News As History - August 30, 2008
News As History - August 30, 2008 |
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ManualsAn online manual is provided in PDF format. It explains most of the game functions. Other PDF files provide information that is extremely helpful in playing the game. SystemThe system isn’t the most transparent. There is an outstanding layout, and it works like a board game. The game is more strategic than operational. Game ModesOne-player puts you up against an opponent at one of several levels. Even at Easy, you have to be careful – the other side can get off an air strike. Given the operational/strategic-level planning that is in place for this game, you are going to have to get lucky. The two-player mode operates quite well. One can easily play against a friend. Game FeaturesThe game is a little challenging to figure out in terms of the user interface. I had to consult the manual on two occasions to get things to go just right and get some decent battles. The realism is present – albeit it could stand some sort of flexibility – at least in terms of deciding what sort of air strike to launch. Still, this game gives you all aspects of naval combat in the South Pacific. Air strikes, surface combat, even the occasional submarine attack. Fog of war is present – and when activated it makes the game realistic. The option can be disabled – allowing a God’s –eye view of the entire theater, allowing someone to set up a massive battle if they choose. Lessons LearnedThe first lesson is to see the enemy first and to launch a successful attack first. That is the only way to guarantee a win. If a ship is damaged, it will take time to repair – and that could cause trouble down the line.For Japan, the key is to preserve your forces. Replacements don’t come easy. Every ship you lose is a ship you don’t have when the Americans start coming in force later on. For America, you have a similar task. A bad break can put you down early on, and that is a place you do not want to be. The best chance you have is to keep together, and to protect your most valuable assets: Your carriers. Henderson Field (Lunga) must be protected and kept supplied, too. SummaryUncommon Valor is a superb strategic/operational-level simulation of what the South Pacific was like in 1942 and 1943. One can spend hours playing it, and never get the same results twice. This superb simulation is well worth the price paid for it.System Requirements: |
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