Scorpions: Die Maschine (German)

SCORP(D) - SCORPIONS-DIE MACHINE (GERMAN)

I have no idea what fascinated me so much about this game that I decided to make an English version by all means. I actually succeeded, and since I already had the experience, I used my free time between issues of SCENE+ to produce a German version. In some ways it was even harder than the English one, and not just because of the umlauts — those were the least of my problems. In any case, I am very proud to be able to present this game.

First off: neither version is public domain, so you may only copy this game for your own personal use. That was the author's special permission (along with the request to send him the translated English version).

About the game:
You play against extraterrestrial invaders who have set up a base on Earth. The Russian government has also established a military post nearby, and you take command of the entire army.

The enemy, known as the "Scorps", possesses only one type of all-purpose vehicle: the Scorpion, which looks just like one. In two-player mode, your partner can control the Scorps; in solo mode, you only control the Russian army.

At your headquarters, you can construct vehicles, equip them with various weapons, and supply them with ammunition. However, caution is advised! In my first few games, it often happened that I bought a weapon so heavy that after mounting it, there was no weight capacity left for ammo!

There are many other details to consider: armor (which is usually thickest facing forward), off-road capability (so you don't have to drive around hills), fuel consumption, vehicle speed, carrying capacity, and so on. And, of course, you must purchase the weapons. Past a certain caliber, I almost feel sorry for the Scorpions — but don't forget to buy the matching ammunition! What good is a 100 mm mortar shell in a 600 mm howitzer?

If ammunition runs out or fuel is about to be depleted (yes, fuel management is essential! There are also gas stations), you can sometimes scavenge certain resources from destroyed vehicles and use them for your own units. Most often it's fuel, which can also be distributed among multiple vehicles.

There are several difficulty levels where the Scorps receive varying amounts of money for vehicle construction. This also influences turn duration and the number of turns available to win. Victory is achieved only when the enemy flag at their headquarters is captured.

Strategy enthusiasts will find this game either deeply satisfying or utterly frustrating for a long time. You really have to invest a lot of time into each match, as there is no save option, and it takes hours to build a fully equipped army.

In any case, the game is far more complex than its file size might suggest. Have fun!