The graphics here are serviceable but little more. Character models offer little detail or variety, and cutscenes will often consist of conversations between soldiers who are made up of duplicates of each other. The backgrounds and environmental elements seem to match up with the theme of the experience, but textures are rough around the edges and there’s plenty of screen tearing. However, the least welcome element of the game’s visuals is slowdown that occurs all too often and seriously impedes your ability to engage the enemy.

On the plus side, the soldiers move naturally, using motion-capture technology that’s fitting with the gritty setting of the Civil War. Additionally, the game displays some surprisingly dynamic rag-doll physics. Toss a grenade into a group of soldiers and watch ‘em fly when the shrapnel bursts.

Secret Missions’ audio is also a mixed bag. The background music and sound effects sit nicely behind the gameplay, and both elements lend mood and immersion during missions. However, allies ramble the same few lines, and their dialogue is usually horribly out of sync. Five minutes into a skirmish, you’ll often hear one of your buddies yell out, “I don’t think we’re alone.”

HISTORY Civil War: Secret Missions takes inspiration from almost every World War II-shooter cliché and slaps a Civil War coat of paint on it. It’s not a terrible game, but it is an entirely linear and limited experience. You’re corralled along very straight-forward levels, using uninteresting firearms in almost pedestrian skirmishes. Additionally, though the Civil War lasted about four years, Secret Missions will be over in just a little over four hours. There are bonuses, pictures, and letters that will perhaps appeal to the very niche audience this game is aimed at, but at $40, it’s an anemic package, regardless of who’s in the market for such an experience.

By Tony Capri
CCC Freelance Writer