War Engine, The

Ever play a game and think to yourself, "Eh, I could do better." Or perhaps you simply wanted to play a game based on something that no one has ever done before. "Hmm, wouldn't it be cool to put Roman legionnaires up against Tiger tanks?" Or maybe you have fond memories of the '80s (and hey, who doesn't?) and want to relive the glory days of SSI's Wargame Construction Set. Perhaps, it's all three. If the answer to any of the above is yes, Boku Strategy Games' The War Engine is the game you've been waiting for.

At its most basic level The War Engine is an engaging turn- based squad level wargame set in the distance future. In the centerpiece of The War Engine, Armies of Armageddon, Space Marines battle against the savage hordes of barbarians amongst the ruins of a dying planet. With a great AI and the ability to play against other humans through email, you'll always have a worthy opponent at hand.

Besides Armies of Armageddon the game ships with six other modules that cover everything from paintball to stellar naval combat. The seven modules included provides players with well over a hundred scenarios to choose from, with something for everyone's taste! It'll be a long time until you want to try something new but when that happens, The War Engine is ready for you.

At the next level The War Engine is a complete customization tool for the included seven modules. Create your own scenarios, alter existing ones, and modify the units to your heart's content. Everything can be changed either with the included editors or basic Windows programs like Paint.

Ultimately though The War Engine is more than just a game, it's a complete wargaming design system. Working within the system's guidelines imaginative gamers can create everything from small scale wargames that involve single man units to fantastic fantasy battles involving thousands of troops. Everything in the game is up for design, from the sound effects units use in battle to the number of weapons. You can create totally new unit graphics and landscape using nothing more than a standard paint program.

The War Engine is a game designed to last on your system for years and years. You can play the game strictly as is, modify it, or for the ultimate challenge design your own modules and share them with the ever growing community of War Engine fanatics. Endless replayability, endless customization, what more could you want?