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+--- Thread: Battle Academy - reminiscent of Squad Leader (/showthread.php?tid=671)
Battle Academy - reminiscent of Squad Leader - john_tindall - 10-03-2012
G'day everyone,
When my favourite GM got busy with real-world business recently, I went looking for something to fill the gap. I have found "Battle Academy", which is a WWII game that plays on a PC, laptop or iPad. Yes - a real wargame now on the iPad. It's a quality game that grew from a gaming concept that the BBC developed at one stage.
It has a similar look and feel to the old Squad Leader boardgame, so if you're interested in that theme, there's more details and a demo here: http://www.slitherine.com/games/bbc_ba_pc
or a youtube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixw3zuHBmZ4
But what's really interesting is the PBEM angle. Once you're familiar with the game through playing some of the (very good) campaigns, you can play other people through a Multiplayer option. Because this is a turn-based game, you submit your orders to the game server, your opponent responds and you go again. All via PBEM (well, actually it's internet upload/download but you get the idea). You can play anyone in the world, or you can issue a Private Challenge to a mate (using an agreed password) and you're away. No having to set aside time and space for a table top game - it's either on your PC, laptop or iPad.
I think it's brilliant and although I can't take home a paper map and chew over what-ifs and maybes, it's fulfilling the "tactical" itch whilst my GM gets on with his life.
Even though it's $20, I think a premium product deserves a premium price. Have a look and see what you think?