War of the Lance is an early role playing type of war strategy game that is based on the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons War of the Lance in the Dragonlance series. It was released in the very late eighties by simulation gurus, Strategic Simulations, Inc. and features single, or two person play.
War of the Lance’s game play is turn-based and features an easy top-down view. It can be won in one of two ways: have the most points at the predefined end of the game, or hold all of the enemy’s capitals in addition to the Clerist Tower.
The game is divided into three basic parts: diplomacy, strategy (including military and resource management) and heroes.
As a single player game, the user is pitted against the forces of Neraka, the dark queen. She is strong, aggressive, and can easily ply others into collusion with her and her dragon forces. In the beginning of the game (regardless of the starting position) diplomacy can be a key factor. Some races are more predisposed toward the heroes and others toward Neraka, but nothing is carved in stone. Emissaries need to be sent forward…the more the merrier…to procure allies for the White forces.
Strategy is also a huge factor in the game. The user will have to carefully manage resources as he or she builds an army worthy of
facing Neraka’s mighty dragons. Understanding the lay of the land and defensive and offensive bonuses will also be key in taking and holding enemy capitals (as well as the tower). The position and make up troops can make all the difference in deciding a clutch battle.
Finally, the actual Heroes of the Lance are indispensable during the questing portion of the game. While they may be injured or killed, they are not an integral part of the major battles that take place in the effort to win the game. However, the items they find (the results of the quests) can mean everything in a turning-point battle.
In short, this is one of the first Advanced Dungeons and Dragons games for computer. They have obviously improved much since then, but it is still fun to command the fiery Lauarana or the likeable fink Raistlin. As a strategy, this is of mediocre difficulty without tedious micromanagement or advanced motor skills required for success. Strategy, strategy ...and a little luck. This would be a great download, especially for fans of AD&D.
