Midwinter
Description official description
Midwinter is set in a post-apocalyptic world, as the Earth entered a nuclear winter caused by the fall of a meteorite. The titular island has been formed in the Azores group of islands, caused by volcanic activity.
The player initially controls Captain John Stark, the commander of local militia known as Free Villages Police Force (FVPF), who attempt to protect their home from the invasion of armed troops under the command of General Masters. As Stark, the player has to recruit civilians and members of FVPF in order to join forces and prevent Masters from reaching the base located in the south-eastern part of the island.
Midwinter is a hybrid game that combines elements of strategy and action. The player selects and controls the 32 recruits as they attempt to protect the island within a limited amount of time. Two hours of game time are assigned to each recruit; afterwards, the strategy battle moves to the next turn. During their turns, the recruits fight enemy forces in action-oriented combat reminiscent of a first-person shooter. Specific and detailed injuries add a tactical edge to these battles. Enemy units are mostly composed of armed snow buggies, as well as supply vehicles. Eliminating a large amount of them or killing the commander of the unit usually successfully completes the mission.
Terrain plays an important role in the game, as many snow-covered mountain areas are impassable, and the player must plan ahead how to advance. The player can use snow buggies, ski, and cable cars to access the goal.
When recruiting characters, the player has to pay attention to their personal relationships. For example, Stark can recruit his girlfriend, but another character will refuse to join because he is in love with her and jealous of the Captain.
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Credits (DOS version)
17 People
| Original Concept | |
| Design | |
| Project Control and Liason | |
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| ST version game code and Amiga version | |
| PC version solid graphics and landscape | |
| Graphics / Artwork | |
| Solid object design and map fractals | |
| ST version solid objects code | |
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| Development manager | |
| Documentation | |
| Quality Assurance | |
| Manual Liason | |
| Manual Design and Graphics |
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Reviews
Critics
Average score: 84% (based on 25 ratings)
Players
Average score: 3.7 out of 5 (based on 30 ratings with 6 reviews)
Fantastic intelligent Concept game making 4.5 out of 5
The Good
The depth and scope of Midwinter is just fantastic. The backdrop, the setting, the Map, even the crude polygon graphics have a certain charm to them, seeing a village emerge from the gloomy landscape after a 20min ski trip. If only all games where as Imaginitive and engrossing as this one.
Midwinter is a title, like CARRIER COMMAND, that could do with a comtemporary remake, as mentioned in the other reviews. It can certainly be looked on as a precursor to many things gamers now take for granted such as first person sniping,
The Bad
I believe it was flawed in the fact all you had to do was get a man to the south of the island and blow the HQ up which was quite easy to do and thus bypass all the guerrilla war aspect that the games.
The Bottom Line
Worth a look for research purposes alone not sure if it plays on emulators. It doesn't on my Mac unfortunately.
I never played Midwinter 2, which I think is more complicated, and there is another game called Ashes of Empire which is way over complicated and not much fun.
DOS · by kie kelly (3) · 2003
The Good
I played this game a long time ago, but the fact that I remember it enough to look it up says something about the impression it made on me. I recall being completely engrossed with it and I think the key was that it so skillfully blended action, RPG,and strategy. It was exciting to be able to coordinate the movements of my different teams over the snowy terrain and act towards a common goal.
The Bad
can't recall any bad points
The Bottom Line
An ingenious blend of strategy, RPG, and adventure. Unconditionally recommended.
DOS · by Micah Williams (1) · 2001
Totally underappreciated, engrossing, and original game. A classic if you gave it a chance.
The Good
Cool storyline, mix of action, role-playing and strategy and at the time the graphics were pretty amazing. This one ended up in the bargain bin too soon but the lucky ones that picked it up and withstood the marginally steep learning curve were rewarded, i have found myself considering trying to scare up an old 5 1/4 drive so i can reinstall this one.
The Bad
Nothing
The Bottom Line
An overlooked gem.
DOS · by Tom Smith (2) · 2000
Trivia
1001 Video Games
Midwinter appears in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by General Editor Tony Mott.
General Masters
"General Masters", the big bad guy of the game shared some visible similarities to project manager Hugh Batterbury. This was not unintentional and an in-joke in the studio. Source: Zero Magazine 1990/01 (issue #3)
Awards
- Amiga Power
- May 1991 (issue #00) - #66 in the "All Time Top 100 Amiga Games"
- ST Format
- May 1990 (Issue #10) - Included in the list "ST Format's 30 Kick-Ass Classics"
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Jeff Sinasac.
Amiga added by 80. Atari ST added by ektoutie.
Additional contributors: Chris McDonald, Jo ST, FatherJack.
Game added May 27th, 2000. Last modified November 28th, 2023.