Broadsides
Name: Broadsides
Programmer(s): Wayne Garris
Publisher: [[]]
Year: 1983
Description:
In 1983, Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI) released Broadsides, a naval combat simulation game for the Apple II that put players in command of warships during the Age of Sail. The game captured the tactical nature of ship-to-ship combat from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Players control either British or American vessels in one-on-one naval battles. Each ship comes equipped with different numbers of guns, crew members, and varying sailing capabilities. The core gameplay revolves around positioning your ship to fire broadsides at the enemy while protecting your own vessel from damage.
Combat takes place on a grid-based map where wind direction plays a crucial role in movement. Players must consider factors like wind speed, ship heading, and sail configuration when maneuvering. The game alternates between movement and combat phases, with each turn representing one minute of battle time.
During combat, players choose which types of ammunition to fire: round shot for hull damage, grape shot for killing crew members, or chain shot for destroying sails and rigging. Damage to different parts of the ship affects its performance. A damaged hull takes on water, injured crew members reduce combat effectiveness, and torn sails limit movement options.
The game offers both single battles against the computer and two-player modes. Players can select from historically accurate ship types or create custom vessels. The computer opponent provides a good challenge, using authentic naval tactics of the period.
Graphics are simple by today's standards but effective for the time, showing top-down views of the ships with status information clearly displayed. Sound effects are minimal, limited to basic tones for cannon fire and hits.
Broadsides stands out among early computer games for its attention to historical detail and deep tactical gameplay. While other naval games existed, few matched its combination of accuracy and playability. The game influenced later naval combat simulations and remains a respected title in the Apple II library.