Ambush!

Ambush! is a solitaire tactical wargame that places one player in command of an American infantry squad in World War II France. Before a mission, the player selects soldiers, assigns weapons, and records individual command, initiative, perception, movement, and combat abilities. The squad then advances across a hex map with no visible opponent. Entering hexes and taking actions triggers numbered events; the mission and paragraph books reveal sightings, fire, movement, civilians, surprises, and German responses only when the squad encounters them. Once combat begins, sequenced action rounds govern movement, fire, wounds, morale, and command decisions. Each soldier is a persistent individual rather than an interchangeable counter, so casualties and successful missions shape the continuing campaign. Eight included missions vary objectives, terrain, scripted possibilities, and enemy behavior while still leaving the player meaningful tactical freedom. Ambush! pioneered a programmed-paragraph system that creates hidden information without an opposing player, turning every road, building, and quiet field into a decision about formation, reconnaissance, and risk.