TacOps is a simulation of modern tactical combat (1994-2000). This game is only available by mail order (c/o Arsenal Publishing, Inc., 4901 Falcon Place, S. 108, Sterling, VA 20166-9531; 800 247-1877). While the Mac version was released almost two years ago, this is the first time that this program has become accessible to the PC audience. An additional scenario disk should be released in the June-July time frame, while TacOps II is due for release in mid-1997; using DMA (Defense Mapping Agency) generated maps, the sheer detail of these will probably mandate a Pentium machine with Windows 95.
Installation is easy; but on a 486-machine, installing the 3 floppies required over 23 minutes (the game takes 9 megs of hard drive space). To verify the load time, the installation was repeated at the Wargaming & Simulation Center, National Defense University, and the load time on 3 different machines exceeded 20 minutes each. But once the installation is complete, the game loads rapidly. [Editor's Note: We tested load times on three different machines here at Computer Games (including a 486/33) and experienced no problems with long installation times.]
Modem play is via E-mail only, although two-player null-modem and face-to-face options exist. [Editor's Note: The game is designed to be run at the same time as a user's communications program; gamers must switch between the two to exchange orders files.] The face-to-face option is smooth, although battle resolution can be so quick that one cannot absorb what happened where to whom. But that could be considered part of the "fog of war."
The program runs on a 386-based machine with 4 megs of RAM and 16-colors. Graphics are Spartan, albeit easily recognizable and sounds are limited, for the most part, to battlefield explosions. Talk about a "return to yesteryear," but the designer notes in the documentation that he saw no need for fancy graphics, sound or animations when the game can succeed on its own without the eyewash. Since TacOps is marketed by mail order only, and most likely to the grognard hobbyists, he may well be correct.
To show how "obsolete" the design philosophy of TacOps is, the manual is actually complete and includes a tutorial, a user guide, a TOE (Table of Organization and Equipment), lethality tables, FAQs (frequently asked questions) and an index. Talk about concepts that we have not seen in recent years!
But of course, the main question comes down to "is it a player, and does it succeed as a simulation of contemporary military tactics?" And the answer is yes and no; the game does succeed as a player, but it is not a true simulation of contemporary military operations.
The major flaw is addressed by the designer, and it is a conscious decision. I have always maintained that as long as the designer tells the user how and why design decisions were made, then the user should evaluate the design based on the designer's goals and not what the user thinks what they should be. Be careful for what you ask; you might get it! TacOps does not model morale other than in terms of temporary combat suppression and disruption. As MAJ Holdridge notes, "(M)any people have an absolute hatred for morale rules in any form." While this is true, it does not mean that morale should be ignored. I would recommend a player option using a slider bar, whereby a player could choose both a unit and an army "break point." Civilian wargamers tend to be less cognizant of casualties than military veterans; as Robert E. Lee once noted, "(I)t is good that war is so terrible; otherwise, we would learn to enjoy it." Fighting to the last man may make interesting novels and good press, but it is a rare occurrence.
Historically, units begin to lose combat cohesion with as few as 10% casualties (cf. Lord Moran, Anatomy of Courage; Richard Holmes, Acts of War; Martin von Crevald, Fighting Power); even elite units can rarely sustain themselves once losses exceed 25-35%. Of course, this often makes for quick, and unsatisfying, games. But the player should have the option of modeling morale.
Interestingly enough, the military itself often suffers from the same flaw. TacOps is reminiscent of an ARTEP (Army Training & Evaluation Program). It faithfully mirrors the mechanics of the weapons systems, but it does not merge the parts into a synergistic totality.
Although there are 27 scenarios, most of them are unrealistic. Victory conditions may mandate the exiting of as few as 20% of one's forces, or the insertion of a single unit onto an objective (cf. Table 1). While weapons systems are modeled well, the victory conditions do not force employment in a realistic manner, and unit integrity is not rewarded. Almost twenty years ago, boardgame designer Jim Dunnigan allowed units to increase their firepower when employed as a tactical team (Panzergruppe Guderian); a similar concept could be utilized herein.
The scenarios are either offensive or defensive operations; there are no meeting engagements. Also, in solitaire play, the player can only assume the US position. Since the OPFOR (Opposing Forces) models Soviet forces, they usually have the bulk of the artillery, including the bulk of the multiple rocket launcher battalions. To watch a pre-planned artillery strike devastate an area the size of several football fields is a sight not to be missed. The computer AI utilizes different initial force positioning and strategies, so there is more replay value than one may first anticipate.
In terms of game play, the user interface is intuitive. Despite a 240-page manual, a gamer could virtually determine the mechanics of play alone; the manual offers supplementation and historical background. Mouse inputs are quick and easy; one can order units to engage at various ranges, or act pursuant to a tactical SOP (standard operating procedure), e.g., pop smoke and pull back when fired on, reverse if fired on, etc. The only caveat is that the SOP will self-cancel; i.e., if a unit has orders to pop smoke if fired upon, it will do so the first time it receives fire; unless the user reimplements the SOP, it will be inoperative. But one can adjust the SOP on all units with a single order, so this should not present a problem as long as the user remembers the game mechanic.
If infantry is the queen of battle, then artillery remains king. Since the map utilizes realistic 1000 meter grid squares, called in artillery and air strikes have delays, and the novice user can find himself in the unenviable position of having called artillery in on his own positions. This can be done in a combat situation, and usually leaves the concerned officer with one of two results-a Distinguished Service Cross or a court martial. Using the proper munitions can be a game-winning decision; smoke is available, but not in unlimited quantities. Remember, smoke gives concealment, not cover (it hides, but does not protect). In the factory default, both sides have thermal sights and improved ammunition capabilities; this is done to allow both sides to have balanced scenarios. Of course, "real men" will immediately change the combat settings to represent reality. This will offer a major advantage to US forces, but remember, the idea behind combat is to defeat the enemy with minimal casualties. A fair fight offers little advantage and should be avoided if possible.
Although there have been a number of improvements since the Mac version, they are not readily apparent. Be that as it may, TacOps is the most accessible and detailed simulation of contemporary tactical warfare yet produced; the manual alone could make the "Commandant's Reading List."
The databases and information are well done, although use of color photographs would have been more state-of-the-art. Overall, this is an interesting product-challenging and fun. While marred by unrealistic victory conditions and their attendant tactical employment, one can still learn much about the modern battlefield.
