Angola '86

Angola '86 is a turn-based strategy game set during the South African Border War. As a commander in the South African Defence Force (SADF), you wage a counter-insurgency campaign in South West Africa, on the border with Angola. Each new game generates the campaign procedurally.

The conflict

SWAPO insurgents cross the border to destabilize the region by intimidating locals, laying mines and ambushing your forces. You track them, gather intelligence and destroy their bases in Angola while seeking the support of the local population. Winning hearts and minds is a victory condition, and greater local cooperation provides intelligence.

FAPLA, Angola’s Soviet-supplied conventional army, gives SWAPO a secure base but focuses primarily on destroying UNITA, which is supported by the USA and South Africa. FAPLA also aims to take control of the whole region as a step toward unifying Angola under communist rule. Containing it can help turn the campaign in your favor.

Command and support

Coordinate ground troops, special forces, artillery, mechanized units and air force assets, and train local South West Africa Territory Force (SWATF) troops. You can control the SADF, SWATF and UNITA, manage an authentic order of battle, and use SADF units including transport helicopters, APCs, armor, gunships and engineers.

The campaign also depends on political support at home. Manage the views of stakeholders there, as well as support from the United Nations: losing UN support means the war will also be lost. The game includes the handover and intervention of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG).

Operations and logistics

Track and detect insurgents with a system that includes helicopter air support, and use Recces for special forces operations and cross-border raids. An operational intelligence map supports your decisions. You can also conduct air strikes, carry out medevacs and field repairs, clear mines, respond to ambushes, and manage vehicle repairs and maintenance through a logistics system. Build roads and bases as the campaign develops.

As you rise through the ranks, your personalized uniform changes from that of a junior Lieutenant to a General.