Bismarck (video game)

Personal Software Services

Industry	Video game development and publishing
Founded	1980s
Products	Bismarck (video game)

Bismarck is a turn-based strategy title created by Personal Software Services and distributed by Mirrorsoft. Originally launched in 1987 for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum within the UK market, it was subsequently adapted for platforms including Amiga, Apple II, Atari ST, and Atari 8-bit computers across both the UK and US in 1988. Players assume control of either the German battleship Bismarck or the Royal Navy fleet pursuing it.

The game is set during the final engagement of the battleship Bismarck in World War II, centering on Bismarck's efforts to evade a Royal Navy task force intent on avenging the loss of HMS Hood, which resulted in 1,412 casualties. Upon its debut, critics commended its visual design and overall presentation, though some highlighted difficulties with the control scheme.

Gameplay

This turn-based strategy simulation reenacts the events of 27 May 1941 following HMS Hood’s sinking by Bismarck and Prinz Eugen. Players can opt to command the German forces, tasked with breaking through to Iceland or occupied France while fending off attacks from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, or lead the British side with the objective of locating and destroying Bismarck.

A strategic command centre delivers critical intelligence: German players are alerted to enemy British U-boat sightings, whereas British players receive intercepted radio transmissions estimating Bismarck's position.

When naval units engage, gameplay transitions into an arcade-style confrontation where players can choose to attack or evade their adversaries. The interface is segmented into three panels: a sea view displaying nearby enemy vessels, controls for navigation and weaponry, and a damage-monitoring schematic that changes color as ships incur damage.

The Bismarck can sustain up to 99 damage points; during combat, internal fires may ignite, posing a risk of destruction if not managed. Players may deploy firefighting teams at the expense of temporarily withdrawing from battle. The game operates in real time with adjustable speed options.

Reception

The title garnered favorable critiques at launch. Peter Berlin from Your Sinclair complimented its presentation as visually appealing and well-structured. Philippa Irving writing for Crash described the graphics and user interface as somewhat plain but attractive, noting that although the map was unremarkable, it was enhanced by aesthetic details and new graphical elements. A reviewer from Computer and Video Games labeled it "historically accurate" but criticized the joystick controls as nearly unusable. David Buckingham of Computer Gamer considered Bismarck to be Personal Software Studios' most accomplished release so far, emphasizing its successful combination of strategic planning and action gameplay.

Gary Rook from Sinclair User lauded the gameplay as an engaging fusion of strategy and arcade-style simulation. Berlin recommended Bismarck as a robust alternative for players seeking a more challenging experience than standard arcade games. Irving praised its smoothly executed gameplay and straightforward ruleset, though noted it was not particularly extensive. Rook acknowledged there was adequate arcade action but questioned whether it qualified as a genuine wargame.

Reviews

• Jeux & Stratégie #52