Operation Whirlwind (video game)
{{short description|1983 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Operation Whirlwind
| image = Operation_Whirlwind_(video_game)_Cover_Art.jpg
| caption =
| released = 1983
| designer =
| programmer = Roger Damon{{cite web|title=The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers|url=https://dadgum.com/giantlist/|last1=Hague|first1=James}}
| composer =
| publisher = Broderbund
| developer =
| platforms = Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64
| genre = Turn-based strategy
}}
Operation Whirlwind is a 1983 video game published by Broderbund Software for the Commodore 64 and Atari 8-bit computers.
Gameplay
Operation Whirlwind is a battalion-level strategy game set in Northern France.
Players take control of individual tanks, guns, and infantry platoons, maneuvering them across a detailed tactical map while the computer acts as the opponent. Gameplay involves moving units using a cursor, with hidden enemy units revealing themselves by firing upon the player's forces. As units move closer to the enemy, the intensity of bombardment increases, potentially causing them to lose strength or be forced to halt their advance. Players can choose to rapidly advance, sacrificing some units in the process, or adopt a safer approach by inching forward cautiously.{{Cite journal |last=Singleton |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Singleton |title=5th Column |url=https://archive.org/details/ComputerAndVideoGamesIssue040Feb85/page/n13/mode/2up |journal=Computer & Video Games |issue=40 |pages=15}}
The game also features an assault phase, during which units engage in close combat. Engineers are used to rebuild bridges to facilitate the advance.
Reception
Mark J. Bausman reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World and stated, "Although not as complex as some computer wargames, this game provides the elements of a good tactical duel."{{cite magazine |last=Reams |first=Robert |title=Operation Whirlwind |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=December 1983 |volume=1 |issue=13 |pages=25, 48}} Softline found the approachability to be a plus: "For people who have avoided the mammoth games by Strategic Simulations and Avalon Hill simply because each game swallows hours of one's life and there's so much information to keep track of, Operation Whirlwind is a godsend." The reviewer also complimented the writing quality of the manual.{{cite journal |title=Gameline: Operation Whirlwind |journal=Softline |date=September 1983 |page=51 |url=https://archive.org/details/Softline_1983_09_10/page/n51/mode/2up}} Mike Singleton in a review for Computer & Video Games, praised Operation Whirlwind for its strategic complexity and the way it manages to avoid the tedium often associated with the genre.
Reviews
- Electronic Fun with Computers & Games - Feb, 1984{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Fun_with_Computer_Games_Vol_02_No_04_1984-02_Fun_Games_Publishing_US/page/n55/mode/2up|title = Electronic Fun with Computer & Games - Vol 02 No 04 (1984-02)(Fun & Games Publishing)(US)|date = February 1984}}
- Zzap! - Jul, 1985{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/Zzap_640003/page/36/mode/2up|title = Zzap 640003}}
- Computer Gaming World - Dec, 1991
- [https://archive.org/details/1984-06-compute-magazine/page/n75/mode/2up Review] in Compute!
- [https://archive.org/details/1984-11-anticmagazine/page/n79/mode/2up Review] in Antic
- [https://archive.org/details/analog-computing-magazine-17/page/n45/mode/2up Review] in ANALOG Computing
- [https://archive.org/details/family-computing-11/page/n91/mode/2up Review] in Family Computing
- [https://archive.org/details/Softline_Magazine_Issue_3.1/page/n51/mode/2up Review] in Softline
- [https://archive.org/details/TPUG_Issue_18_1985_Nov/page/n37/mode/2up Review] in TPUG Magazine
- [https://archive.org/details/commodore-user-magazine-21/page/n53/mode/2up Review] in Commodore User
- [https://archive.org/details/MicroAdventurer04-Feb84/page/n27/mode/2up Article] in Micro Adventurer