PT-Boat Action Strategy Game - "Boat Crew"

[ArizonaTank]

Have been revisiting "Boat Crew" after a recent and very substantial update; I am having a blast.

The game is a US PT boat action strategy game with a wonderfully simple, yet fun dynamic campaign set in the Solomons during 1942.

The core gameplay places the player in a dynamic campaign where the player's patrols help US forces take back the Solomons. The player uses reputation points to outfit their PT boat, and eventually gain additional squadron boats. The player has complete freedom to select where and what to attack. The targets in this dynamic environment are varied. The player decides when to fight and when to run. Taking on small re-supply convoys, providing support during invasions, or if they are feeling lucky, doing hit and run torpedo runs against large carrier forces.

There is enough of a strategy element, and semblance of the real Solomons Campaign to keep the grog in me entranced. The player's ability to sink enemy ships, and support landings, directly affects the progress of the campaign. So each combat has an impact on the overall game.

Also, in each tactical combat, there is an element of "how to hunt" as the player takes on each new situation. The player has to be smart about attacking enemy convoys. Most enemy craft and ships are armed with automatic weapons and light guns. If you charge into a fray, these guns will turn your little plywood boat into matchwood. I have found that chipping at the edges of the convoy and retreating for a bit is the best way to take them down. 

The name of the game is "Boat Crew" and this is because each of your crew members has a name and ability. You can manage them and give them roles on the boat. Also during combat, they may fall overboard, and you will have to decide if you want to swing back and pluck them out of the water, risking another round of enemy fire. The ruthless captain will leave them in the water and then replace them with a newbie at the next base.

There is also an air element to the game. Friendly aircraft carriers and bases sometimes provide air cover. These planes can keep even large enemy convoys occupied while you and your boats go in for the kill.

Logistics in the dynamic campaign is a thing. When you launch your torpedoes you have to go back to base to get more. The player must consider fuel consumption, torpedo supply and other supplies. Running out of fuel while "in the slot" is no fun. You can get some supplies airdropped to you...but this costs reputation.

The game is of course, at the end of the day, an action game...and that means its arcady...but there is enough realism in combat to satisfy most grognards.

You don't really have to be much of a twitch jocky to play. Managing your crew during combat is the real chore. All you need do is point out targets and keep the crew working. Some systems like torpedoes and rockets do need the player to aim them. A good pair of .50 cals can take on many of the enemy craft. But larger ships will need a torpedo, rocket salvo or even 37mm cannon round. I suck at the aiming thing, but am still able to hit most targets if I get close enough.

A word of warning...the game can be frustrating and seem impossible if you aren't smart about picking your battles. Trying to take on a carrier strike force...will sink you and your crew very fast.

[Jarhead0331]

Yup...good game. Haven't tried the carrier update yet.

https://www.grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=27140.0