Previous Next

Richard Shepherd Software can usually be relied on for a few hours' entertainment but Ship Of The Line seems likely to go down with all hands.

The graphics are poor and frequently overwritten by the text, which is repetitive and uninspired, while the game itself is seriously limited in scope. This is all the more unfortunate because the basic idea of the program has great potential.

You enter the game as a mid-shipman in the year 1805. Your task is to captain a ship as you ply the seven seas in search of the opposition.

Battle consists of a series of broadsides from each ship until one side either sinks or surrenders.

Ship Of The Line is described as an 'adventurous strategy game', but it's not an adventure and not much of a strategy game either.

The only factors you are able to take into account during play are the number of men under your command and your supplies of food and ammunition.

When at sea, your only options are to continue in the same direction, engage in battle, or return to port.

During play the program lacks entry validation, so if you enter 'Atttack' instead of 'Attack' you find yourself running in the opposite direction!

Ship Of The Line is a great idea, but poorly implemented. Old sea-dogs may appreciate the game, but the rest of us should be content to miss the boat.