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PEOPLE'S GENERAL
Developed by: SSI/Mindscape (1998)
Genre: Modern era grand tactical wargame
System Requirements: Windows 95, P166+, 32 MB RAM, 175 MB HDD Space, CD ROM, Mouse.

OVERVIEW: People's General is the modern warfare member of SSI/Mindscape's "Living Battlefield Series"- like Panzer General II. Where Panzer General II lets you slug it out World War Two style People's General puts players in the command bunker in c. 2000 where the Chinese have gone militant in an attempt to regain their "lost territories" in the Far East.

People's General is a turn based grand tactical game where you move around battalion/regimental sized units for the most part. Players have over 200 available units from around 18 countries to choose from- each rated on everything from morale, movement, firepower to defensive capabilities. It's all really comprehensive and fought over some of the most flat-out awesome terrain graphics ever designed! The standard unit types include everything from infantry and tanks to attack helicopters and tac air support.

According to SSI/Mindscape, the terrain maps were actually "hand painted"- and I believe it. The detail and texture is incredible to say the least. The unit and vehicles look just as good as well. No more flat, rather plain looking stuff found in earlier SSI titles like Panzer General or Pacific General. It all actually looks that real. Wargamers will fall in love with it almost immediately.

Gameplay is pretty straightforward. Players who "run and gun" may find the tables turned on them as one of their units rolls over an area concealing an enemy unit ("ambush!"). Everything you need to handle your units is supplied on a toolbar for ease of play. Like Panzer General II, players build up "prestige points" which allows them to command more and more units (kind of like being promoted for doing a great job). So playing it cool and achieving success translates into something for a change.

People's General is possibly the finest grand tactical modern warfare game on the market. Any wargamer worth his/her salt will want this one.

THE SCOUTING REPORT:

THE PROS:

• Stunning graphics- the maps are a work of art.
  Easy to use interfaces and menus.
  Excellent documentation.
  Campaign game is a blast!
  Rewarded for good leadership, hammered if you're lousy when it comes to prestige points.

THE CONS:

• Nothing really. People's General is a great game!

Review by Steve Ellis