PC - THQ
The does not have a pre-menu introduction; instead there is one before the start of the campaign. The menu itself is easy to navigate and is styled to support the WWII action setting of the game. When you start a campaign there is a lengthy introduction movie which sets the scene and gives you the basics of your objectives for the mission, it is very well directed and really makes you feel involved in the action.
Before you start your first campaign there is a pop-up suggesting you go through the tutorial, this is a good idea as, while the controls are intuitive and easy to understand, the depth of options to the game can make it bewildering at first. The tutorial is quick and painless and teaches you the basics so you can get into the action, in the campaigns your objectives are continually updated and you always aware of what to do.
It is definitely fun; it manages this through frantic, challenging game play and a great level of battlefield control and strategic planning. The depth of the game allows you to plan complex tactics and easily control an entire army, plus when successful, you get rewarded with a small cut scene and progression to the next part of the campaign. You are also given the option of using different command abilities to suit your play style and each unit has a number of different uses allowing for multiple solutions to any problem.
The visuals are used effectively to set the scene, presenting large scale battlefields in which to take part. The cut scenes are integrated into the game play, so if you achieve an objective the movie sequence showing your reinforcements will zoom out into your battlefield view. It helps create the feeling of the larger conflict which you are part of.
The computer intelligence is high for both your own troops and the enemies; your troops intelligently move to use cover and cover each other as the move. Equally the enemy troops will do the same and choose the best tactics to deal with you, including out flanking you or garrisoning nearby buildings. There are times when it feels like they could be more coordinated; however the difficulty is such that you are always challenged anyway.
The cinematic opening sequences and in-game cut scenes make sure that your are immersed in the setting of the game, little else is needed to keep you there as the game play is frantic and absorbing so you have little time to lose interest. However, there are a few small things which spoil it, the unrealistic survival of men in situations where they would certainly die for example.
The view point is very dynamic, allowing you to rotate 360 degrees, change viewing angle and zoom. While these features are nice they are not often used as the standard angle is usually the best, it would also be nice if you could zoom further out, especially on the larger maps.
The game play controls are easy to use and effective, although it is sometimes difficult to coordinate units around the map.
The game has a lot of unique ideas; the intelligent movement of the squads to take cover is particularly impressive as is the fully 3D game world, even if it is underused. It is also good to see an RTS that gives you such great depth of control over the battlefield yet also maintains a sense of realism.
The high point of the game is definitely trying to organise your forces in a perfectly executed combined attack or defence. The depth of options available to you combined with the excitement is what wants you to keep playing more.
An exceptional RTS with some really well rounded units and game play, the campaigns are involving and challenging and you always want to try some new tactic to defeat the next challenge.