Hammer & Sickle Preview

The Second World War was a massive conflict that has spawned legends for more than half a century. With the new rush of games coming out that focus on the epic conflict everyone expects games to be about the war itself. The crucial battles could be the focus, or the days leading up to the war. But Hammer and Sickle, the new game being produced by CDV Entertainment and Nival Interactive, proves that sometimes the best action happens after the war. Built around a point-based level system and a turn-based combat system, Hammer and Sickle is an engaging role-playing game that allows players to fully explore a lush, detailed world. While it is still not complete, Hammer and Sickle shows a great deal of promise.

The game is set in 1949, after the end of World War II. Players begin the game as an experienced fighter from the height of the war. Tensions between the Americans and the Russians are simmering near the boiling point. Neither side trusts the other. As the story unfolds players begin by infiltrating the American controlled territory in Germany to do a little recon work. From there the story can unfold into hundreds of different paths. Major events will have a major impact. Your initial choices will have a profound effect on your character’s path through the game. The game world itself is dynamic, so the first impression you make on the NPCs will determine how they view you in the future. Later actions can either reinforce their views or alter them, and the interaction between the player and the other characters in the game helps drive the plot throughout the game.

Hammer and Sickle also allows a great deal of flexibility in how a character progresses as well as how the plot progresses. There are several classes to choose between like the grenadier, a grenade toting explosives expert, or the scout, a master of infiltration. After the initial profession is chosen players are able to customize their characters even further. The skill-based system rewards players for character growth with skill credits that can be used to purchase a number of useful abilities. New abilities can be gained or old abilities can be increased. Players have to choose which skills they will specialize in. Fortunately there are many different paths for gamers to enjoy. If you prefer the stand-and-fight style of gameplay you can develop a character who excels in combat. If stealth and cleverness are more to your forte, you can build to that as well.

The game world is rich and detailed. The voice-over work is very well done, adding a depth to the interactions that text-based games often lack. In the first mission players can run into a civilian doctor if they poke around. Depending on your actions the doctor can be fairly calm or fairly worried. After all, your reputation precedes you. The graphics are rendered in 3/4-overhead style with vibrant colors and a good attention to detail. There are places where movable or searchable objects are easily recognizable because they stand out from the background, but as a whole the graphics are well done. The world also remembers incidental effects. For example if you set off a grenade too close to a door you can damage the door or destroy it completely.

The scope of the world is impressive. As each mission begins or a new area is entered a large map is added to the available world. Players can explore new areas or revisit old areas at will, and sometimes when they are forced to. Actions taken by the player can bring the attention of NPC factions such as the American army or the police. Those in authority take a dim view of massive gun-battles and civil unrest. Exploring a new area to escape the pressure of your enemies is also a treat. The mission zones are large and intricate. There are many NPCs scattered around who can interact with the player. For example, you can make friends with locals or try to buy more bullets for your favorite gun.

When the enemies are closing in players switch to a turn-based combat system. Every action requires a number of action points to complete including attacking, running, or picking up an item. Players can re-equip from the fallen or recover a thrown knife if they have the action points available. The team-based system allows a player to coordinate the actions of the entire party. Wise players will take advantage of this to position themselves for the best advantage. Everything from punches and kicks to knives, guns to grenades are available to players as they seek to crush their opponents.

Because of the versatility, excellent attention to detail, and enjoyable exploration of the game world Hammer and Sickle is going to be a strong contender in the role-playing genre. Even players who are not fans of the traditional turn-based, action point systems will find something to keep them interested. The developers have put a lot of effort into designing a system to allow the plot to evolve because of the player’s actions, not force the player’s actions like many games. It is a fine distinction, but it definitely adds a sense of empowerment to Hammer and Sickle. You aren’t just playing a game. You are in command of the game in many respects. And with the new Cold War ready to boil over into a new age of conflict and strife, this isn’t the kids table. Inside the world of Hammer and Sickle you’re playing with live ammo.