Sudden Strike returns with its fifth game in this classic series. Is this real time strategy game a worthy addition to this classic franchise? Or is this just another war game?
War Is Hell
Growing up, I had a love affair with great strategy titles like the Total War series and War Of The Ring. These games enticed me with large scale battles and the feeling of being the commander of epic fights. After these titles, I moved away from the genre. Then, more recently, the excellent Company Of Heroes 3 pulled me back in. So when Sudden Strike 5 was revealed, my excitement was palpable. This is a game which markets itself on being brutal and methodical; it removes tedious aspects like base building. It’s true that the game has some issues. However, I’m pleased to say Sudden Strike 5 is a great new entry for the series.
Developed by Kite Studios, the campaigns for Sudden Strike 5 take place within a World War 2 setting. The year is 1945. Set across 25 different missions, the three campaigns revolve around the Western Allies, the Axis and the Soviets. The missions span across Europe and North Africa. They range from defending a bridge, using an armoured train and storming fortified bases. Whilst there isn’t a main protagonist, the game uses different commanders which the player can select and this drastically changes the way you play.
The game is fantastic in immersing the player in the brutality of World War 2. Every mission feels authentic and the tension is tangible. Unfortunately, some of the campaign missions end up feeling repetitive and tedious. However, there is still a lot to enjoy, as you command hundreds of units to victory or defeat. War has always been violent and brutal and Sudden Strike 5 doesn’t shy away from this.
Master And Commander
Sudden Strike 5 aims to have a different approach compared to other RTS games, and, bar a couple of missteps, it succeeds. This isn’t your average RTS; there is no base building and no replenishable units. You are working with what you are given, plain and simple; it’s up to you to deal with it from a tactical standpoint. You can command up to 300+ units at any given time across the battlefield. These range from different infantry squads, recon units, artillery forces and of course, tanks. These units are vastly different in their loadouts and abilities, creating varying playstyles for the player to test out. I loved the vast amount of options I had in order to marshal my troops.
When at its best, the game feels like a real chess match. The general system amplifies this. As previously mentioned, you can select from a list of different commanders who each have different traits. Personally, I favoured Bernard Montgomery’s command, as he can give bonuses to units fighting from fortified positions. However, it’s not just the commanders which make everything feel tense. You are tasked with solving tactical problems in real time. This involves breaking a defensive line, flanking the enemy, using specific squads for tasks, all whilst attempting to maintain your unit’s health.
Gameplay feels fluid and responsive and this is heightened in tense online PvP battles which really test your knowledge against fellow players. Multiplayer offers 1v1, 2v2 and free for all matches across the vast battlefields. It’s an old school style of online multiplayer which veterans of the genre will absolutely adore. For newcomers, be prepared to be taught a lesson or two very quickly.
Strategic Missteps
Whilst for the majority of the time I enjoyed gameplay, it’s not without its problems. For newcomers to this genre, the game does very little to welcome them or try to help them. The tutorial for the game has two options: one basic and one more advanced. However, neither do enough to really acclimatise players. The game is bizarrely vague in its explanations and descriptions. Far too many times across the campaign I would accidentally stumble across a new unit or new mechanic with no explanation of what it was. For some tools that are vital to mission success, it is baffling how the developers did not give more context to the player to help them understand.
Unfortunately, Sudden Strike 5 suffers from a common issue for RTS games on console – issues with the controller. Many games in this genre suffer from finnicky controls and this game is no different. Too often, I would be accidentally selecting the wrong unit or issuing wrong orders. The game is tailored to mouse and keyboard and whilst options like the tactical pause do help, it can lead to a frustrating experience. Still, this is a great tactical experience if you can weather the storm.
Brutal Beautiful War
Visual presentation in Sudden Strike 5 is brutal, bloody and beautiful. Every mission and map is based on real life locations from historical battles; every location looks gorgeous, with brilliant lighting and detail packed into every corner. Units look unique and varied in their cosmetic design and animations are perfect in portraying the hardships of war. War is unforgiving and the developers have done brilliantly in capturing the horrors of the frontlines. During my time with the game, it ran impressively consistent with no real frame rate drops and no crashes whatsoever. The visuals and presentation help elevate the atmosphere and really made me feel like I was being dropped straight into war.
With the exception of one minor issue, the audio design and soundtrack are resoundingly impressive. Every order shouted, bullet fired, artillery explosion or tank movement sound is plucked right out of a war film; I felt instantly immersed with the superb audio design. The soundtrack for the game has been composed in collaboration with the Budapest Art Orchestra and it is brilliant, if not for one issue. The orchestral soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the time period and the setting with an atmospheric ambient warzone track. The problem is sometimes it can be overshadowed by the audio design and can be lost in the chaos. Still, this is a brilliant soundtrack nonetheless.
Verdict
For fans of this storied franchise, Sudden Strike 5 is a welcome addition. A solid campaign full of great historic battles, fun multiplayer options and an addictive gameplay loop will satisfy veterans of the RTS genre. Some frustrating issues occur, such as repetitive missions, finnicky controls and a steep learning curve but overall, there is a great game in the chaos. Add in beautiful visuals and strong audio design and you have the recipe for a great war game. War is hell!
