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From: cs2532bn@unmc.UUCP (Mr. Modem)
Newsgroups: net.games
Subject: Re: SSI games
Message-ID: <81@unmc.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 10-Mar-86 02:32:33 EST
Article-I.D.: unmc.81
Posted: Mon Mar 10 02:32:33 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 13-Mar-86 07:43:26 EST
References: <2229@bbnccv.UUCP>
Reply-To: cs2532bn@unmc.UUCP (Mr. Modem)
Distribution: net
Organization: Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Lines: 49

In article <> wholmes@bbnccv.UUCP (William P. Holmes) writes:
>
>	Another question...Is there anybody out there that has/is playing
>any games from SSI(Strategic Simulations Inc.)?  I just received their spring
>1986 catalog in the mail, and in it there are 50 or so computer games.  Most
>of them look like Avalon-Hill type games that got put on computers.


>From: lhm@petsd.UUCP (Lee McClellan)
>I have just recently finished both Questron and Phantasie which are
>made by SSI. I thought they were two of the best games I have played
>in a while. Questron was slightly more entertaining, but it was also
>easier. Both were similar with joy stick control, easy menus, creating
>characters, dungeons, combat and the works. I recommend them highly.

I am an SSI fanatic, and can say that I've played about 1/3 of their games.
Believe me, that's a LOT.  Most of their games are wargames/simulations/
kicktheshitoutoftheRussians type and can be entertaining, provided you have
the patience, first of all, to LEARN how to play, then to actually PLAY the
thing!  Their new breed of stock is what Lee, above, was talking about.  They
have started a line of fantasy rpg type games, and are doing pretty well.  So
far they have 5 or so titles out, including (but not limited to ;-) Gemstone
Warrior, Phantasie, Questron, and I've seen ads for others.

There is also the Rapid-Fire series of wargames, which is the 'arcade' style
of computer wargaming.  These are incredibly playable, since there is minimal
human bookkeeping unless requested by the human.  Such games are Broadsides,
Cosmic Balance, and I can't remember the others.

One comment on Questron.  While it's fun starting, it gets very boring.  So
boring, in fact, that I never finished, nor made it to the dungeon.  I guess
I can't judge it until I do that.  (It has great graphics in the dungeon demo)

There is another gaming company using the talents of Roger "Germany 1985"
Keating called SSG (Strategic Studies Group).  It is Austrailian based, and
has some really impressive and playable games.  It's worth looking into.

In conclusion, SSI has somwhat recently overcome its 'boring game' status and
has widely varied their styles of games.  They still have lots of hardcore
campaign length games, but also the fast versions of wargames, fantasy games,
and simulations (the 'other' catagory).


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Stefan Chakerian						 CIS: 74365,231
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