A very early (1987!) Age of Sail simulation, High Seas emphasizes joystick maneuverability at the expense of realism and playability. Although the game deserves notice for being one of the first to offer attractive top-down isometric view for naval warfare, there is simply not enough gameplay to keep anyone interested for long.
The game's scope is extremely narrow: just create a ship, choose your opponent, and off you go in a one-on-one battle to the death. As veteran wargamer M. Evan Brooks remarked in his brief synopsis of the game, "the graphics are somewhat convoluted, as was overall gameplay. Fleet engagements often resembled a New York City traffic jam (although casualties were probably lower in the simulation)."
Very disappointing, to say the least, and its age really isn't a good excuse for the poor quality at all, in light of early classics e.g. Ancient Art of War at Sea which were made even earlier than this underdog.
Review By HOTUD
English 
Comments and reviews
High Seas is also available for the Apple II series of computers.
This game is available for the Apple II.
However, to start a game you have to arrow over to "disk," hit enter, arrow down to "save game," hit enter, then arrow down to "get a scenario"... and finally choose a scenario by number.
Scenarios 1-6 have an estimated playing time: of 15-20 mins. Scenarios 7-10 have an estimated playing time: of 2 hours. Scenario 11's playing time is listed as "eternity."
Here are scenario specifics...
1. Constellation (44 guns) vs Insurgent (38 Guns) - 9 Feb 1799
2. Constellation (44 guns) vs Vengeance (52 Guns) - 1 Feb 1800
3. Constitution (44 guns) vs Guerriere (38 Guns) - 29 Aug 1812
4. Constitution (44 guns) vs Java (47 Guns) - 29 Dec 1812
5. United States (44 guns) vs Macedonian (38 Guns) - 25 Oct 1812
6. Chesapeake (44 guns) vs Leopard (44 Guns) - 22 Jun 1811
7. Battle of Lissa c.1811 (4 British vs 6 French & Italian)
8. Battle of Cape Verde (modified) c.1780
9. Raid on Merchantmen (hypothetical) c.1800 (1 French vs 3 Dutch & Convoy of 4)
10. Convoy Intercept (hypothetical) c.1690 (4 British vs 3 Dutch & Convoy)
11. Battle of Ushant c.1795 (8 British vs 7 French)
Some tips I picked up over the eons...
- To start or restart the action, highlight the center button (between "Warfare" and
"Views"), then double tap joystick button or Apple key or CTRL-M (or etc.).
- To interrupt continous play hold down an ARROW key until you get an acknowledgment.
- No reload complete notification. You have to just try to fire.
- If you stall heading into the wind, order a turn to either direction and wait to
drift around.
No comment nor review for this game at the moment.