GameSpot editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 07/03/1997
- Updated on: 04/29/2000
- Released on: 05/31/1997
- Originally published on GameSpot: The Ardennes Offensive (PC) Review
The Ardennes Offensive by SSG is yet another in a long line of wargames based on the Battle of the Bulge, and it follows in the tradition of the 1965 Avalon Hill paper game and the more recent Bulge chapter in the Talonsoft Battleground series. So what makes Ardennes different from previous Bulge games?
First impressions of Ardennes will probably be less than favorable. The map is a 2-D view of the familiar battlefield, with an emphasis on earth colors. Units are regimental and resemble the die-cut counters of paper wargames. There are various informative displays situated around the playing area, which are confusing at first but a pop-up help box is available if you right-click on a section. Ardennes has eight scenarios to choose from, ranging in size from a small number of turns and units to a mammoth 64-turn game that includes everything. You can play these scenarios against the computer at various levels of difficulty or against an organic intelligence through hot-seating, networking, direct connect, modem (including e-mail), or the Internet. Of course, with an average turn lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour per side, it is doubtful you'll see Ardennes on any online gaming services.
Gameplay is fairly simple. Movement of units, combat, air interdiction, and replacements are handled with a simple point-and-click interface. Deselecting a unit tends to be an annoying process, but otherwise everything is fairly intuitive. Unlike in traditional wargames, where a turn consists of a move phase followed by a fire phase, Ardennes combines both into one phase. While this is not unique among computer wargames, it is a nice feature - especially in the long scenarios.
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