Rush for Berlin

Rush for Berlin is the latest WWII Real-Time Strategy game from developer Stormregion, the creators of the successful Codename: Panzers series of games. Much of Rush for Berlin fits into the Codename: Panzers formula, this time focusing on the last year of World War II. However, Rush for Berlin does a few things differently, and manages to be a refreshing approach to a somewhat stagnant genre.

Rush for Berlin starts out with most of the familiar trappings of the genre, pitting you as the allied forces fighting against the Nazis, giving you access to a bevy of authentic weapons and allowing you to play as the Nazis for a campaign.

However, the real differences in Rush for Berlin come in the “what if” scenarios presented in the campaign. The game uses the “parallel dimension” theme well, presenting the player with gameplay arcs like “what if Hitler had been assassinated” and also giving them a variety of non-existent prototypal weaponry that could’ve been put into operation during the war, but wasn’t. This gives the game an interesting edge that sets it apart from the competition and makes the game feel fresh compared to most World War II strategy games out there.

Aside from the story elements, the gameplay in Rush for Berlin is also pretty different than most RTS gamers are used to. While the preview build that we received was fairly limited on most elements, I was able to get a pretty decent feel for the gameplay. You have hundreds of units to choose from, with standard fare like foot soldiers and tanks. You also have officer units, similar to the hero characters in games like Warcraft III, and Tank Aces, who beef up whatever tank they may be riding in with improved stats and speed.

Graphically, the game is very impressive, much like the Codename: Panzers games. The level of detail in the environments and field units is great, as is the overall level of realism and authenticity in the game’s look, even in the prototypal units. The game also makes great use of special effects, like explosions and smoke, which all look very good. The sound is also very impressive, with realistic sounding explosions and gunfire.

Rush for Berlin is shaping up to be a compelling RTS game with some fresh elements and should be a worthy successor to the popular Codename: Panzers games. If you were a fan of those looking for something new in the Real-Time Strategy genre, then you’ll have something to look forward to when Rush for Berlin ships this May.