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Robert T Smith created a trio of exceptional Spectrum wargames for CCS with Arnhem, Desert Rats and Vulcan. Arguably the best, Vulcan contained five scenarios including the Battle Of Kasserine and Operation Vulcan pitting the Axis powers against the Allied Forces. Vulcan honed key features from previous CCS wargames; the artificial intelligence was improved, weather conditions were introduced making routine campaigns more testing and air support was added. Vulcan was the complete wargame package. Fast forward 20 years...

Vulcan grew substantially thanks to a Mission Pack extension created by Daniel Thorlby in 2006 incorporating additional maps and scenarios. It included later events of the North African campaign from WWII and comprised of key campaign moments such as Operation Merkur; the invasion of Crete and Operation Touch and the Allied/US invasion of French North Africa against the Axis Afrika Corps.

While some of these additional missions are brief. Operation Touch lasting just six turns, others were more complex with Operation Merkur running to 240 turns.

With new battles added, Thorlby also adjusted battalion efficiency numbers while troop and tank placement numbers for certain divisions were altered to echo the real-life events more closely.

Additionally, some 'what if' scenarios were created, the most intriguing of which was the impact the Afrika Corps could have had, had they escaped unscathed from El-Alamein. Thorlby also created mega scenarios, where several battles are merged into one map for a brain-melting test of tactics, patience and strategical prowess.

Vulcan was already a superlative wargame and the Mission Pack ensured many more months of war gaming enjoyment made all the better by Daniel Thorlby's proficiency, enthusiasm and understanding of the source material.

Presentation 90%
As slick as a super slick oil slick.

Rules 91%
Historically accurate and presented well.

Playability 89%
Looks simple but is deceptively difficult. Patience is required.

Authenticity 93%
With facts, figures and accuracy of maps, Vulcan is bang on.

Opponent 85%
Testing but beatable.

Value For Money 99%
You could be playing this for months.

Graphics 90%
Crisp, simple and easy on the eye.

Overall 91%
One of the greatest Spectrum war games produced.