0

Before World War II became an unfashionable video game setting (as highlighted by the ‘modern warfare trend’ of Battlefield 2, Call of Duty 4 and Command and Conquer 3,) there were WWII themed games on the release schedule every week. Don’t get us wrong, we loved WII games, from the iconic Medal of Honor: Allied Assault to the modern great which is Company of Heroes. Sadly like any genre, for every masterpiece there were plenty of games that failed to entertain. It’s arguable that RTS WWII gaming has reached its height, in the form of Relic’s Company of Heroes, but without an unknown game in 2003 called Blitzkrieg, Company of Heroes wouldn’t be around. It had a huge influence with its huge range of units, battles from every WWII front and a competent dynamic damage system. Obviously sequels are commonplace, as are expansion packs in the industry and we’ve been sent Blitzkrieg 2: Anthology which includes the sequel and two expansion packs: Liberation and Fall of the Reich. Does Blitzkrieg 2 stand the test of time or does it fall to the might of the advancing enemy?

Now we come to the most important part, and why Blitzkrieg, despite its age, is still worthy of a look-in. Strategy, in real time. It succeeds beyond belief. The amount on offer (especially because of the expansion packs) is truly mind-blowing. The game allows you to fight on the Western, Eastern, African, Southern, Pacific fronts, with every major battle recreated, from the Ardennes to Normandy. The campaign (in just Blitzkrieg 2 alone) spans 68 missions, with over 250 types of weaponry across 60types of infantry. You can garrison buildings, upgrade troops, call reinforcements, utilize a realistic line of sight / fire mechanic and use cover. Factor in a multi-layered campaign map and all the extras in the two expansion packs and there’s an astonishing set of options to make use of.

You will be kept busy, kept entertained and kept on your toes. The game’s AI is decent (again, for its time-period) and will cause you problems on higher difficulties. Whether you’re defending a beach, assaulting a town or simply escorting a tank, the game is supremely varied. You can see that Relic have drawn upon many of the features pioneered by Blitzkrieg, its sequel and its subsequent expansion packs. It’s flattering and enforces the idea that it’s worth a purchase.

Without it, RTS gaming would not be the giant genre that it is today. It freshened the field and brought new conventions to the fight. It may be slowly aging, but look past its old engine and revel in tactical warfare. WWII hasn’t seen such a game since (bar Company of Heroes) and it’s obvious why. Hopefully the anthology version will bring in some new players.

Retrospective Verdict: Vital, vastly important and vivacious from start to finish.

Score: 8/10

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved