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In 264 BC the Roman Senate decided that the only way to defeat neighbouring Carthage was to build up its navy. The battle for naval supremacy then began and this is the subject of this icon-driven wargame.

You play Carthage, either against the computer or a human Roman opponent.

Each player begins the game with a pile of gold, money which can be used to build up a fleet of ships from four basic designs. You then add marines, sails and a slave or expert crew and maybe even a tower for your archers.

Once you have your fleet you must settle upon the conditions of the game by deciding how much gold each layer must collect, how many ships they must sink and ports they must take to win the game. You can make the game anything from a brief skirmish to a long campaign.

Using an incredible number of icons, you plot the course and speed of each ship in turn and then activate them with the GO command. Sailing into a port (Roman or neutral) wins you a share of some plunder, you can then return to Carthage and use the money to add to your fleet.

Eventually the two fleets meet in combat. You can inflict damage to enemy ships in three different ways: as you close in, your archers can cut down the opposing crew; you can ram the ship and damage the hull and finally you can take the ship with your marines. As with other wargames, the more you outnumber and/or out-manoeuvre your opponent the better your chances of success.

This is an interesting wargame based on a fascinating period of history. My only reservation is the icons - there are just too many of them.