(The Real) Thanksgiving Timewaster

That Burgertime clone just wasn't enough to keep you chewing for four days, so here's something with a bit more meat on the bone: Firefight. (It's a download.)

This is apparently one of the best-kept secrets on the intarwebz when it comes to wargaming goodness. It's a tactical-level WWII game, wherein you can try on the hat of a company commander and see if you've the chops for it.

Be warned: this is no limp-wristed little RTS intended to amuse ADD-addled teenagers on a caffeine high. This is the real stuff; if you don't think and act in sound tactical terms, the AI will split you open like a melon.

One of the really nice touches of authenticity is the artillery. Very few people who haven't served in combat arms units are aware of the complex procedures and long time lags involved in getting an artillery strike on target. While modern computers have made it simpler, this is a WWII setting; it takes a few minutes to adjust rounds onto target before the fire-for-effect even begins. This little game models that reality nicely, as well as other neat touches, such as morale effects on men under fire and communications outages. It's the "real" fog of war.

Enjoy.


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