The last mission is a whirlwind. We have to locate, engage, and destroy a fast-moving SCUD launcher convoy with heavy escorts before they can make good their escape. As if things weren't interesting enough, this has to be done during a heavy thunderstorm - complete with rain, thunder, and lightning.

Smoke on the horizon - a good clue.

We turn west and head cross-country looking for our quarry.

The CITV map indicates what might be a road - a likely escape route for the convoy. Sure enough, there it is.

It's a veritable highway. Now is a good time to override the engine governor, but a bad time to be fumbling with the manual looking for the switch.

Click to continue . . .

A shape is just barely perceptible in the fog ahead - Our quarry or a friendly?

The thermal sights answer the question - the rear fuel drums of a T-72 and missile of a SCUD launcher are clearly visible.

Target lased. HEAT on the way. The rearguard is quickly dispatched.

Jumping into the commander's chair, we can keep an eye out for any possible ambushes while commanding the orderly destruction of the rest of the convoy.

In fact, you could call Spearhead the "Team Apache" of tank simulations and really not be far off the mark.While Spearhead doesn't have the "team" aspect as firmly ingrained, it is designed for serious multiplayer team play over the internet. Will its online multiplayer capabilities appeal to tank sim fans, Quake fans, or both? The question remains to be answered, but we'll be keeping a close eye on further developments.