Solid introduction to the joys of wargaming
While visually unappealing, Storm Across Europe is a highly compelling and complex historical strategy game that should provide fans of Panzer Battles and similar games with all the tactical depth and thrills they require. The game takes players through pretty much the whole of WWII, with a set of campaigns covering some of the most dramatic moments of the conflict and with every geographical aspect of the war also included, from Russia to North Africa and everything in between. It all plays out in turn-based fashion, with a single turn representing three months of real time, and with players in charge of controlling elements like limited resources and research while of course having access to a myriad of land, air and sea units with which to wage war. The focus here is very much on the grand scale of things, rather than seeing the action from the ground, but this gives the game a nicely epic sense and it is undeniably compelling watching the tide of war across as it ebbs and flows across the entire European continent and beyond. The game is certainly challenging, with AI that puts up a stiff fight and forces you to really consider your moves and actions, thus requiring some fairly deep tactical thought. As mentioned, anyone expecting a graphical feast will be sorely disappointed as there is little beyond the rather poorly depicted map screen, with sound that is similarly lacking. However, as long as you can get past this, Storm Across Europe provides a good introduction to the joys of computer-based wargaming and makes for a worthy investment of your time.
