UMS: The Universal Military Simulator
- The Universal Military Simulator: The American Civil War - Scenario Disk One (1988)
-
The Universal Military Simulator: Vietnam - Scenario Disk Two
(1988)
Description official descriptions
UMS (Universal Military Simulator) attempts to cover the ground of games like Empire and go beyond, simulating almost every aspect of warfare in a realistic manner. Battles can range from ancient history to a science-fiction future, with famed battled such as Gettysburg and the Battle of Hastings built in. The view system operates at multiple levels, from a single unit up to the whole theater.
However, there is no naval element whatsoever and the design pays little attention to extremely important wargaming concepts like fog of war.
The game spawned a sequel, UMS II.
Groups +
Screenshots
Promos
Credits (DOS version)
| Design | |
| IBM Conversion |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 72% (based on 11 ratings)
Players
Average score: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 13 ratings with 1 reviews)
Early attempt almost gets it right
The Good
At the time of launch it was a remarkably serious attempt at a turn based wargame. Good editor extended the lifespan of the game.
The Bad
Idiotic unit stacking meant you couldn't see the labels identifying them leading to endless switching of views from isometric to 2D.
No naval or air units - hardly universal. Limited number of built in scenarios.
Dull appearance.
The Bottom Line
Interesting for historical reasons only, not really worth revisiting.
DOS · by Felix (129) · 2001
Discussion
| Subject | By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Apple IIgs port? | Rola (8478) | Mar 29, 2012 |
Trivia
Awards
- ACE
- October 1988 (issue #13) - Included in the Top-100 list of 1987/1988 (editorial staff selection)
- March 1991 (issue #42) - Included in the list Greatest Games of all Time in category Strategy Games (editorial staff choice)
Analytics
Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings and price history! (when applicable)
Related Games
Released 1993 on Amiga, Atari ST, DOS
Released 1995 on DOS
Released 1988 on Amiga, Atari ST
Released 2022 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Released 1988 on DOS, Amiga, Atari ST
Released 2009 on Windows
Released 2004 on Windows
Released 2021 on Windows
Released 1986 on ZX Spectrum, Atari 8-bit
Identifiers +
Contribute
Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.
Contributors to this Entry
Game added by PCGamer77.
Macintosh added by Rola. Amiga added by Terok Nor. Atari ST added by Belboz.
Additional contributors: Jo ST.
Game added January 20, 2001. Last modified November 11, 2023.