Battleground Europe Preview

It has often been said that the greatest tragedies in human history breed the best stories. It is no surprise that World War II, the last great war that spanned the entire globe is still a fertile ground for the imagination. World War II Online: Battleground Europe is an epic example of how the last great war makes the next great story. The game world itself is both detailed and massive, but the best points of the game are the large number of possibilities players can explore and the players themselves. Be prepared for multiplayer action on a massive scale as you log in to the western front.

The game world of Battleground Europe is not as polished and refined as some games, but it has amazing detail. The world itself is huge, a 1/2 size model of Europe. This might make it a little difficult for a player to run across as an infantry fighter, but it is necessary with the wide number of vehicles and options given to the players. The entire world shows an amazing attention to detail given its scope. Buildings, roads, and bridges litter the landscape and provide an impressive background for the battles players wage.

As you first log into the game players are given a choice of which battalions they wish to join. Players can look at several different missions underway by their comrades and select where they want to enter the world. Once the destination is selected, players get to decide what unit they want to play. Players can pick up a rifle, load up a machine gun, pile into a tank, or even take to the skies as a fighter pilot. The seas are also a dangerous place as naval units are also available to the players. The sky is the limit, allowing players to savor the challenge of fighting in the second World War.

With the large number of weapons available it is no surprise that teamwork is key. A poorly timed strafing run by a fighter plane could end up gunning down its own allies. Players are encouraged to communicate through a series of TeamSpeak servers to gain even more immersion and interaction. Players often find themselves in situations where coordination is the difference between life and death, but working with a good team makes these situations more fun.. and more survivable.

The enemies you face in Battleground Europe are other players. The persistent game-world allows players to choose which side of the war they wish to fight on before logging in. The allies are represented by the British and French forces. The Axis powers fall under the control of the German Third Reich. The world and its weapons have been crafted with a loving attention to both detail and historical fact.  Each side has their own unique weapons and vehicles based on the strategies and equipment of the times. Areas that see heavy fighting boast fortifications against both ground and air assault. It is refreshing to find a game where the combat is designed around logical objectives and not a confined map or random fighting.

An important part of the game world of World War II Online: Battleground Europe is the persistent game world. The servers track mission objectives, successes, and failures. Each side of the conflict is rated based on past performance. The lines of battle ebb and flow as players rally to fight back against their opponents or storm forward to crush all resistance. The success and failure of missions depends on the skills of the individual players as well as the strength and determination of the entire faction. Exceptional players will find themselves invited into special battalions manned by the best and the brightest, sent wherever the call takes them. Players of all skill levels are required to carry the day, so the casual player can still contribute in a meaningful way.

With all its good points, World War II has a few flaws. The graphics are not as crisp as recent games have boasted. The sounds are also very realistic, especially the guns going off. This can be a bit unsettling when things get tense.. not to mention loud! Finally the control system is very advanced and customizable. New players will need time to adjust to every option the game offers. For example piloting a plane requires a joystick and the proper settings. If you’re not careful you can end up accidentally slamming into the ground seconds after takeoff.

When all is said and done World War II: Battleground Europe is an impressive title. The game world is huge, raising the bar that other MMO’s will have to match. The wide number of options available means that players will be able to enjoy any role they want to play each time they log in. The persistent world makes the faction-vs-faction combat both fun and compelling. While past attempts at creating a persistent, player vs player world have had mixed results, Battleground Europe shows every sign that it will be a strong contender in the genre. Fans of first person shooter games as well as historical simulations should take a long look at this title.

Tips: Take the time to get familiar with the interface before you head out into combat. The single-player version of the game is available for practice, allowing you to avoid embarrassing mistakes your first time out in the field.