Herzog Zwei (Sega Genesis, 1990)

I forget exactly how I found this game but when I got for my Genesis I was immediately enthralled.

You were given a nice little selection of units to build each having it's own strengths and weaknesses: (if memory serves) Infantry, Motorcycle, Armored Car, Tank, SAM Launcher, Stationary Cannon Turret w/SAM, Repair Truck, and a Supply Truck.

From your main base you would queue up the units and deploy them with your own mini-transformer which had two modes: Jet and Mech; the Jet was used to transport and air-lift/drop your units around the field of battle but the jet was unable to attack any ground units, only the opposing Jet. The Mech which was much slower and could not transport units was used for heavy ground support when you wanted to lend your AI units a hand.

Funding for your war machine was provided by capturing outposts scattered throughout the field, each outpost you owned added to your income rate. Only infantry units were effective in capturing and stealing bases and most of each game is spent fighting over 2 to 4 bases once all the uncontested ones are taken.

The best part about this game was that there were orders you could issue to each unit while they were loaded into your jet, after you air-dropped it they'd follow them until you air-lifted and changed their orders. You could max out at about 50 units or so (I could be off on that number.) Orders were: (again going on memory) Hold Position, Attack and return to this position, Find a base and hold it until captured, Search and Destroy, Attack the main enemy Base, and Explore.

It was really fun to finally play a game where you didn't have to supermicro-manage the units or play in turn based mode. It gave the feeling like you were truly a General shaping the war rather than the Private doig every single thing. The game play was pretty quick and you really have to be adaptive to win.

The downside to this was that AI being what it was at that time leaves for a semi-retarded opponent if you play vs. the computer. It's not hard to figure out the patterns and take advantage of the fact the computer is well 'the computer'.... heh

The campaign offered in the game is really just you having to beat each map at 4 different levels of difficulty (which other than the starting units and money, the computer acts the same at all levels). You are rewarded pretty poorly upon completion. You can do the campaign either as the rebels or the in-power faction with similarly disappointing finales. If you play another person it's not much better as because of the limitation of the day with 'multiplayer', you have to share 1 split-screen and it's nearly impossible to not look over and see what your opponent is doing or tell if they're doing it to you.

All in all if you look purely at the aspect of playing what could be the first RTS this is a must have, if you want a novelty game it's still a good grab, but if you're seeking a rich technical RTS then this isn't what you need.

Certainly this is one game that showed Sega's superiority to Nintendo who was still touting that tired 'Look at my plumber! He kills koopa troopers by jumping and smashing their heads with his butt!'

This game is one of the best kept secrets. If you love strategy games and shooters you will love Herzog Zwei. It is an excellent two player game where you must take over your opponent's base by destroying it with your military fleet. The computer is a pretty good opponent as well. There are several different levels to set the competition. I also like the fact that you can chose eight different terrains to fight in and the music is excellent just like the Thunder Force by the same company(Technosoft). The only reason I am not bidding on this game because of course I still have the game. I have had it for over 15 years! Wait let me see if it works I might have to bid. Enjoy!

if you love strategy games,or war games this is one of the best games you could ever play.
this is a one or two player game.
you choose your base on one side of the screen your opponent chooses a base on the other side of the screen there are a few smaller bases you control your opponent also has a few bases
to win you need to take over all of your opponent's bases
an average game will take about an hour.
this game is a lot like chess only in the guise of a WAR GAME.
IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO PLAY THIS GAME DON'T PASS IT UP.

This game is a classic. I had it as a child and had to get it again. There is good single player gameplay, but I got it for the 1-on-1 battle against my roommate and friends. The game was before it's time, an RTS that let you get in the action and fight alongside your troops, as well as giving them orders. You must capture bases and eventually get close enough to your enemies main base to destroy him.

I ended up paying 9 dollars for the game and 9 dollars for shipping. All in all 18 dollars for 1 sega game. Was it worth it, the rational side of me says no, but after playing it again I'm glad I have it. Thx ebay!

This game was difficult for the first hour.
Once you catch the rythem it is fun.
Then it switches levels
Hard again.
Catch on ; finish ....
Switch levels.
Not a really difficult game , but a
good way to re-play the older games.
Think you may like the game ;
a good ractive for the really challenging ones.
Give it a few tries ; then teach a younger kid.
Could be a nice addition to an 'oldies' collection.
Enjoy !