John Paul
03-02-2015, 02:42
While going through a box of old computer games I had out in the garage, as I was thinking of just tossing them because I don't think they would play well on todays computers. I discovered a copy of the strategy Guide for "Age of Sail II" produced by Prima Publishing. For those that may not know of it "Age of Sail II" was a Talonsoft game covering fighting in the AoS in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was highly touted as one of the best graphics, and finest playing games of the time! As those who may have owned it might tell you it was also one of the buggiest and unplayable games of it's day!! It was more an exercise in frustration then it was a game, and had no business ever being released. So much for the game!
Anyway, the Strategy Guide, which in fact offered barely any strategy it did provide most of the basic details for all the scenarios included in the game. There are 100 scenarios in the book most of them being one on one affairs of the well known Frigate versus Frigate actions during the period. There are several multiple ship on ship actions like two British 74s taking on six French Frigates of various gun sizes. Also included are just about all the Major Battles during such as the First of June, Cuddalore, and of course Trafalgar. The scenarios offer only basic information as to how the action began, and who the historical victor was in a short introductory paragraph. This is followed with the Order of Battle for each side and some basic strategy in how to play the computer scenario. For instance in the action where 6 French Frigates run into 2 British 74s at early dawn it is suggested the frigates stay out of range from the guns of the larger British ships, while attempting to get into position for raking shots. Or they should attempt to out run the slower enemy vessels! Really! :shock: :hmmm: :smack:
Also provided for each scenario is a screen shot from the computer showing the starting positions for all the ships. Unfortunately the scenario write up provides no information that you could use to translate the starting positions for a table top game, but a little research in some reference material might aide in that regard. If you ever owned a copy of "Age of Sail II", or might still have a copy of the strategy book stashed away some place you might want to dig it out if your looking for some scenarios. The book has long been out of print, but if you'd like to find one look around in some of the old computer stores in town, yard sales, or maybe the local library will still have a copy. If you want some scenarios it at least gives you a good starting point! Sail Ho!!
Anyway, the Strategy Guide, which in fact offered barely any strategy it did provide most of the basic details for all the scenarios included in the game. There are 100 scenarios in the book most of them being one on one affairs of the well known Frigate versus Frigate actions during the period. There are several multiple ship on ship actions like two British 74s taking on six French Frigates of various gun sizes. Also included are just about all the Major Battles during such as the First of June, Cuddalore, and of course Trafalgar. The scenarios offer only basic information as to how the action began, and who the historical victor was in a short introductory paragraph. This is followed with the Order of Battle for each side and some basic strategy in how to play the computer scenario. For instance in the action where 6 French Frigates run into 2 British 74s at early dawn it is suggested the frigates stay out of range from the guns of the larger British ships, while attempting to get into position for raking shots. Or they should attempt to out run the slower enemy vessels! Really! :shock: :hmmm: :smack:
Also provided for each scenario is a screen shot from the computer showing the starting positions for all the ships. Unfortunately the scenario write up provides no information that you could use to translate the starting positions for a table top game, but a little research in some reference material might aide in that regard. If you ever owned a copy of "Age of Sail II", or might still have a copy of the strategy book stashed away some place you might want to dig it out if your looking for some scenarios. The book has long been out of print, but if you'd like to find one look around in some of the old computer stores in town, yard sales, or maybe the local library will still have a copy. If you want some scenarios it at least gives you a good starting point! Sail Ho!!