Theatre Europe

Theatre Europe is a turn-based strategy game simulating the first 30 days of a fictional conventional war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in Europe. You choose to command either side, controlling ground and air units across a map of the continent. The game uses authentic military statistics obtained from the Ministry of Defence and the Soviet embassy in London. Three difficulty levels determine the enemy's willingness to escalate. A distinctive feature requires calling a real telephone number to receive a nuclear authorisation code ("Midnight Sun") before launching strategic strikes, after hearing a recorded message of air raid sirens and a nuclear explosion. The game includes optional "action screen" mini-games where you guide missiles during battles. DEFCON levels display escalating nuclear readiness. The manual carries the dedication: "to the people of the world in the hope that the game is never played for real".

ZX Spectrum

Released in 1985 by Personal Software Services for the 48K Spectrum, the ZX Spectrum version received review scores ranging from 80% to 92% . ZX Computing called it "a superbly chilling game and extremely well presented" . As with other versions, the game sparked controversy: the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament accused PSS of "bad taste", and high street chains Boots and John Menzies refused to stock it . The telephone number feature is fully implemented, requiring players to call for the authorisation code. The map of Europe is displayed with strategic sites and cities highlighted. If the action section is selected, attacks are presented on-screen requiring you to blast enemy units . The game won the Golden Joystick Award for Best Strategy Game of 1985 .