterloo.
