The following games have been played and reviewed by Mussolini, following the criteria posted in Mussolinis Wargame Review System.

All games are purchased with Mussolinis money so requests for game reviews will not take place, unless companies start sending Mussolini games for free.

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Medieval Total War II Review

Requirements:
1.5 GHz Processor
512 MB RAM
8 GB Hard disk space
128 MB Graphics card
Windows 2K/ME/XP/Vista

Release Date: Nov 14, 2006

Presentation/Pacakge: 10/10 Once again, MTWII includes a map that shows each territory and city, along with a manual relating to gameplay. Menu options allow Grand Campgain, Tutorial, Historical Battles, and Custom Battles. Multiplayer, too. They seem to have covered every base.

Graphics: 18 / 20 Not a big step up from Rome: Total War...the Campaign map does have graphical improvements, but the biggest upgrade came with the battle maps and units. Battle Maps dont seem to have 'borders' anymore. It creates a feel of fighting a battle in a particular area of the world. Ships, cities, etc can be seen off in the distance. Armor and units look amazing, and each individual unit fights - not a generic 'movement' like previously done.

Interface: 9/10 Nothing spectacular here, but it is easy to use. Holding mouse over any button reveals what it does. Possible to change formations, both for singular groups or mass groups. Also provides detailed stats and historic information on each unit type. You can also check out your family tree, status with the pope, overall standings, etc through easy-to-find buttons.

Gameplay: 17/20 This game is basically a remake of Rome Total War, only set in the medieval time period. It uses an updated engine and includes a ton of new content and units. It also introduces us the Aztecs - an unplayable faction but one you fight against once you reach the ability to travel to North America. Religion plays an important role in this game: Catholic, Orthodox, Islam. You get missions from your religious leaders, can be excommunicated by the Pope, or have a Crusade/Jihad called against you. Priests walk about converting populations, while inquisitors look for infidels and heretics and witches denounce your faith. Crusading Armies get bonuses to movement and can also recruit Religious Fanatics and other Crusader-specific unit types. Merchants can also move around the map, to tiles that have various goods on them. The further away your merchant moves, the greater the income from the goods he 'harvests'. He can also try and 'destroy' a rival merchant by contesting the tile of goods. Spys and Assasins serve the same function as they did previously.
A cool addition to gameplay is the animation. While there may be 60 individuals in a unit, during combat they move individually. You can zoom in and watch fights between individual units. They exchange blows, usually with some one ending up dead. Swords actually stab through torsos. People armed with spears or pitchforks usually knock their foe to the ground, then lunge at them, finishing them off by stabiing them. When arrows hit a target and wound them, the target stumbles. Its a really cool feature that seems like it will be built upon in the Medieval Total War Kingdoms expansion that is in the works.

Contexual Realism: 8/10 Units, factions, and leaders generally follow historical events, but alliances etc do not. Beyond the startup and intro movie that suggests what to do, you're generally free to do as you will. Certain historical events are triggered on their historical date (discovery of gunpowder, etc) and the Mongol Invasion does occur too. With devasting effect, i might add. But for those more historically minded, you do have the option of playing over a dozen Historical Battles, such as Agincourt and Hastings.

Sound: 8/10 Good music once again, but nothing outstanding. During battles, you can hear men screaming and yelling orders ('Heave' is often heard when near the battering ram). Generals speak with accents based on what nation they are from, and give inspiring and often hillarious speeches before battle.

Replay Value: 9/10 Lots of factions to play, different methods of doing things, outcomes of battles determined by how you attack/defend result in countless outcomes in the game. Not to mention its extremely fun to play, you'll want to try out each faction at least once.

Il Duce Factor: 9/10 Who doesnt like the Middle Ages? Especially with the amazing graphics in MTW II. Nothing like watching bodies fly when a heavy cavalary unit hits the rear of some pesky archers. Or the one-on-one fights to the death. Great replayability factor and time period make this game a must.

Overall Rating: 88/100

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This Review includes the Doomsday Expansion to Hearts of Iron II.

Requirements:
Pentium III 1.0 GHz or equivalent
RAM: 256 MB
Video Memory: 32 MB
Hard Drive Space: 1000 MB
Other: DirectX 9.0c-compliant video card

Release Date: April 7, 2006

Presentation/Pacakge: 8/10 The typical PC Game case, along with an extensive manual. Menus allow the standard options along with starting the game during various dates/operations.

Graphics: 16/20 The Hearts of Iron series, much like the Europa Universalis Series, isnt a game about graphics. It spans the ENTIRE WORLD with individual territories and units are very general, just showing what time of unit it is and what nationality. However, in the Tech-Tree scren historical pictures represent each unit.

Interface: 8/10 Lots of options, production sliders, and tech-tree (not to mention all the diplomatic options) might seem overwhelming at first but are all easily accesible through a tab-like menu. Nothing fancy or otherwise outwardly confusing.

