Diplomacy

Rating:
Summary: Looks nice, but the interface is hard to use
Review: I've played Diplomacy for a large portion of my life, so I eagerly looked forward to Hasbro/Microprose/Avalon Hill's rendition of it for Windows. However, this edition doesn't really add to the game. What I most enjoyed was the four different kinds of maps, and the computer-arbitrated moves. What I disliked the most was the painful screen for handling negotiations with Computer and Human opponents. It drops clicks (and it's a several click sequence to send a proposal) and forces you to restart a sequence. Computer players get frustrated and leave the conference rooms. Finally, the AI of the computer, even at the highest difficulty level, doesn't play smart. Surely the computer players can tell when I'm approaching victory conditions and should start working concert with its oppressed friends and neighbors to prevent my victory. Surely the computer should know better than to enter orders that conflict with itself (and I don't mean other computer players, here). Sure the computer should know that expansion is the key to winning. I wouldn't buy this product except to support what's left of Avalon Hill.

Rating:
Summary: Not a bad first try.
Review: It has been a long time since anyone has put any money into Diplomacy, and I have to give Avalon Hill / Microprose / Hasbro the thumbs up for writing a pretty good game. Experienced players (who've been playing by mail and email for years) will find some of the tactics laughable - when England bounces HIMSELF out of Norway in Fall 1901 I know there's something wrong - but I still found the game very enjoyable. If this game had been released 10 years ago it would have taken the game world by storm. Unfortunately these days I think it will not be given a fair chance. If you're learning or just can't find 7 players, this is the game for you. If you've been playing for 10 years, buy it for the novelty.

Rating:
Summary: Fun
Review: The game is fun and captures the spirit of the board game, but i often find that i have a hard time telling the computer where i want each piece to move and which pieces are going to support each other. Definantly a good buy if it comes back into stock.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Strategy Game
Review: When first I played this game, I just loved it. This is the best strategy and tactics game. The best it is played with friends or, over the net. It is fun, when you try to outsmart the others in order to conquer.