Gaming WWIII: Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf Theater Modeling Tools Part I

The Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf (APPG) was probably the most entertaining theater conflict to outline and then subsequently to model. Ongoing conflicts, regional rivalries and the influence and designs of the Superpowers had combined to make their mark in the region by early July, 1987. The first challenge came in determining which of those factors would …

A Look Ahead Through Mid-September

I hope everyone on this side of the Atlantic had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend. And to our friends elsewhere, I hope your weekend and Monday were adequate. 😊 The summer is over and it is back to the grind for everyone, work or school in most cases. I thought it would be useful to …

The Future Beyond World War III 1987

All good things must come to an end. While I see this blog going on for some time discussing World War III related subject matter, the alternative 1987 we’ve created and nurtured will wrap up at some point around Labor Day when all is said and done. So, what will come next? Good question. In …

2022 WWIII Video Game Tournament Championship

For those in Peril on the sea.... Early in this tournament I had a feeling the championship matchup might very well end up being between Harpoon and Command. They are thoroughbreds in every way, and I expected both to go far. Prophesy fulfilled.  So, here we are. Two games that accurately simulate naval and air …

2022 WWIII Video Game Final Four: Red/White Bracket

Red #1 The Operational Art of War vs  White #1 Command Modern Operations Harpoon’s combination of sea and air power proved to be too much for Steel Panthers MBT to overcome. This matchup is drawn along comparable lines though The Operational Art of War likely has a slight advantage over SPMBT in that it is …

2022 WWIII Video Game Final Four: Blue/Gold Bracket

And then there were four. Crunch time has arrived and there are just four games remaining. Interestingly enough, four #1 seeds. Two land-based games squaring off against two sea/air-based games. All four are classics and I challenge anyone who thinks otherwise to a duel. 😊  The scoring for the final three matches will be different …

2022 WWIII Video Game Tournament: Quarterfinals

Here we are at the quarterfinals. Eight titles remain in the field including all four #1 seeds. Surprisingly, this tournament has failed to produce any very memorable upsets so far. Nor have there been any deep tournament runs by a #7 or #8 seed. The favorites have dominated the rounds so far and if this …

2022 WWIII Video Game Tournament: Round 2 Red & White Regions

WWIII Video Game Tournament Round 2 Red #1 The Operational Art of War Volume IV vs #4 Bravo Romeo Delta TOAW is the answer to the wargaming community’s prayers for a PC-based operational level title. Gameplay is smooth, the learning curve not too steep, and the tools provided allow the player to create or recreate …

2022 WWIII Video Game Tournament: Round 2 Blue & Gold Regions

Gold #1 Steel Panthers MBT vs #3 Janes Fleet Command Land vs sea in this bracket, as well as two games that have stood the test of time. In this round Fleet Command was handicapped by its lack of depth. Although some independent mods were created for the game by its fans, it cannot compare …

2022 WWIII Video Game Tournament: Round 1, White Region

White Region #1 Command Modern Operations vs #8 Norway 1985 The final 1-8 bracket in the first round provides no major upset. Norway 1985 will not be the Cinderella darling this March. The results of this battle were preordained. Command, as I’ve said numerous times before, is like Harpoon on steroids and/or HGH, giving players …