Compatible emulators

Synopsis

Desert Rats is the second installment in R. T. Smith's World War II trilogy, which includes Arnhem and Vulcan. It simulates the North African campaign of 1941-42, which begins with Rommel's arrival in Tripoli and ends with the Battle of El Alamein. The bitter campaign included Operations Battleaxe and Crusader and the Battle of Gazala. The game is named after the men of the 7th Armored Division who were known as the "Desert Rats" after adopting a "gerbil" as their insignia. Several versions like DOS and ZX Spectrum 128K include two additional scenarios: Operation Compass and the Battle of Beda Fomm (December 1940-February 1941).nnnnThe game takes place on a map that scrolls in turns. Players select units and order them to hold their position, move, fortify or attack. Units move on a grid of rectangular squares. Battle balance can be adjusted by Malta's status (historical, Operation Hercules, not used as a base). Historically, Montgomery beat Rommel at El Alamein, and it's up to the player to change the story to make it faster or vice versa.

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