I am an avid WWII enthusiast & researcher. I make WWII armor models. So naturally, anything with tanks and the likes I rather enjoy.After playing all missions and maps, I have to say that this game is an impressive game. It is very stable and I really haven't had many problems with it. The programmers were of high quality, and knew what they were doing. The artists were also of high quality, and knew what they were doing. They made a great game in the end.
There are several drawbacks however:
The first one is the lack of a realism mod... I'm sure in time it will be developed, but the hit point based unit system is just too unrealistical to me (taking 5-6 shots in a King Tiger to kill an M3 Stuart makes me laugh, or making it so ALL tank killers can kill ANY tank, even IS3s and etc., or making it so Tanks can NOT hoze down infantry /w their MGs, but can run them over). I can totally understand the need for balance in any game, but lets face it, war is not fair, and any game emulating that should be able to emulate the unfairness.
The second drawback is the Earth-3 engine. All this engine is is an overlay to the DX components. Sure, with the Earth-3 engine, the water looks incredibly realistic, but with 15-30fps avg. with my G4 Ti4200 128DDR, it's a major drawback. After turning it off and using "Compatibility" mode, I am recieving the 50-60fps I should be getting.
The third drawback is the initial problem of the screen refresh rate problem. Initially, the program assumes your screen can handle a 120hz screen refresh... So naturally, when you try to run the game, nothing but a black screen will show up. Turns out you have to edit your registry and get it so the configuration utility allows you to select your screen refresh rate to something more realistic like 60hz or 75hz. Again, a major drawback to anybody w/o a bit of computer knowledge, especially since it's neccessary to fix or else you won't be able to play.
The only real other drawbacks are a few minor things... like not being able to assign units to a group "0", or having to use left-ctrl to assign units while right-ctrl does nothing, or having to manual go into the program settings and unchecking "lock camera" to be able to rotate your camera around.
All in all, there are a few minor drawbacks that can make anybody a bit skeptical of the game's ability, but you honestly need to realize that the only real major problem with the game is the HP based unrealistic system. For some people, thats fine, for the die-hard WWII enthusiasts like me, HP based system will really turn you off.
On the better note, the Graphics are amazing... Each model is superiorly done and they made sure that the scenery and the likes is just as well done. The maps that come with the campaigns are very very nicely done...ten times better than some games like Close Combat, Panzer General, or even Sudden Strike II. Trees are able to be knocked over, clearing paths through forests to allow your forces to flank the enemy. The explosions are heart felt, very impresive and well done.
All in all, I rate this game 4 stars, 1 star taken away for the non-existance of a realism mod, but I'm sure that will come to pass.
Great game, great replay-ability, great graphics, good interface, and excellent visual effects...
