Austerlitz (video game)
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Personal Software Services |
| Products | Austerlitz (video game) |
| Parent | Mirrorsoft (publisher) |
Austerlitz is a turn-based strategy title crafted by Personal Software Services and distributed by Mirrorsoft. Initially launched in 1989 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS platforms within the UK and Germany, it later saw a French Amiga reissue through Mirror Image in 1991. The game reenacts the Battle of Austerlitz from the Napoleonic Wars, concentrating on Napoleon’s defense of the Austrian village of Austerlitz against the combined Austro-Russian forces commanded by Alexander I of Russia.
Peter Turcan, the designer behind similar turn-based titles such as Waterloo and Borodino, developed Austerlitz, which showcases a 3D battlefield viewpoint but does not incorporate any sound effects. The title was met with predominantly favorable critiques, receiving commendation for its visual presentation, although some reviewers expressed reservations regarding its historical fidelity and the lack of audio.
Gameplay
This turn-based strategy game revolves around the Battle of Austerlitz, allowing players to assume command of either Napoleon’s French troops or the Austro-Russian coalition led by Tsar Alexander. The engagement starts at 7 a.m. on December 2, 1805, with gameplay advancing in turns that each represent fifteen minutes. Players can issue up to eight commands per turn, including move, attack, defend, shell, reserve, retreat, and report.
To maneuver units, players select them and direct their movement within set turn limits; a compass-based map rotation feature assists in tactical positioning. Orders are carried out once units reach their targets or are eliminated from play. The command interface lists all active orders alongside real-time battle feedback. Long-distance assaults can be executed using shelling commands aimed at disabling enemy forces. Notably, the game operates without any sound.
Turcan’s background in designing turn-based war games is reflected in Austerlitz, building upon his previous work on titles like Waterloo and Borodino.
Reception
The reception for Austerlitz was largely positive. John Highcliffe from The Games Machine praised its historical detail, appealing particularly to aficionados of the period, though he mentioned the gameplay’s slow tempo. Alain Huyghes-Lacour writing for Tilt lauded its graphics and three-dimensional battle depiction, considering it superior to other wargames available at the time. Mark Higham of ST Format raised questions about certain historical elements but regarded it as unmatched within its genre.
Mark Patterson from ACE highlighted the smoothness of animation and strong visual quality but pointed out the absence of sound as a shortcoming. Lucinda Orr at Amiga Computing described it as the finest simulation of Napoleonic warfare with "wonderful" visuals. An unnamed reviewer from Amiga Format also praised the robust 3D graphics but found the lack of audio disappointing. Jonathan Davies representing Amiga Power identified graphics as the game’s primary asset while criticizing its sluggish pace and the extensive input required each turn. A contributor to Australian Commodore and Amiga Review noted that its complexity made it well-suited for experienced wargamers seeking a deep strategic challenge.