Blitzkrieg 2 Preview

World War II was one of the most destructive and dramatic conflicts in human history. It is no surprise that this war-torn era has been the focus of hundreds of movies and videogames over the years. Forging ahead while looking at the past, Nival Interactive and CDV Software Entertainment USA are breaking new ground in the real-time-strategy genre with their upcoming title Blitzkrieg II. Great graphics, entertaining gameplay, and an involving storyline as the game progresses will keep players hungry for more. While the game is not complete, Blitzkrieg II shows every sign of being worth the wait.

Blitzkrieg II is centered around tactical combat. More challenging than the basic “build your base, destroy everything that moves” style of real-time strategy games, Blitzkrieg II is built around a mission system. Players have the option of deciding which missions they want to take, and when! Completing missions successfully allows players to increase the experience for their general in the campaign. With greater experience comes greater rewards. Players begin the game limited to the basic armored tank and infantry units. As missions are completed and experience is built up new units become available. Bomber strikes, specialized infantry, and more await. 

One of the features of Blitzkrieg II is the reinforcement system. Players are able to call up reinforcements to fill out their ranks, replace lost units, or take tactical objectives. Calling up reinforcements places new units on the map and under your control. There is a brief cool-down period between calling reinforcements, so players cannot bulk up their army quickly. Strategic use of resources is key in surviving the battlefield. Another piece of the reinforcement system is the number of reinforcements available. Players can only call for backup so many times per map. Deciding when to call for more troops and where to deploy them adds a new dimension to the game.

There are a number of tactics available for infantry, but one of the most interesting - and useful – is the ability to place your infantry in troop transports and strategic buildings to increase their mobility or effectiveness. If the enemy is charging your lines placing your infantry into fortified trenches. Another use of this strategy is shown early in the campaigns - placing your infantry inside of buildings to protect them from enemy fire. Normally infantry can be easily taken down by light tanks and specialized machine-gun units. When using a building for cover only heavy artillery or a tank barrage will dislodge your forces easily.

In addition to the fascinating gameplay Blitzkrieg II offers quality graphics and an engaging soundtrack. The game world is rendered in high detail. Even “little things” that other RTS titles render as a single obstacle, like trees are individually rendered with the same attention to detail. This might seem a little more than the genre requires, but the game world is highly interactive. When tanks push through a forest they will knock down trees, plowing right over them. Watching a heavy tank bulldoze through a forest for the first time is an amazing sight as the forest giants are pushed out of the way by your armored juggernaut. 

Interacting with trees is not the only twist available in Blitzkrieg II. Units of all kinds can interact with a variety of objects in the landscape. When crossing a farmer’s field infantry can be seen negotiating their way around or over fences that block their way. Tanks can plow their way through lesser obstacles and use their main cannons to destroy buildings in their way. Tanks can even become road-blocks themselves when destroyed. The wreckage left behind can make navigation difficult. Players should remember to be careful with tanks when crossing difficult terrain. The treads on a tank can become damaged, leaving your unit immobilized!

Individual missions begin with a series of objectives. Primary objectives must be met for the mission to be a success, but secondary objectives are also available. Completing the secondary objectives might not have an immediate effect on the current battle, but they will often have an effect on entirely different missions! Completing the secondary objectives is a good way to make the next mission go smoothly. Blitzkrieg is a dynamic game, tracking successfully completed missions, player experience, and secondary objectives to provide the basis for each new mission. Players can reach dozens of possible scenarios based on all these factors.

Fans of the series have been waiting for Blitzkrieg II since it was first announced. After having seen the preview version of the game I can honestly say that all fans of the real-time-strategy genre should take a look at the upcoming title. Blitzkrieg II is a fun game that allows players flexibility, offers unique gameplay challenges and opportunities, and allows players to decide the course an entire campaign with every battle. Fans will have to wait for the release of the game, but judging by the preview version, Blitzkrieg II will definitely be worth the wait.