Outstanding WW2 Tactical Naval Game

[Mac Linehan]

Gentlemen -

I bought Action Statons in 1990 when it first came out and still play it on a regular basis. The designer Alan Zimm was (then) a serving Naval Officer, who worked ( in his spare time) with Professor Nathan Okun to establish a most realistic gunnery simulation. Action Stations, in my opinion, is still an absolutely first class simulaton - undimmed by the passing years. The graphics, although dated, are adequate and do not detract from the quality of the game. For the WITP and WPO fans who want the real deal, Action Stations is available as a free download. The statagy/comments section of the manual is very informative and well worth reading.

I bought the expansion disk from RAW entertainment (now defunct) that significantly enhanced the original game, adding additonal ships and scenarios, including, "The Great Pacific War" ca. 1930 that has many of the cancelled/scrapped battleships and battle cruisers (Lexington and Tosa classes come to mind.) The beauty of the game is that it ran well on a 286 (my first computer.) The interface, although 18 years old, is very easy to use.

The expansion disk is not included at the site; I will email Home of the Underdog and see if I can legally donate the full game with expansion. Some forum members will have played this gem, if not you are in for real treat.

Here is the review posted at the Home of the Underdog web site:

"Arguably the best RAW Entertainment game and one of the most comprehensive naval simulations ever designed, Action Stations! is a very comprehensive simulation of surface warfare before and during World War II (between 1922-45). In the words of M. Evan Brooks: "Excellent research and complexities were marred by poor graphics and an awkward user interface. Still, it is the most detailed simulation ever attempted for this historical period, and can still serve as an effective research tool." Overall, a must have for every armchair fleet commander that remains today one of the most accurate and complex naval wargame ever made. It was also deservedly a candidate for Computer Gaming World's "Wargame of the Year" award in 1990. Thumbs up!"

I do not know how to liink the web address, but here it is:
Action stations free download site: http://www.the-underdogs.info/game.php?id=21

I do hope that all of you derive as much enjoyment from Action Stations as I have.
Mac