TacOps
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''TacOps'' is a turn-based
wargame A wargame is a strategy game in which two or more players command opposing armed forces in a realistic simulation of an armed conflict. Wargaming may be played for recreation, to train military officers in the art of strategic thinking, or to s ...
originally released in 1994. The game, developed by Major I.L. Holdridge,
USMC The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through co ...
(ret), details modern, hypothetical combat between U.S. troops versus the
OPFOR An opposing force (alternatively enemy force, abbreviated OPFOR) is a military unit tasked with representing an enemy, usually for training purposes in war game scenarios. The related concept of aggressor squadron is used by some air forces. ...
who are armed with various equipment from across the globe. Later additions added units for the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand armies, and the US Marines. The game is noted for its encyclopedic array of modern arms and units, and the detailing of the combat.


Gameplay

Instead of typical hex or square based movement, the forces move around without a grid. Players take turns giving orders and then watching the battles unfold on the map. Also, players cannot directly control where their troops fire, but rather control parameters such as fire zones, and range of engagement. The game is considered very realistic, and includes a database with information and photos for all of the units in the game. Game play is divided into two phases. In the order phase time does not pass in the game and orders can be entered. During a combat phase these orders are executed and the player can only watch the results as 60 seconds of game time passes.


Order phase

During the order phase of a turn, when a player clicks on a unit its Order Box comes up. The player can order where the unit moves and, among other options, where it faces, whether it is exposed, and fire sector orders (with varying priorities).


Combat phase

After a player is satisfied with the orders they have given, they may move on to the combat phase. A combat phase represents 60 seconds, and is typically divided into four 15-second segments in which units fire and move.


Reception

''TacOps'' was a runner-up for ''Computer Game Entertainment''s 1996 "Best War Game" prize, which ultimately went to '' Tigers on the Prowl 2''. The editors summarized ''TacOps'' as "excellent".


References


External links


Battlefront.com — Original publisher
{{Battlefront.com 1994 video games Computer wargames Classic Mac OS games Video games developed in the United States Windows games