One of the earliest naval simulations ever made, Epyx' Destroyer is a graphically intense portrayal of World War II destroyer operations. Seeing as Epyx is best known for many addictive sports and action games, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Destroyer is heavily arcade-flavored -- so much so that fans of realistic sims will be very disappointed at the many unrealistic facets and historical inaccuracies of the game. What the game lacks in accuracy, though, it makes up for by sheer playability and the great portrayal of battle action. There are ten stations you can switch to, each with an authentic-looking array of instruments. The missions (seven in all) are nicely designed in the sense that you'll need to learn only a few stations at a time. The first few missions require only three-four stations, while the very last (and toughest) requires proficiency with all the stations and the ability to quickly switch between them. You will need to use the sonar to seek enemy submarines, man the anti-aircraft guns to shoot down attacking fighters, and prioritize repairs on the damage control screen. The blend of quick reflexes and quick decision-making is very good, as well as the graphics (for their time). Destroyer is definitely a game where arcade emphasis won out over history and tactical operations, but it's great fun while it lasts. Highly recommended for action gamers looking for a bit more realism in their sims, and sim fans looking for a lighter fare than, say, Harpoon. Reviewed by: Underdogs |