Overview
Released in 1983, Cosmic Balance II is a strategy game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc. for the Apple II and Atari 8-bit computers. As a sequel to the original, it builds on the premise of space-based tactical warfare, allowing players to engage in complex battles set in a vast cosmic environment.
Gameplay
The game emphasizes strategic planning and tactical deployment, allowing players to command fleets of starships in expansive space battles. The gameplay involves managing resources, plotting courses through space, and engaging enemy forces with the goal of achieving ultimate dominance in the galactic arena. Players can customize their ships, choosing from a variety of weapon systems and hull configurations to tailor their fleets to their strategic preferences.
Features
- Detailed Ship Customization: Players have the ability to customize their fleet’s starships, adjusting weaponry, shields, and other systems to improve combat effectiveness.
- Tactical Depth: The game offers numerous strategic options, encouraging players to think several moves ahead when planning their conquests.
- Multiple Scenarios: Cosmic Balance II provides various pre-set scenarios and maps, enhancing replayability by offering different challenges and strategic landscapes.
Historical Significance
While not as widely known as other titles of its time, the game holds a special place in the history of strategy gaming due to its pioneering customizable ship mechanics and in-depth tactical elements. It is considered a noteworthy entry in the catalog of early 1980s computer-based strategy games.
