People's General
People's General PC CD complex weapon wargame military history war strategy game
Game
Windows
Ssi
1998
CD
$20.99
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People's General
People's General and the previous games are typically labeled as "beer and pretzels" wargames; they do not require a thorough knowledge base of military history and hardware, they are relatively easy to play, and are typically pleasing to the eye. People's General is no different. Requiring only a rudimentary knowledge of modern weapon systems (tanks, infantry, missile batteries, helicopters, air strikes, and the like), it can be played by basically anyone willing to give it a try. While the maps are hex-based, they are hand-painted beautifully in 16-bit color. 3D models of various vehicles and infantry depict individual units. Moving and attacking is a simple job of selecting a unit, pointing to a hex within range, and clicking to move. When attacking, estimated battle casualties, based the situation, are given, so you can somewhat accurately gauge if an attack will yield decent results or not.
Players have a number of different options when running People's General: There are nine campaigns, 34 scenarios, two- to four-player LAN/Internet scenarios, and play-by-e-mail (PBEM) scenarios. While four of the campaigns are actually different-length versions (with varying difficulty) of the Eastern and Western theater campaigns, there are three other independent campaigns. You are treated to a short video as the campaign starts and various status reports as the campaign continues. As a plus, a scenario-creation editor is also included, though you'll have to use one of the pre-drawn hand-painted maps to work with it.
If you've played the series before, you'll want to know what's new and different. Basically the engine is the same but has been neatly tuned to the modern era. Helicopters now behave like aircraft did earlier in the series (though they're much more powerful), and you now have the option of using air points to purchase air strikes, wild weasel and recon missions, defense air support, or the ability to airlift troops. With increased air capacity comes air defense units, which can severely hamper any air operation. Most units have the ability to attack across a number of hexes, and a range of six to eight hexes for missile batteries is not uncommon. Units can remain completely hidden from view or may be visible but labeled "unknown." Also, you can assign particular capabilities to units instead of having to buy completely new units for a certain job. For instance, you can purchase a river-ferrying kit for your M1A3 unit, via the time-honored prestige points system (which is used to purchase, reequip, and resupply units in the game), instead of having to pick up a specific bridge-laying unit.
While People's General may be considered a "light" wargame, it is by no means easy or bereft of details. Units are rated for a dozen different capabilities as well as somewhat random special abilities and leadership characteristics. Some of the campaigns are downright hard and nasty and take a full understanding of the game system to do even moderately well. However, a tutorial and numerous easier scenarios and campaigns ease you into the game without smacking you in the face with a learning curve that looks like the north face of Mt. Everest. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and if the new and fairly unique subject material breathes new life into wargames - even beer and pretzel ones - then that can't be half bad either.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
People's General and the previous games are typically labeled as "beer and pretzels" wargames; they do not require a thorough knowledge base of military history and hardware, they are relatively easy to play, and are typically pleasing to the eye. People's General is no different. Requiring only a rudimentary knowledge of modern weapon systems (tanks, infantry, missile batteries, helicopters, air strikes, and the like), it can be played by basically anyone willing to give it a try. While the maps are hex-based, they are hand-painted beautifully in 16-bit color. 3D models of various vehicles and infantry depict individual units. Moving and attacking is a simple job of selecting a unit, pointing to a hex within range, and clicking to move. When attacking, estimated battle casualties, based the situation, are given, so you can somewhat accurately gauge if an attack will yield decent results or not.
Players have a number of different options when running People's General: There are nine campaigns, 34 scenarios, two- to four-player LAN/Internet scenarios, and play-by-e-mail (PBEM) scenarios. While four of the campaigns are actually different-length versions (with varying difficulty) of the Eastern and Western theater campaigns, there are three other independent campaigns. You are treated to a short video as the campaign starts and various status reports as the campaign continues. As a plus, a scenario-creation editor is also included, though you'll have to use one of the pre-drawn hand-painted maps to work with it.
If you've played the series before, you'll want to know what's new and different. Basically the engine is the same but has been neatly tuned to the modern era. Helicopters now behave like aircraft did earlier in the series (though they're much more powerful), and you now have the option of using air points to purchase air strikes, wild weasel and recon missions, defense air support, or the ability to airlift troops. With increased air capacity comes air defense units, which can severely hamper any air operation. Most units have the ability to attack across a number of hexes, and a range of six to eight hexes for missile batteries is not uncommon. Units can remain completely hidden from view or may be visible but labeled "unknown." Also, you can assign particular capabilities to units instead of having to buy completely new units for a certain job. For instance, you can purchase a river-ferrying kit for your M1A3 unit, via the time-honored prestige points system (which is used to purchase, reequip, and resupply units in the game), instead of having to pick up a specific bridge-laying unit.
While People's General may be considered a "light" wargame, it is by no means easy or bereft of details. Units are rated for a dozen different capabilities as well as somewhat random special abilities and leadership characteristics. Some of the campaigns are downright hard and nasty and take a full understanding of the game system to do even moderately well. However, a tutorial and numerous easier scenarios and campaigns ease you into the game without smacking you in the face with a learning curve that looks like the north face of Mt. Everest. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and if the new and fairly unique subject material breathes new life into wargames - even beer and pretzel ones - then that can't be half bad either.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
