War of the Lance

War of the Lance turns the Dragonlance setting into a substantial fantasy strategy game, allowing players to participate in the enormous conflict between the forces of good and evil. Released in 1990, it combines strategic management with battles and movement across a large map inspired by the Dragonlance novels. Players have to think about armies, territory, resources, and the strengths of different leaders rather than simply sending everyone toward the nearest enemy. The scale gives the game an appealing sense of importance: your decisions can affect entire regions, not merely the fate of one wandering adventurer. Its interface is firmly rooted in the early computer strategy tradition, so patience is helpful and a manual nearby is practically a trusted advisor. Fans of the setting will find plenty of familiar atmosphere, while strategy enthusiasts can enjoy a serious campaign underneath the fantasy trappings. It is a game for commanders, not button mashers.