Computer Bismarck

About Computer Bismarck

The game is a simulation of the German battleship Bismarck's last battle in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. On May 24, 1941, Bismarck and Prinz Eugen sank the British HMS Hood and damaged HMS Prince of Wales at the Battle of the Denmark Strait. Following the battle, British Royal Navy ships and aircraft pursued Bismarck for two days. After being crippled by a torpedo bomber on the evening of May 26, Bismarck was sunk the following morning.

Computer Bismarck is a turn-based computer wargame in which the player controls British forces against the battleship Bismarck and other German units. The German forces can be controlled by either a computer opponent named "Otto von Computer" or a second player. The game takes place on a map of the North Atlantic Ocean on which letters from the English alphabet represent military units and facilities (airfields and ports). Computer Bismarck includes six scenarios: two for a single player and four competitive scenarios for two players.

Units have different capabilities, as well as statistics that determine their mobility, firepower, vulnerability, and other factors. Turns take the form of phases, and players alternate inputting orders to maneuver their respective units. Phases facilitate different functions, such as informing players of status changes, unit movement, and battles. Battles occur when two opposing units occupy the same location on the map. Combat outcomes are calculated by the game, and players earn points by destroying opposing units. The game ends after the Bismarck is sunk or a number of turns have occurred. Alternatively, the British or German forces are declared the victor if one side accumulates a 30-point lead over the other. Players can suspend the game by saving their progress.