World War II has been a popular topic in the gaming industry for many years. There is no shortage of games that allow players to command armies, engage in tactical battles, and make strategic decisions that could change the course of the war. However, not all WW2 strategy games are created equal. Some games are too simplistic, while others are too complex, making them difficult to pick up and play. As a graphic designer and a WW2 strategy game enthusiast, I have played many of these games and am excited to share my thoughts on some of the best WW2 strategy games out there.
In this article, I will be reviewing five different WW2 strategy games. Each game will be broken down into three subtopics: gameplay, graphics, and historical accuracy. I will provide my honest opinions on each game and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. Without further ado, let's get started!
Hearts of Iron IV
Gameplay
Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Interactive. The game allows players to take control of any nation that existed during WW2 and guide them through the war. The game is incredibly complex, and it can take hours to learn the basics. However, once you get the hang of it, the game is incredibly rewarding. The game's complexity allows for a high level of customization, and players can decide how they want to approach the war. Do you want to play as a small nation and try to survive the war, or do you want to take over the world as Germany? The choice is yours.
Graphics
The graphics in Hearts of Iron IV are not the best. The game's visuals are simplistic, and the user interface can be overwhelming at times. However, the game's graphics are not the focus. The game's depth and complexity are what make it stand out. While the graphics may not be the best, they serve their purpose and do not detract from the game's overall experience.
Historical Accuracy
Hearts of Iron IV is one of the most historically accurate WW2 strategy games out there. The game's focus on realism means that players must take into account things like supply lines, weather, and terrain when planning their attacks. The game also accurately represents the different nations' military capabilities and technological advancements. Overall, Hearts of Iron IV is an incredibly detailed and historically accurate game.
Company of Heroes 2
Gameplay
Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment. The game's focus is on small-scale tactical battles rather than grand strategy. The game allows players to command individual units and focus on micro-management. The game's gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with battles often decided in a matter of minutes. The game's multiplayer mode is also incredibly competitive, with players often using different strategies to gain the upper hand.
Graphics
The graphics in Company of Heroes 2 are outstanding. The game's visuals are incredibly detailed, and the user interface is easy to navigate. The game's attention to detail is impressive, with units and maps accurately representing their real-life counterparts. The game's graphics are a significant reason why it is so immersive and enjoyable to play.
Historical Accuracy
Company of Heroes 2 is not the most historically accurate game, but it does a decent job of representing the Eastern Front of WW2. The game's focus on small-scale tactical battles means that players do not have to worry about things like supply lines and logistics. However, the game's units and maps accurately represent their real-life counterparts, and the game's campaign mode does a good job of portraying the harsh realities of the Eastern Front.
Men of War: Assault Squad 2
Gameplay
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 is a real-time tactics game developed by Digitalmindsoft. The game's focus is on small squad-based combat rather than grand strategy. The game allows players to control individual soldiers and vehicles and engage in intense battles. The game's multiplayer mode is also incredibly competitive, with players using different tactics and strategies to outmaneuver their opponents.
Graphics
The graphics in Men of War: Assault Squad 2 are not the best. The game's visuals are simplistic, and the user interface can be overwhelming at times. However, the game's attention to detail is impressive, with units and maps accurately representing their real-life counterparts. The game's graphics may not be the most impressive, but they serve their purpose and do not detract from the game's overall experience.
Historical Accuracy
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 is a historically accurate game. The game's focus on small-scale combat means that players must take into account things like cover, terrain, and weapon capabilities when planning their attacks. The game's units and maps accurately represent their real-life counterparts, and the game's campaign mode does a good job of portraying the different nations' military capabilities and technological advancements.
Call of Duty 2
Gameplay
Call of Duty 2 is a first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward. The game's focus is on the infantry combat experience during WW2. The game allows players to fight through different campaigns as soldiers in the Allied forces. The game's campaign mode is incredibly immersive, with players experiencing the different battles' intensity and chaos.
Graphics
The graphics in Call of Duty 2 are outstanding. The game's visuals are incredibly detailed, and the user interface is easy to navigate. The game's attention to detail is impressive, with weapons and maps accurately representing their real-life counterparts. The game's graphics are a significant reason why it is so immersive and enjoyable to play.
Historical Accuracy
Call of Duty 2 is not the most historically accurate game, but it does a decent job of representing the infantry combat experience during WW2. The game's campaign mode is based on real-life battles, and the game's weapons and maps accurately represent their real-life counterparts. However, the game takes some creative liberties and does not always portray events accurately.
Commandos 2: Men of Courage
Gameplay
Commandos 2: Men of Courage is a real-time tactics game developed by Pyro Studios. The game allows players to control a small squad of commandos and complete different missions behind enemy lines. The game's focus is on stealth and strategy, with players using different tactics to outmaneuver their opponents. The game's campaign mode is incredibly immersive, with players experiencing the different challenges of completing missions behind enemy lines.
Graphics
The graphics in Commandos 2: Men of Courage are not the best. The game's visuals are simplistic, and the user interface can be overwhelming at times. However, the game's attention to detail is impressive, with units and maps accurately representing their real-life counterparts. The game's graphics may not be the most impressive, but they serve their purpose and do not detract from the game's overall experience.
Historical Accuracy
Commandos 2: Men of Courage is not the most historically accurate game, but it does a decent job of portraying the different challenges of completing missions behind enemy lines. The game's units and maps accurately represent their real-life counterparts, and the game's campaign mode does a good job of portraying the different challenges commandos faced during WW2.
Overall, these five WW2 strategy games are some of the best out there. Each game offers a unique experience and allows players to approach the war in different ways. Whether you prefer grand strategy or small-scale tactical battles, there is a WW2 strategy game out there for you. These games are not only enjoyable to play, but they also provide an opportunity to learn more about one of the most significant events in human history.