Max Design 1992
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 2/6
Licence: Commercial
System: Amiga

In late 1992, two trading simulations were competing for the (German / European) market: Der Patrizier (also know as The Patrician abroad) and 1869. The latter came a little later (wow...) and it was generally considered the loser in this direct duel by the press. Only by a small margin, though - a very good second place.

Dynamix 1994
Genre: Simulation
Rating: 6/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

'Aces of the Deep' is IMHO the best part of the 'Aces'-series and by far the best WW2 submarine simulation. No other game could catch the intense battle of the German subs in the Atlantic in such realistic way like 'AoD'. Actual submarine and weapon developments, changes in convoy tactics, improving air cover of the Atlantic, historical events - everything you can expect is implemented in this game.

Dynamix 1992
Genre: Simulation
Rating: 5/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

'Aces of the Pacific' is a very good air combat simulation which takes place in the Pacific in 1941-1945. A large variety of combat missions, airplanes, periods to start and realism settings guarantee almost infinite replayability.

Dynamix 1993
Genre: Simulation
Rating: 5/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

That 'Aces over Europe' is kind of a sequel to 'Aces of the Pacific' becomes obvious at first sight. Graphfically nothing has changed, just some more sounds have been added; each plane has its own engine noise now. But nevertheless it's better than 'AotP' because most of its minor flaws have been removed.

Futura 1990
Genre: Simulation, Strategy
Rating: 4/6
Licence: Commercial
System: Amiga

Everyone who tries this game will notice the similarity to Silent Service. Graphics, sound and even controls are almost the same. And also the topic differs only slightly: Instead of a sub, you're in charge of a british destroyer in WW2.

SSI 1990
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 5/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

You know, some time ago (about 200 years or so...), there was a great man (I avoid saying 'big' at his 1.60m height) who liked war. Maybe a bit of a pertinent introduction, but no matter if you are French of Anglo-Saxon, you are going to enjoy this.

Bits of Magic / Electronic Arts 1990
Genre: Strategy, Action
Rating: 4/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Centurion: Defender of Rome was one of those overly complex yet simplistic games that had their heyday in late 1980s and early 90s. Designed by Kellyn Beck, the mastermind behind Defender of the Crown, the game is built on the same principles, only set into a different time period.

Microprose 1991
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 6/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Without any doubt, Civilization is the greatest and most addictive game that ever graced a computer screen. Designed by Sid Meier, who at that time was already a household name among gamers, the game introduced the world to a new level of empire management: from settling whole continents, through researching new technologies, to building military units, city improvements and even wonders of the world. The game has spawned several sequels and copies, out of which only a single one (Alpha Centauri) comes close in the terms of gameplay and overall fun. Civilization has never left my hard drive, and probably never will, remaining the main reason why I still keep MS-DOS on a separate partition.

Microprose 1991
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 6/6
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

"Civilization" is definitely one of Sid Meier's masterpieces and surely one of the most famous games of all times. The game is far too complex to be reviewed in its entirety. For further explanations look into the very extensive help files and the Civilopedia which come with the game.

SSI 1987
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 4/6
Licence: Commercial
System: Atari ST

War without bloodshed? Easy, just don't show the individual's fate, but take it to a more abstract level. A way more abstract level: Push around wodden blocks on a world map, and suddenly, even genocide becomes fun! Like in Colonial Conquest.