From
the German perspective, Blitzkrieg: Burning Horizon
illustrates a different strategy in the theatre of
war. This time you're not so much fighting the enemy
as you are the enemy - attempting to expand your empire.
It's a deep and satisfying game that is challenging
enough for any war nerd but packs enough features
such as a comprehensive manual and paused commands
that makes it accessible for beginners as well.
As
the expansion pack to Blitzkrieg, Burning Horizon
is a stand-alone game that features 18 single-player
campaigns. You'll revisit famous battles such as Ardennes,
Tripolis, Tobruk, El Alamein, Sicily, Normandy and
D-Day. It features the Rommel's Armored Seventh and
Japan has been added as a new nation. There are also
more than 50 new units to use and abuse.
You'll
control tanks, jeeps, infantry, artillery and aircraft
throughout the game. Some of the missions manage to
keep things organized for a while but when all hell
breaks loose you'll appreciate being able to pause
the game to issue orders. More advanced players will
be able to play in real time if they choose but if
you want to assign waypoints and other commands to
individual units at any time you'll appreciate the
pause feature. Turn-based players will feel right
at home.
Getting
started with the manual will take some time but it's
about as clear as can be expected. It will also give
you pointers on strategies as well as outlines the
basic concepts of war. The interface is excellent
and you can access all kinds of detailed information
on various weapon and vehicles. War historians can
use this game as a documentary of sorts. Virtually
all of the German's vehicles and artillery are displayed
in great detail giving you stats on their strengths
and weaknesses as well as when they were invented
and during what years they were used. After successful
missions you'll be able to upgrade some of your units
but the game strives for historical accuracy so you
won't be able to have equipment before it debuts at
its virtual epoch.
All
your related units can be selected at once or you
can select individual units just as easily. There
are shortcut keys but with so many units at your disposal
it's a real daunting task to even attempt to memorize
a few of them. All of the commands you select from
the interface will display the shortcut which means
you will be able to learn the most important commands
by sheer exposure to them. You can save the game at
any time and any place. There is no auto save so make
sure you don't forget to save and save often. Remember,
even Jesus saves.
You
can't really call this game beautiful but the maps
are well done. They show enough detail to alert you
to any imposing threat but you can't always make out
the individual units and some of the key commands.
The sounds of war are as good as any game out there
but all of the music sounds like it was taken from
the same song.
Burning
Horizon has found a way to appeal to a wider audience
while not alienating hardcore strategy fans. There's
a lot to do and learn. Nobody ever said that war would
be easy - but nobody ever said it was fun, either.
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