If you owned an Amiga or Atari ST back in 1988, you probably had a copy of Carrier Command. Published by the now defunct Rainbird, Carrier Command is considered by most to be one of the true classics. The premise was simple - you were in command of a futuristic aircraft carrier and had to devise and execute a cunning strategy to remove a similarly equipped opponent (either the computer or a friend, by means of two Amigas/STs, two tellies and, you guessed it, a null modem cable). You had to fly aircraft, drive amphibious vehicles and use the carrier's own weapons systems to good effect in order to succeed. Maintenance was another important aspect - keeping your critical systems functioning in the heat of battle was never easy, but it was absolutely essential. Graphically speaking, Carrier Command was a bit of a rough diamond, and while the effects rarely dazzled, they did create a suitably tense atmosphere.

Fans will be pleased to know that Rage Software's forthcoming Hostile Waters is loosely based on this 16bit classic, and it's already looking a bit tasty. Mmm...