Gameplay: 20/20 This game is simply the BEST Strategic Game ever made. You cant call yourself a Wargamer if you dont own this game. Not only does it have an extensive, historical tech-tree, from Civilian Technology to Military Technology (along with Companies you assign the research to) it also allows you play as ANY COUNTRY THAT EXISTED DURING WORLD WAR II!! How awesome is that? Not to mention the ability to mod the game. As far as actual game play, where a real-time minute = 1 day in gametime, its pretty awesome. Units can be assigned to help defend or attack neighboring territories, Airforce can perform an assortment of tasks, and the Navy can too. Supplies are extremely important, along with terrain and weather. You need to make trade agreements with other countries in order to survive. You focus on upgrading military units or your industries. The diplomatic options are varied too: from assasinations, espionage, stealing technology to trading technology and forming alliances. There really isnt anything negative about this game.

Contexual Realism: 9/10 Why not a perfect score? Because like any game, anything can happen. You choose who to attack, what technology to research, etc. There are many events that are triggered historically, but they often allow you to pick between options. Certain events will always happen - the Spanish Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Operation Barbarossa, Poalnd - but their outcomes are not always historical. I witnessed the Republican Spain defeat Nationalist Spain, partially because the Nationalists didnt recieve outside help. I've also seen Japan conquer and annex China, before granting the Nationalist control over what we know as modern China. I've also seen the Germans wait until 1941 to attack the Low Lands and France.

Sound: 9/10 Great music! Epic sounding, almost historical too. Doesnt pause between load screen (to start game) and is continous.

Replay Value: 10/10 With hundreds of countries to play and so many different ways to go about 'conquering' the world, you could play this game 1,000 different times and still have new endings to it. Even Hearts of Iron (the first game) was amazing.

Il Duce Factor: 10/10 Simply put: WOW! I cant think of anything negative about this game. I cant think of a way for it to be even better, either. What? You DONT HAVE THIS GAME YET? Why are you still reading this? Go out and get it! Oh yeah - Mulitplayer? I havent had much of a chance to play, but i believe up to 8 people can play online. Even just playing with a friend makes this game awesome (Germany/Italy anyone?). Oh, and if you dont go out and get this game right now, our little friend will be coming to visit you. (Thats just a warning!)

Overall Score: 90/100

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A Fantasy RPG. A game full of Eye Candy.

Requirements:

Windows XP
512MB System RAM
2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
128MB Direct3D compatible video card
and DirectX 9.0 compatible driver;
8x DVD-ROM drive
4.6 GB free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c (included)
DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
Keyboard, Mouse
Release Date: March 20, 2006

Presentation/Pacakge: 10/10 It came with a map, and a coin! How cool is that? Oh yeah, a game manual came with it too.

Graphics: 20/20 Yeah, they are that good. If you've got a good graphics card, you'll see what you mean. Running the game on its lower settings just doesnt do justice to it. Light reflections off everything, scenery mirrored in lakes, trees swaying in the wind, grass, stones, armor and weapons, magic spells, everything! This game is simply amazing in its level of detail. Even customizing your characters look - the level of detail is awesome! The shadow effects are amazing too...its probably the best looking game for the PC i have ever seen.

Interface: 8/10 Simple to use. Easy to perfom actions. Lockpicking can be a pain in the ass, especially on hard locks. I'm still not sure how to work out Appraisail with its options/menu.

Gameplay: 18/20 Lots of Classes and Races allow you to build a character based on how you want to play the game. Whether you want to tbe a sneaky thief/assasin or a barabarian/warrior. The game world is expansive! Hundreds of 'dungeons' to explore, items to get, and cities to visit. Only load screens are when you enter a city or dungeon, though traveling the length of the game world (outside) would take 30 mins. Thank god for the fast-travel map option! You dont have to follow the main quest right away and there are numerous side quests you can go on that give you special items, money, and prestiege. You can also be arrested and spend time in jail for breaking the law! Some quests actually require you to be in jail (to get in contact with Thieves Guild, and at least one other quest). Very few bugs in the game - just dont dismount from your horse near a wall, as i found myself stuck in the wall until i mounted my horse again.

Contexual Realism: 8/10 Doesnt really apply to this game, since it is a Fantasy themed game. But combat is realistic - you can die rather easily if you're not careful and fatigue and stamina play a roll in everything too.

Sound: 9/10 Pretty good sound in this one, actually. Good voice acting and the music sounds on par with LOTR.

Replay Value: 9/10 Again, the races and classes allow you to play this game from many different angles. Certain classes are more adept at certain quests or guilds too, providing players with the oppurtunity to do just about everything at least once.

Il Duce Factor: 8/10 Like previously said, the graphics are amazingly good. Nothing like using swords and sorcery too, though a few minor bugs can be annoying (as mentioned before) but the general feel of the game is pretty good. Replaying the game as a different class can make some of the intro quests a little repetitive.



Overall Rating: 90/100

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Silent Storm. Fictional WWII.

