LogFAQs > #950734993

#21 Fantasy General (MS-DOS, 1996)

Strategic Simulations was well-known in the mid-nineties for its strategy wargame series, starting with WW2-set Panzer General. Fantasy General is very much the same sort of game, but set in a high-fantasy world.



The game is a series of battles that are played on a hex-based map with Fog of War. You control a general commanding an army split into squads and heroes. The individual battles are turn-based and task you to eliminate all enemies or capture an objective. The overall campaign takes place over several continents and you can use your spoils to recruit new units and upgrade your technology. Depending on the character you choose to play, your army might consist of humans, beasts, magical entities, or machines, or some combination of these. The different generals also have their own abilities that can be used during battle, such as casting offensive spells or a one-time global heal.

Over the course of the campaign, units will gain experience and become more powerful, and I tend to get very attached to my team. This makes it tough when they inevitably die, but I try to be fair and not restart battles too much except for outright disasters. It is a game that can be abused pretty easily through save scumming, but if you choose to play hardcore, it can be very challenging and eventually unwinnable. At different points you have the chance to recruit powerful yet relatively fragile heroes who, like all your other units, are gone forever if they die.

This is yet another classic PC game that recently got renewed attention and a very late sequel, but I haven't had the time to look into it. I heard at the very least it is a serviceable tribute to the original. Based on my love for Fantasy General, I know I'll look into the next game someday.

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At least your mother tipped well