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War Zone is a computer simulation of a battlefield, but unlike many similar programs, it is not set in a definite historical or geographical area. Indeed I like the fact that in each game a slightly different terrain is drawn, with the same features of hills, mine fields, woodland and roads, but distributed randomly. The player takes the blue army, consisting of tanks, artiUery and infantry, selecting any combination required between a total of 15 and 150 pieces. The computer takes an equal number, and distributes the figure for the start of action, which takes the form of alternate turns.

The battlefield is a 3 x 3 grid, and the player can view any square in which blue troops are present. The range of available commands is easy to remember, and includes moving troops, firing from one square to another, and even asking for an air-raid on an enemy piece, always within certain restraints of range etc. Troops meeting in adjacent squares indulge in hand-to-hand combat, with occasional surprise results. The player's surviving pieces are clearly displayed, but I often wanted to know the current strength of the opposing army, and my computer wouldn't tell me!

The computer plays a cagey and strong game, and it was a long while before I could celebrate victory. On many occasions, I felt the computer almost settled for a draw when outnumbered. The graphics are designed for clarity rather than spectacular effect, but the prompt keyboard response and challenging nature of the game made it a winner for me.

P.T.