Gunboat

STORY / GAMEPLAY
Gunboat is a boat simulator and the action starts during the Vietnam War. You are a capable navy man and command a USS Gunboat. Your main mission is to destroy every enemy ship on sight or military buildings found on the islands you pass through. As you progress each mission the game grants you with higher ranks and, by the time you reach the Second Lieutenant's rank, Gunboat tranfers you to a battle against the drug lords of Colombia. After achieving the grade of Lieutenant Commander, you patrol the Panama Canal Zone. During every battle, you move through a number of different positions aboard the gunboat, including the pilot's, the stern gunner's and the mid-ship gunner's. As a gunboat pilot you take control of the search lights and the vessel's speed, identify targets for the gunners and give the relevant command to your crew to either open or cease fire. The game is not so easy to play since it's a simulator, so it needs some practice, especially on the alignment part between your vessel and its guns!

GRAPHICS / SOUND
The graphics are nicely done although there are some minor issues with the framerate on the PC Engine's version. The pseudo-3D environments feature a cool color palette but the way you move either your gunboat or the guns feels a bit "heavy". The game also features some sampled sound effects including voice commands, gunfire, explosions and the boat's engine (which is rather disturbing to your ears) and no in-game music at all. Also, the intro music at the main menu is a spoof from a known battle march.