Sudden Strike is a real time strategy game developed in Europe by a group called Fireglow and is published by CDV. The game takes place during World War 2 and allows a player to take control of Allied (Britain, France, USA, etc.) Forces, the German Wehrmacht, or the Russian’s Red Army.

The games graphics are done very well and look great. The game uses a 2D isometric view, which allows the game to run smooth even on aged computers. This graphic setup also allows for large numbers of units to be in a mission at one time and still allows a computer to fairly good frame rate. The effect that battles have on the landscape is excellently done with almost everything in the game being able to be destroyed. Also craters and dead bodies (except those of tanks) do not disappear after they are destroyed, they remain in the map creating the view of what the results of a battle in the second world war looked like.

The battles of the game can be very lengthy and involve up to a thousand units in a single mission. The is looked down upon by other reviewers as and to complexity in the game. However, I like this effect because the battles of World War 2 could involve thousands of tanks, infantry, and other types of military units.

The units of the game are also modeled with great accuracy and closely resemble the real tanks, trucks, and weapons of the war. The great thing about the units in this game is their reliance on different types. For example tanks and anti-tank guns have a very short visual radius making them easy prey for infantry and other tanks. However, having infantry supporting these units they have a much greater visual radius and protection making infantry and recon work a must in this game. Infantry is the type of unit you must have in this game, unlike other RTS titles. Infantry also mans your anti-aircraft guns and artillery pieces. The can also take defensive positions inside bunkers and houses of every kind.

The game also has no construction features, you do not build a base, you start with a set amount of units and reinforced over time by others. This effect makes the players value certain types of units because they will not receive others. It also does make a player consider his attacks, because losing a large number of your forces can mean you defeat.

The game is not perfect however, one of its drawbacks are the short and quite dull video sequences. Most of them are much to short and don’t have much action, not even the intro movie has combat. Also the mission briefings do very little to help you in the mission ahead. The AI in the game also isn’t the best, and could be improved.

With the use of Gamespy the game has excellent multiplayer, I found it very enjoyable because I was not sure of what to expect. I kept having the feeling that I would out flanked by one of my opponents. However, this did not happen and I managed to move quickly using artillery for support. I had an excellent time playing it and highly recommend it for a multiplayer game.

Sudden Strike is a must by for any person who is interested in the Second World War. The game isn’t for everyone however, some people would consider it a bit slow compared to other real time strategy games but it fits perfectly to my liking. I am really looking forward to the release of Sudden Strike Forever, Sudden Strikes expansion. For more information feel free to visit Sudden Strike’s official website at www.suddenstrike.com.

Keemiosobee