Publisher: CDV Software
Ages: teens & up
Parental
Advisory:
Arcade violence
Named after that famous German offensive, CDV Software's Blitzkrieg lets players command Allied, German or Soviet troops as they advance through the decisive battles of World War II. For gamers who like strategic battle and history, Blitzkrieg is a compelling, if somewhat complicated real-time strategy title.
The game does its best to be historically accurate in its missions, troops and vehicles and offers 3D units that look much like their WWII-era counterparts. We were impressed with the game's many options and units. There are more than 200 types of military vehicles and equipment and 40 different infantry units that interact, based on their physical properties and characteristics.
The title emphasizes ground combat and offers objective-based missions that give players a set number of forces. Because the battles are based on real ones, they can be challenging, or relatively easy. Interestingly, the game makes players consider ammunition, which is limited and has to be painstakingly re-supplied-a realistic twist that few strategy games consider. Different seasons, climate zones, and weather conditions also affect game play.
The interface is rather complicated, but workable. A game of this sophistication is going to require some serious controls. Graphics are quite good. Mission and resource editors let players create new campaigns, chapters and missions and modify the game environment and units. The game also offers multiplayer LAN and Internet support.
Blitzkrieg is a solid game. But in the world of real-time strategy games, it's not the easiest to learn and its strict historical perspective makes the game interesting, but also somewhat esoteric. It's a first rate and entertaining game that will probably appeal most to those who are intrigued by World War II. But there are other real-time strategy games that are probably better for families.
6/24/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
