DESCRIPTION

Set in World War II, Sudden Strike combines real time strategy (RTS) with tactical simulation elements in more than 30 missions. The game combines diverse scenarios made up of several missions each for extended campaign play. Up to 1000 units at a time, consisting of French, German, British, American and Russian forces, can be functional during battle scenarios.

Sudden Strike features an isometric viewpoint with line of sight affected by bridges, trees, houses, fortifications, entrenched units and more. As play progresses, units exhibit real life combat behavioral patterns (sneak, retreat, charge, etc.) and gain experience based on mission success. Missions from all nationality perspectives are available with historically based and country-unique units complementing each force. Much of the action in Sudden Strike takes place on the Russian front with its massive land war (including Stalingrad) as well as in major conflicts such as Normandy.

The game includes reality-based environmentally accurate battle impacts such as shell craters, occupying housing for fortification, destructible structures and equipment, derelict units and plan-altering terrain. Hundreds of country-specific units, each with realistically modeled properties, strengths, purpose and attributes are available during missions. Units range from snipers, submachine gunners and ordnance experts to heavy artillery, tanks, rocket launchers and mobile hospitals to name just a few.

Gameplay in Sudden Strike is controlled via mouse point-and-click supported by a detailed menu system. An extensive Orders Menu contains commands such as move, attack, move and attack, lay mines, search for mines, upload or download units from mobile transportation, turn guns, cease movement, reload and build or block bridges. Hold move and hold fire are special orders for units in close proximity to enemy forces.

The Aviation Order Menu includes options for air support and allows requests for bomber support, transportation, adding or removing planes to or from requirements, landing troops in specific target zones or specifying bombing areas. Officers in Sudden Strike, unlike infantry, carry only light weapons but do have access to binoculars for scouting contested terrain. Mobile hospitals and ammo and engineering trucks serve self-explanatory functions.

Think you'd like to guide your favorite international force and either replicate or rewrite WWII history? Now you have your chance with Sudden Strike. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide