It's September 1944 and the Allies hope to end the War with a daring airborne assault. 30,000 British and American airborne troops were to be flown behind enemy lines to capture eight bridges that spanned the network of canals and rivers on the Dutch/German border. At the same time British tanks and infantry were to push up a narrow road leading from the Allied front line to these key bridges. They would relieve the airborne troops, and then cross the intact bridges. But things didn't go as originally intended...

Spanning 22 separate scenarios, Airborne Assault is a detailed and sophisticated real-time strategy game featuring a fully customisable display that allows players to see as much or as little of the action as they like. An authentic historical map features displays accurate to four metres, making this one of the most accurate simulations of WW2 ever created.

Players command more than 440 different units in battles featuring over 80,000 men. A sophisticated hierarchy command system allows players to initiate diverse and tactical manoeuvres with the minimum of fuss; orders are issued to the game's virtual commanders, who in turn take care of the detail. Of course, players who prefer a more hands-on approach can opt to take care of everything themselves.

Graphically, the game keeps things clean and simple. A vector-based theatre of war provides a convenient view of proceedings, and instructions are issued via simple mouse clicks.

Multiplayer games can be hosted over LAN or the Internet. Players can even develop their own scenarios using the game's intuitive 'Scene Maker' utility. Maps and campaigns created can be freely distributed, offering almost limitless replay value.

Airborne Assault offers a refreshing take on the real-time strategy genre, with a unique style of play suited to both seasoned generals and newcomers.

A full range of different orders can be issued from the basic Move, Assault, Fire, Bombard, Rest, Reorganize, Halt and Defend to the more complex operations of Attack, Probe, Secure Crossing, Deny Crossing, Delay and Withdraw. You can also call in air strikes when available. Issuing orders is as simple as selecting a unit, selecting the order tool and clicking on the map. You can rely on the default settings or you can dive right in and adjust everything from formation type, frontage, depth, facing, movement rate, route type, aggression level and rate of fire to acceptable losses. You also have the power to specify the route taken by setting waypoints. Furthermore, the computer's artificial intelligence and the intuitive interface enable you to play as simply or as complex as you can handle.

Info courtesy of Games Press & Bastion