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Historical Scenario Reviews

Playability Rating

8.5/10

COMMENTS: This scenario is certainly fun. I think the historical accuracy of this scenario makes it neck and neck with the best WW2 scenarios out there. To me, this scenario shows how historical accuracy can be kept at a maximum while leaving it open ended. For example, the capture of Poland by the Axis forces Britain to be at war with Germany, which is historically accurate. But there are other examples like the capturing of Gibralter, Alexandria, and London, which progress along logical lines. What I don't like is when a World War 2 scenario tries to have too much control over the pace of the war. Best example of maintaining perfect historical accuracy while also preserving great gameplay.

FAULTS: The main faults in this scenario are the unit properties. I think that the Tanks must first of all have more movement points, and second of all be much more effective against Infantry than they are in this scenario. The Tanks are much too weak in this scenario. The movement points, I have found, are rather difficult to approach. The way I approach it is: how far could this unit go in the actual length of time I have set for each turn? Tanks only move two in this, which I don't think is good. Unfortunately, these faults were the only thing keeping this scenario from a 10 funfactor.

ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere was completely appropriate.

BALANCE: This scenario is very well balanced. I have never found a world war 2 scenario which allows for the Allies, Soviets, and Axis to be played in which each was equally fun and equally difficult.

SUGGESTIONS: Only minor flaws in this scenario keep me from saying it is the best WW2 scenario ever. The main concern is the unit properties; others include the fact that the Axis associates aren't allied with the Axis, and providing an event that would simulate what would happen if Turkey joined the Axis against the USSR, and also, the objectives are a little askew I think. One update could provide remedies to these easily fixable problems.

Level of General Care

7 / 10

COMMENTS:MAP: The map serves its purposes, but I think includes an unneccessary amount of land in the east such as India and Khazakstan.

DOCUMENTATION: Very good documentation.

TECH: The tech tree is pretty good, but not as good as it could be.

DETAILS: Details are taken care of. I usually don't pay that much attention to unit costs, but John obviously did, making the scenario even more historic.

Art and Originality

10/10

NEW IDEAS: Well, its a World War 2 scenario, a subject which has been pretty exhuasted in civ 2 scenarios. However, John's fusion of superior historical accuracy and maintainance of playability create a whole new aura about this scenario. It also starts at the real beginning of the war, something I think has not yet been done.

ART: Superb units and good city improvment icons. The terrain was a little lacking I think (oh, and I wasn't credited with drawing the ocean), and I think that the mining graphics were a bit confusing since it obstructed clear vision of the terrain. There is a small error with the partisan units- they have grey covering half of the screen. I guess John must have used the FW editors.