John asks, "Should our redesigned Strategic Conquest have land features such as swamps and mountains?" My initial response: "NO!" Due to the relatively gross resolution of movement in the game, I suspect that obstacles would have two primary effects: The initial expansion phase would be greatly prolonged... Subsequent phases would be much more defensive in nature. Invasions would be well-nigh impossible in many cases...

Before leaving the subject of Strategic Conquest, may I suggest that we search for a name for this mythical follow-on program? "Archipelago Conquest" is not quite right. Does anyone else have a suggestion?