Broadsides

About

Broadsides is a tactical naval combat game set during the Napoleonic Wars. Players command ships in head-to-head battles where positioning and firepower matter more than reflexes. The simple grid-based system lets you angle your vessel for optimal broadside shots while managing ammo and avoiding enemy fire. Quick matches blend arcade-style decisions with deeper strategy as you adapt to opponents' tactics. SSI's early work here shows their knack for strategy mechanics. Though it lacks the polish of later titles, its no-frills design feels surprisingly modern. The multiplayer mode lets two players battle on the same screen, a rarity in 1984. With a small but dedicated retro gaming following, it's a cult pick for those craving straightforward ship-to-ship combat without modern complexities.