Crusade in Europe
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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The first of the Command Series of tactical wargames released by MicroProse in the mid-1980s, Crusade in Europe is the descendant of Meier's first wargame, NATO Commander. Sid Meier and Ed Bever, Ph.D., collaborated on Crusade's design, which (along with the game's manual) shows an enormous amount of research and attention to historical detail. 

As the title suggests, the game's focus is the European Theater of World War II in 1944-45, and the Normandy Invasion in particular. Although there are only five scenarios, each can be customized through multiple variants (with different initial deployments and reinforcement schedules) and levels of difficulty. Another nice feature is the ability to play using either tradtional boardgame symbols or unit icons. Both sides (Allied and Axis) can be played, and two players can play head-to-head in hotseat mode.

Trivia

Sid Meier programmed the original Crusade in Europe for the Commodore and converted the game to the Atari. Jim Synoski converted it to the Apple and Don Awalt converted it to the IBM. Source - Crusade in Europe manual pg 56

Crusade in Europe was the sixth game design by Sid Meier for MicroProse. 

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Description from the packaging:

"You are in command- D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge!"

0400 Hours, June 6, 1944- D-Day the Invasion begins! Get ashore quickly! You must break out of the beach before the enemy gets organized! Now you can lead your troops through one of the greatest campaigns in history!

Crusade in Europe, D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge is an exciting and challenging real-time action simulation that puts you into the thick of the battle in minutes with its easy-to-use play system even if you have never played a strategic simulation before! Crusade in Europe is a "Command Series" simulation with real-time, non-stop action.

Go head-to-head against opposing generals or pit yourself against the real historically accurate strategies of the computer as you recreate all the dangers and excitement of the campaign from D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. Crusade in Europe features continuous action, colorful animated graphics, sound and an easy-to-play command system. Crusade in Europe puts you in the action just minutes after you have turned on your computer! Step into the thrill and excitement of one of history's greatest campaigns. Like the real generals... You're in command!

"Crusade in Europe belongs in every wargamer's collection... If the other Microprose Command Series wargames are this good, the company has a real string of winners." - Lt. Commander Richard Moore, Computer Simulation Model Manager for the Wargaming Department of the US Naval War College.

"Microprose's Crusade in Europe is head and shoulders above the pack... thanks for all the hard work, Microprose, and thanks for a helluva game!" - Patrick J. Kelley for A.N.A.L.O.G.

"Two years ago, a game of this complexity, historical accuracy, and ease of play would have only been a wargamer's dream." - Gary Fields for Power Play.

"The graphics are bright and excellent... and as a two player game it is superb." - Mark G. McLaughlin and Marion Bates for The Wargamer.

http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/crusade-in-europe/trivia
