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War has always been hell. The motives for combat have changed little over the centuries: only the methods employed to fight battles have evolved. Ancient Battles gives you the chance to experience the thrills and blood-spills of decisive large-scale combat in the times before tanks, airpower, Jesus Christ and Saddam Hussein.

Five pre-set battle scenarios are included. All took place, and were more or less evenly matched. You can also design your own, playing against the computer or another person. There are many options available when setting up a battle (including the pre-set scenarios).

You can choose from about 20 armies ranging from Roman Legions to Huns and Goths (sadly without black and purple apparel). You then decide the unit type you want. The choice includes javelin hurlers, horsemen, elephants or even chariot-driving maniacs.

Each unit has a points rating, and the opposing sides have the same number of points to spend on their forces. All the units have historically accurate titles, and are displayed in battle as a single soldier, horseman or elephant. It's easy to tell the units apart, and also to see how they're armed.

Once the armies have been selected, deployment occurs. This is automatic when playing a scenario. You can view the battle from above and behind either yours or the enemy's forces.

The position of your general is indicated by a flag. He must be protected from enemy attack: if he dies, you can't control your forces. The general has a limited number of orders to issue each turn, so large tactical movements can take a while.

The game is totally mouse-driven. Clicking on a unit divulges information on its identity, orders, strength and morale. To move you indicate start and finish points on the battlefield, with faster units such as horses having much greater range per turn.

Combat automatically occurs when troops are in range. Archers shower the enemy from several squares away, but infantry must be adjacent in order to fight. As the combat phase is being moderated, the units involved display their losses. If severely depleted troops may rout, running away with desperate rapidity. For this reason, elephants are not always effective; they panic and trample men of both sides as they scarper.

The units look very much like wargaming models. They cast little shadows over the field, and appear very chess-like, reducing the apparent scale of the conflict.

Battles take place on what appears to be astroturf. This adds to the board-game feeling. The units are drawn nicely, however, and there are many differing and colourful types; they are detailed but uncluttered. Information is displayed neatly, and the mouse control works well.

The game is completely silent.

It's a fine idea for a wargame, with quite enough solid historic detail in both manual and game to satisfy the most ardent historian.

But the chesspiece graphics and uninspiring combat and movement rob the game of atmosphere. The small playing area limits the strategic element, and the stronger side usually wins.