UMS: The Universal Military Simulator

Moby ID: 3098
DOS Specs

Description official descriptions

UMS (Universal Military Simulator) attempts to cover the ground of games like Empire and go beyond, simulating almost every aspect of warfare in a realistic manner. Battles can range from ancient history to a science-fiction future, with famed battled such as Gettysburg and the Battle of Hastings built in. The view system operates at multiple levels, from a single unit up to the whole theater.

However, there is no naval element whatsoever and the design pays little attention to extremely important wargaming concepts like fog of war.

The game spawned a sequel, UMS II.

Groups +

Screenshots

Promos

Credits (DOS version)

Design
IBM Conversion

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 72% (based on 11 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 13 ratings with 1 reviews)

Early attempt almost gets it right

The Good
At the time of launch it was a remarkably serious attempt at a turn based wargame. Good editor extended the lifespan of the game.

The Bad
Idiotic unit stacking meant you couldn't see the labels identifying them leading to endless switching of views from isometric to 2D.

No naval or air units - hardly universal. Limited number of built in scenarios.

Dull appearance.

The Bottom Line
Interesting for historical reasons only, not really worth revisiting.

DOS · by Felix (129) · 2001

Discussion

Subject By Date
Apple IIgs port? Rola (8483) Mar 29, 2012

Trivia

Awards

  • ACE
    • October 1988 (issue #13) - Included in the Top-100 list of 1987/1988 (editorial staff selection)
    • March 1991 (issue #42) - Included in the list Greatest Games of all Time in category Strategy Games (editorial staff choice)

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Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 3098
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by PCGamer77.

Macintosh added by Rola. Amiga added by Terok Nor. Atari ST added by Belboz.

Additional contributors: Jo ST.

Game added January 20, 2001. Last modified November 11, 2023.