Finally,
a smart war game that both beginners and experts can
enjoy.
Flashpoint
Germany shows us what modern-day combat might look
like if World War III were instigated in the very-near
future. Under the umbrella of "modern-day"
combat, some elements of the traditional war game
have been refined, upgraded, exaggerated or eliminated.
Things move pretty quickly for a turn-based strategy
game. The lack of micromanagement elements speeds
things up significantly. This shouldn't be looked
down on as lack of depth but rather a result of the
evolution of technology of the weapons and improved
education and training of the individual soldier.
Fortunately things don't get futuristic. There are
no robots or lasers or other special weapons. Flashpoint
Germany is steeped in realism.
Instead
of dissolving itself in 1989, the Soviet Union decides
to have a go at Germany. Better world domination than
life as a failed, crumbling empire. The NATO nations
including Britain and the United States join forces
to take on the massive Red Army. You can play as either
side. The NATO nations have more up-to-date equipment
and weapons but the Soviets have sheer numbers on
their side. The resulting conflicts are intense but
fun.
Thanks
to a comprehensive tutorial just about anybody can
get in the game in under half-an-hour. You can limit
the amount of commands that you give during each turn.
This will get you into less trouble if you're a beginner.
After you issue your commands the game will show you
what the next half-hour looks like - but thankfully
not in real time. Not to suggest the game is easy,
it's just that trial and error can be used and some
newbies can get lucky right off the bat. Veterans
will be able to make decisions based on prior knowledge
but there are always a few surprises that you can't
always prepare yourself for.
Modern-day
combat is quick. There's no time for micromanagement.
The units that you command will have to take care
of these situations for themselves, and they do a
great job of assimilating the role of a combat engineer.
You'll see tank units actually construct a bridge
for themselves when following your orders to get from
point A to point B under any circumstances. Another
aspect of modern day combat is the increased accuracy
and range of the weapons. If you can see the enemy,
you can hit them and vise versa. It requires a lot
of stealth not to get shot. Units are to be kept out
of sight at all times since it's too easy to get hit
in the open. This is also a factor for the enemy so
before you plow your way through points on the map
you'll want to send some recon out to make sure you
don't run into an enemy tank unit along the way.
The
AI plays a good game. They take cover, return fire
and try to flank you, just as any decent army would.
But there's no substitute for a human opponent. You
can play against another warmonger online or via email.
I haven't tried the email but apparently you just
send the saved game with your moves to your opponent
and they do likewise. It may take some of the action
out of it but once you get through the single-player
mode you'll probably appreciate a more strategic approach
to the gameplay - not unlike chess but less complex.
There's
not much animation to worry about. Even if there were
you wouldn't even be able to detect any slowdown.
Most of your work is done on the interface. Strangely
you feel totally drawn into the gameplay as though
you are issuing commands from a secret war room. Your
communication base can be destroyed at anytime by
the enemy, especially if you stay on the air too long.
Commands will then be relegated to a secondary post
which will cause you some delay.
The
interfaces are great although some of the windows
can't be enlarged and are very difficult to read.
There are only four maps and 17 scenarios in the single
player so you're going to have to get your replay
value online in one way or another.
Flashpoint
Germany has a lot of great, streamlined elements to
it that make it an engaging and entertaining game.
It can be played using a variety of techniques by
a wide range of experienced and non-experienced gamers.
It's not incredibly deep but at least you don't have
to take a two-year college course to play it.
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