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Stand up and be counted!

Mike's Notes: With the combat element of the original Civilization now under control, the best (IMHO) classic PC strategy game just got better. The need for diplomacy has been increased to realistic levels thus making this a world building tour de force. Expect to spend a great deal of time immersed in this game because once hooked, you're hooked for life. It doesn't get much better than this, folks.

Mike's Notes: Mixed feelings about this game. The box says Pentium required and to make the game play quickly, that's what you need. At 800x600 res, my 486DX100 still had some slowdown when the action was taking place on the battleground but it was playable. Dropping to 640x480 increases speed but you lose the convenience of the on-screen "overview" mode. There's a very specific "scoring" system in Close Combat that measures the winner of scenarios (you can play as either German or American which really changes the perspective of goal-oriented strategy). Even at the slower speed of my machine, the game play is worth the extra wait; the level of detail on each and every soldier in your various units, from health to weaponry, is impressive.

COMMAND & CONQUER - Virgin/Westwood - Strategy

Mike's Notes: A must have for fans of this genre; new scenarios, Covert Action & Red Alert (fall '96) keep the action coming fast and furious; hundreds of "homemade" scenarios downloadable at various sites keep this game fresh.

CONQUEROR, A.D. 1086 - Sierra - Strategy