Computer wargames display the units and scenery on the monitor screen. Computerized wargames have several distinct advantages over "paper and pencil" wargames: * no need to roll dice over and over again * no recordkeeping (the computer handles all the 'paperwork') * ability to start, stop and save the game at any time (if there is no need to coordinate with a human opponent; note that this is also possible with board games, as long as no children or animals have access to the game area) * no need to paint miniatures * easy to find opponents on the Internet Disadvantages of computerized wargames: * computer may not be as competent as a human opponent (this problem can generally be avoided if there is a multiplayer game mode) * lack of human interaction (of course, the computer won't tip over the board if it is losing) * computer arbitration allows more complex rules, which can be more difficult to understand and analyze; especially since these rules may be "hidden" from the player(s) in the software code * ability to view only a part of the battlefield in detail at a time * player(s) can't easily modify the rules or adapt them to similar situations * the tactile satisfaction in moving finely painted figures about the tabletop Traditional wargaming differs from so-called real-time strategy computer games in that traditional wargames are generally turn-based (an obvious exception being 'in-the-field' wargaming by military organizations). Traditional wargames focus on the ability to analyze in-depth, plan to achieve a goal, and adjust plans to changing circumstances. Real-time strategy games (which might better be called vastly-speeded-up-time strategy games) focus more on reflexes, coordination, and the ability to make snap decisions with limited information. Also, real-time strategy game require less sophisticated artificial intelligence on the part of computer players. Computer wargames are often played against human opponents via e-mail (by exchanging save-game files) to provide the human interaction and a more interesting opponent than that of the program. This has the disadvantage of taking much longer to finish the game, depending upon how often the players check their e-mail. It is still much quicker (and easier) than the older method of playing board wargames by postal mail. A faster alternative (not available with all games) is playing over a direct connection, either LAN, modem or Internet this is refered to as an online wargame. sitemap