Iwo Jima (video game)
Iwo Jima | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Personal Software Services |
Publisher(s) | Personal Software Services |
Series | Strategic Wargames |
Platform(s) | Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum |
Release |
|
Genre(s) | Turn-based strategy |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Iwo Jima is a
The game is a turn-based strategy and focuses on the player using their units to attack Japanese forces in order to capture the island. The player assumes control of the Marine Corps and must eliminate all Japanese forces by ground, air, or naval combat. The game received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised the game's value for money and easy difficulty for novice gamers; however, many criticised the graphics and mechanics.
Gameplay
The game is a
At the beginning of the game, the player has to allocate a number of American troops in order to establish a beachhead on one of the six beaches of the island. However, many of the beaches are scattered with land mines and may provide an initial disadvantage to the assault.[1] Throughout the game, the player may call in air strikes and other assaults, however they are only available after the American forces are attacked or if the enemy retreats to an inaccessible location.[1] At any time in the game, the player is also able to request troop reinforcements from the fleet.[1][3] Furthermore, Japanese air forces may sink American battleships throughout the game, although the player will be given the opportunity to shoot them down.[4] In addition, a Japanese submarine will sink American gunboats at random intervals, and cannot be destroyed in any way.[1][3] There is no save function in the game.[2]
Reception
Publication | Score |
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Crash | 6/10[1] |
Computer and Video Games | 5/10[2] |
Your Sinclair | 6/10[5] |
Sinclair User | [4] |
The game received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Both Gwyn Hughes of Your Sinclair and a reviewer of ZX Computing praised the game's value for money and heralded it as a "good introduction" to the wargaming genre, although Hughes believed that Iwo Jima was unlikely to provide established tacticians with a "major challenge"[5] and the reviewer of ZX Computing was concerned that the game was "too easy".[6] Sean Masterson of Crash criticised the graphics, stating that it was "let down by poor unit markers and terrain features".[1] Gary Rook of Sinclair User asserted that the game was overall "competent", however he summarised it as "failing to excite". Rook also added that the game was well implemented and "inspiring".[4]
A reviewer of
M. Evan Brooks reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World, and stated that "While Iwo/Falklands may not be to the taste of the experienced wargamer, they may prove just the ticket to gaining another convert to computer conflict simulations."[7]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Masterson, Sean (July 1986). "Iwo Jima review". Crash (30): 55, 56. Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Iwo Jima and Theatre Europe review". Computer and Video Games (42): 10. October 1986. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Reed, Mark (August 1986). "Iwo Jima review". Computer Gamer (17): 94. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Rook, Gary (September 1986). "Iwo Jima review". Sinclair User (54): 47. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
- ^ a b Hughes, Gwyn. "Iwo Jima review". Your Sinclair. p. 33. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ "Theatre Europe and Iwo Jima review". ZX Computing (86): 43. August 1986. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
- ^ Brooks, M. Evan (January–February 1987). "Iwo Jima - 1945; Falklands 82". Computer Gaming World. Vol. 1, no. 34. pp. 40–41.