World in Conflict review

This strategy game's been kicking around for a while, and I thought I would review it, having bought it the other day. I've been meaning to buy it for a while, but always bought something else.

So then, the premise is that in 1989 the Soviet Union thought "What have we got to lose?" and invaded the US in Seattle, before this, they'd also invaded Europe. The game throws you into both of these scenarios, and the battles are furious. If you have a High-end PC, then the game is truly beautiful, with artillery shells exploding in the distance, and in the foreground a group of paratroopers parachuting into battle, but even if you don't have a High-spec PC, you're in for some aural treats. The sound is very good, both the music and the sound effects really involve you in the battle.

The way it handles itself is different to most RTSs with there being no base-building whatsoever. When you want to get some more troops or vehicles, you set a drop zone and they are then parachuted in. You pay for this with reinforcement points, that you get by killing enemies. This system constantly pushes you forward, it is a fast game. You can also call in tactical aid, ranging from light artillery barrages to carpet bombing to tactical nuclear strikes. These are paid for with tactical aid points. You feel involved throughout the whole game.

Also, unusually for a strategy game it has a story with a human element, and it even made one person I know cry! It is a very good game, and I thoroughly recommend picking it up now, as you can buy it quite cheaply now. Even on a fairly cheap PC the explosions are beautiful.

It doesn't have many flaws but there is one that I can think of: It's not that long for a strategy game, only about 15 hours, but that doesn't stop me giving it a high mark.

+Beautiful Graphics
+Amazing Sound Design
+Replayable
+A Large-scale game
-Not very long

VERDICT: 9/10 an excellent game.