Gunboat (video game)

Accolade

Industry	Video games
Headquarters	United States

Gunboat is a simulation video game created and launched by Accolade in 1990 for the MS-DOS platform, with additional versions available for the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, and TurboGrafx-16. The game offers a simulation experience centered on combat aboard a Patrol Boat, River (PBR).

Gameplay

The setting of Gunboat begins amid the Vietnam War in Vietnam. Players initially earn the rank of second lieutenant before engaging in missions targeting drug lords in Colombia. After advancing to the rank of lieutenant commander, the focus shifts to patrolling the Panama Canal Zone.

Gamers assume control over multiple stations on the patrol boat, including pilot, stern gunner, and midship gunner, utilizing keyboard inputs, function keys, and joystick controls. The pilot's responsibilities encompass managing vessel speed, operating searchlights, identifying targets, and issuing firing commands.

Each station is responsible for specific armaments such as the M2 Heavy Machine Gun, M134 Gatling Gun, and Mk19 Automatic Grenade Launcher. These weapons are each effective against particular threats and demand strategic maneuvering of the boat to maximize combat effectiveness.

Reception

Brad Bombardiere from Computer Gaming World described Gunboat as an exhilarating "high speed combat 'rollercoaster' ride" that skillfully blends realism with fast-paced shooting gameplay.

The title received a 9 out of 10 score from VideoGames & Computer Entertainment. The PC edition was awarded 4 stars out of 5 by Dragon, while the Amiga version earned a 3-star rating. Subsequent evaluations by Computer Gaming World assigned it three stars in 1992 and slightly above two stars in 1994.

See also

• Battlefield Vietnam
• SEAL Team

External links

• Gunboat at MobyGames
• Gunboat at GameFAQs