Tobruk (video game)
A turn-based tank combat game set in the Siege of Tobruk.
Tobruk: The Clash of Armour is a turn-based strategy video game developed and published by Personal Software Services, released exclusively in the United Kingdom for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC in 1987. The game simulates the 1941 Siege of Tobruk during the Western Desert Campaign of World War II, focusing on tank combat with arcade elements. It received mixed reviews, with critics divided over its gameplay and interface.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Personal Software Services, Data Design Systems (Spectrum)
- Publisher
- Personal Software Services
- Series
- Wargamers
- Designer
- Alan Steel
- Released
- 1987 (UK)
- Genre
- Turn-based strategy
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- Commodore 64
- ZX Spectrum
- Amstrad CPC
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game is a top-down turn-based strategy that incorporates arcade gameplay and emphasizes tank combat, simulating the 1941 Siege of Tobruk. The battle involves Australian and British (Allied) forces attempting to remove German field marshal Erwin Rommel from the city. When playing alone, the player controls the Axis powers; the Allied side is only available with a second player. The objective is to capture and hold fortifications in Italian Libya, with Tobruk and Rommel's defense as ultimate goals. The main display map focuses on Cyrenaica, representing the Allied minefield laid along the Gazala Line between Gazala and Bir Hachieim. Axis troops start on the western side, while Allied forces begin in British Egypt. A command box provides instant reports on units or landscape when hovered over, showing unit strength in infantry, provisions, artillery, and movement points per turn. Every two turns equal one in-game day, and units can enter combat phases after a day ends. During combat, the game shifts to an arcade sequence where the player controls a tank in the Sahara Desert, using a menu for turret, shell loading, firing, and navigation. Only one function can be used at a time; driving requires navigational buttons, and self-defense activates turret or shell-firing modes. The arcade sequence and tank control are optional and not required to finish the game.
Reception
Critics were split on Tobruk after its launch. Richard Blaine in Your Sinclair liked its playability and value, describing it as an interesting challenge. On the other hand, Philippa Irving of Crash slammed the playability and tank controls as stunningly badly designed and unplayable, also calling the game rather unatmospheric. Gary Rook of Sinclair User found it pretty disappointing and far less successful than its predecessor Bismarck, with a clumsily executed interface that fell short of other strategy games at the time. Michael Sandford of ZX Computing noted the arcade sections worked well but warned inexperienced players to avoid them due to difficulty, though he still praised the overall experience as one of the best wargames and recommended it to genre fans. M. Evan Brooks of Computer Gaming World acknowledged an interesting operational interface but said it was not groundbreaking. Computer Gamer hailed it as undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable wargames ever, highlighting its originality and playability. Irving, however, criticized its lack of authenticity, atmosphere, and elusive quality. Rook felt the attempt to blend strategy and arcade gaming was unsuccessful and produced negative results. A 1993 Computer Gaming World survey gave it one-plus stars out of five, concluding that the simulation and arcade aspects hurt each other's appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Tobruk (video game)?
Tobruk was developed by Personal Software Services, Data Design Systems (Spectrum).
Which series is Tobruk (video game) part of?
Tobruk is part of the Wargamers series.
Who designed Tobruk (video game)?
Tobruk was designed by Alan Steel.
Is Tobruk (video game) single-player or multiplayer?
Tobruk offers single-player play.
More in Turn-Based Strategy Games of the 1980s
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