Amiga

Red Lightning

The whole war experience is driven by mouse with the aid of pull-down menus. Some annoying features exist, like the inability to change your mind about troop movements, but I suppose if I complain SSI will only say that it adds to the realism of the simulation. The computer is a worthy adversary and does not rely on cheating to bolster its overall strategy. It can occasionally get a bit thrown if you attempt something impossible or unusual, like a massive airlift of troops miles behind enemy lines to cut off supply routes, but it recognises and deals effectively with all the big plays. With such a range of skill levels and great playability, Red Lightning is suitable for both novices and hardened warmongers. SSI has set the standard for strategy games on the Amiga.

If you like shoot-em-ups or arcade action games, give this one a miss. If, however, you like detailed wargames then Red Lightning has been worth the wait. While this sort of game appeals to a much smaller group of people, those who do have an interest will find it well worth the money. Someone has put a great deal of thought into it, and it really shows: even if there is not a nuke option...