Almost ten years ago MicroProse published one of the coolest games yet created for the PC: M1 Tank Platoon. Based on the then-untried-in-combat M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT), M1 Tank Platoon excelled in playability, graphics, replayability, accuracy, realism, and fun. It was a milestone for military combat simulations on the home computer. Quite naturally any attempt at a sequel would have some pretty big shoes to fill. Recent simulations based on the newer M1A2 Abrams model, such as Interactive Magic's iM1A2 Abrams and NovaLogic's Armored First 2, have attempted to match this unique combination with some success in different areas. Now MicroProse has stepped back into the fray with M1 Tank Platoon II, and while it captures basically everything that made the original good and a bit more, nagging bugs and other problems drag it down as well.

M1 Tank Platoon II initially offers you the capability to command a platoon of four M1A2 tanks, as well as any attached assets, on the modern battlefield. Initially you create a platoon from a variety of real-world active-duty battalions in either an Army Armored regiment, an Army cavalry regiment, or in a separate Marine tank battalion. The type of service plays a role in what kind of attached support you receive during campaigns. Characters are created for each platoon (16 in all, four for each tank), and each character can be promoted and/or given a medal during the course of a campaign, depending on the outcome of each scenario. A character's efficiency rating (professional, good, poor) translates into performance on the battlefield, so it's best to keep them happy in one way or another.

Four different modes of play are offered in M1 Tank Platoon II: training missions, single battles, campaigns, and multiplayer games. Training missions take place at two areas: Armor School at Fort Knox, where basic tank functions and exercises can be conducted, and the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, California, where you are put through a number of advanced tactical courses. As a plus, there is a digital strategy guide (DSG) available on the CD-ROM called M1 Tank Platoon II War College, which offers even more help and advice.