Lock 'N Load Wins International Gamers Award

The International Gamers Awards recently announced the recipient of the 2004 IGA for Historical Simulations, Lock 'N Load. Designed by Mark H. Walker and published by Shrapnel Games, Lock 'N Load is the first game in the series Forgotten Heroes: Vietnam. It focuses on the pre-1970 conflict, with scenarios taking place in the mid to late '60s.

According to an IGA press release, the game is easy to learn, but presents players with the myriad of tough choices and tactical decisions facing the platoon leader in the jungles of Vietnam. The result is a fast-paced, tension-filled game that is never short on excitement.

The International Gamers Awards were created to recognize outstanding games and designers, as well as the companies that publish them. The awards are truly international in scope, with committee members representing countries throughout the world. The goal of the IGA is to select games that are truly the 'best of the best', helping lead to greater exposure for these wonderful games and help spread the word of the "wonderful world of gaming" on a global scale.

In order for a game to be eligible for the Historical Simulation category, a game must have been released during the previous calendar year.

Other finalists included Age of Napoleon, Ardennes '44, Corsairs & Hellcats, Europe Engulfed, Korea: The Forgotten War, Medieval, Monty's Gamble: Market Garden, Rise of the Roman Republic, Sweden Fights On, and Warplan: Dropshot.