DESCRIPTION

Known for its popular strategic console games both in Japan and the U.S., KOEI weighs anchor with Naval Ops: Warship Gunner and charts a course toward real-time warfare on the high seas. Like the popular P.T.O. games, Naval Ops is designed to simulate both the planning and the action of a modern marine battle.

Play takes place in two different phases. In the Design phase, virtual admirals receive a mission briefing and put together a ship they hope will be up to the challenge. Ships may be rearranged or substituted, and retrofitted with weapons, propulsion, or other systems appropriate to the job at hand.

The Battle phase involves real-time combat with the player's customized vessel. Ship tactics and overall strategy are both important here, as players must account for enemy aircraft, communication garrisons, and anti-ship missiles. As battles can take place during the day or night, in heavy fog or bad weather, visibility and stealth can become factors as well.

Naval Ops: Warship Gunner features weapons technology that spans World War II to speculative prototypes. Information on weaponry, ship design, and other specifics is available to help players see the big picture. There are also three different views on the action — "Short Range Battle," "Lock On," and "Defensive" — each designed for a different facet of gameplay. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide