LogFAQs > #949377141

#82 Capture the Flag (MS-DOS, 1992)

One of the trends of the early 90s PC games market was the Shareware business model. Because PC games did not come on expensive cartridges, and the floppy disks that were commonly used for distribution lacked copy protection, it became very efficient to produce a free version of the game that could be shared with anyone. This "shareware" version often included only the first few levels of the game, or a version of the game with limited features. Shareware games would also include lengthy ads for the full game, usually available only by mail order.

That was how I first experienced Capture the Flag, what was basically an indie title at the time. It's a turn-based strategy game modeled after the traditional outdoor sport of the same name. You control a team of up to 24 players, each with differing attribute levels (speed, endurance, vision, stealth) and have to try to find and capture the opponent's flag while protecting your own. The map has a somewhat realistic fog of war system and you only see actions taken within your line of sight. While enemies are in your territory, your people can take a chance to tackle them, and if successful, send them to "jail" or back to their own territory. Different terrains offer advantages in stealth, vision, or movement speed, so weighing the advantages of how you traverse the map and position your defenders is essential. You can play either versus an AI or a friend and there are plenty of options and maps to customize each match.



The shareware version came with only one map and limited options, but my brothers and I enjoyed it so much playing against each other that we ended up sending for the full game pretty quickly. It was one of the very few shareware games that we actually ended up paying for. The full game came with a map editor that we used to make really cool (and sometimes really dumb) maps.



The concept still holds up pretty well, I recently tried it out again and had a good time. Of course, the game does not play as smoothly as a more modern game would. In 1992, they just had not really figured out controls and UI for strategy games that well yet. At the same time, considering when it came out, I'm surprised that it is as good as it is. This is mostly on my list because it was one of the first strategy games I ever played and was responsible for stoking my interest in the genre before the renowned and classic games in the genre were released.

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At least your mother tipped well