Published by: JoWooD Studios
Release Date: 1/20/04
Setting: WWII-Era / Fictional

System Requirements:

Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP, DirectX® 9 .0 or higher
CPU 600 MHz
128 MB RAM
3D graphics card, 32 MB RAM (nVidia GeForce2MX compatible or better)
Sound card
CD-ROM
2.5 GB of free hard drive space plus about 500 MB for Windows swap file and save games

10 Pts. Presentation/Package: 7/10
Silent Storm comes in the standard, generic PC game case. The pictures on the front, on the game CDs, and on the little booklet that accompanies the game clearly sets the game in the WWII era. Nothing special in the package, but also nothing ‘ugly’.

20 Pts. Graphics: 17/20
At the time of release, these graphics were cutting edge. Even today, the graphics remain a very strong part of the game. The weapons, ammunition, and items your character is carrying can be easily seen in the Inventory Screen where a figure of your character also appears. There will be a lot of ammunition belts on your character if he is carrying lots of ammo; each type of grenade will also appear based on what your character is carrying too. The environment is fully destructible too, and each figure moves realistically and responds realistically to explosions/hits/etc.

10 Pts. Interface: 9 / 10
Very simple interface. In-game interface consists of a bottom bar that has tabs for all six soldiers under your command. Clicking on each tab brings up each soldier (and centers the camera on him/her) and reveals the Health, Action-Points, and currently equipped weapons. Another button allows you to view the stats in one window, and the inventory in another. To the right of the tabs is an area dealing with movement (Run, Walk, Kneel, Crawl), type of shot (varies per weapon/grenade), Sneak, and Attack.

20 Pts. Gameplay: 17 / 20
The Game is played in three places: the HQ, the World Map, and the Game Map. In the HQ, you outfit your unit with weapons, med-packs, etc and pick which five other soldiers you wish to take with you. When you click on LEAVE you are taken to the World Map (of Europe). Areas that you have unlocked (by finding clues during missions and accomplishing tasks) are highlighted in red. Clicking on such a location zooms the map onto the location and shows you which places you can go. A place marked with “?” means you haven’t visited that mission yet, while “!” marks a spot you have completed. Clicking on “?” will cause a yellow circle to move across the map. This is your unit. You can change its course to avoid or attack a random encounter (a red diamond with a helmet in it). These can often lead to rare items. Once at a “?” you can click on it, which will load the game map and combat will start.
Combat is turn based. Each character has a certain amount of Action points to spend per turn. One with full AP can interrupt the AIs turn. You gain EXPERIENCE for killing the enemy and accomplishing the goals of each mission, which allows you to upgrade your soldier’s stats and abilities. You are also able to pick up any weapons and ammunition dead soldiers drop, or that can be found on the map.
Cover plays an important role, but deteriorates over time. For instance, most weapons can shoot through thin walls to hit their target. Repeatedly doing so will eventually cause a hole to appear in the wall. Grenades, and other types of explosives, can blow holes in the floor, wall, and ceilings. It is not uncommon for a large explosion to blow open a floor and cause the soldiers standing above it to fall to their deaths.
The character-models are also life like. They move in a life-like way (IE. When climbing up a ladder, they don’t ‘float’ up it, but rather grab each rung as they move). Deaths are also realistic. A killing shot to the right shoulder will cause the target to spin in that direction. A HE Grenade can evaporate an enemy in much the same manner, and due to explosions and physics, enemy bodies can fly through the air a short distance, fall off a roof, or collapse into a sitting position leaning against something.
What makes this game a Fictional WWII setting is the Panzerkleins. Think of these as Mobile Armor Suits. They are the wonder-weapon of the game. Sight is limited when using one, as is movement and the sneak ability. However, a regular SMG will do little to no damage against one. An RPG or Panzerfaust, on the other hand, will. A Sniper is also able to kill the occupant of the PK while keeping the PK intact. PKs are armed with a variety of weapons, from HMG, Bea, Weapons, and Caitlin Guns. These weapons, while perhaps not as accurate, are far more powerful then any other weapon in the game. They can singled handedly demolish thick walls or bunched groups of enemies rather quickly. Their movement as also rather realistic.
Overall, this is an extremely fun game to play, though having a grenade not go where it is supposed to can be very frustrating, but if the soldier isn’t skilled in Grenades, it is to be expected.

10 Pts. Contextual Realism: 8 / 10
The Weapons and Background of the game are set during WWII. The story introduces a Third Party to the War, who kidnap scientists from both sides, to make this ‘super weapon’ – the PanzerKleins. Your mission (whether Allies or Axis) is to find out who is kidnapping the scientists and why. Obviously, the PanzerKleins are a fictional weapon. The game also includes some German ‘wonder-weapons’ that really only existed as ideas on paper in real life. However, the PK’s aren’t ‘super-weapons’ that cant be defeated, which enables them to be integrated with the game rather smoothly. But again, if you are looking for a purely WWII-historical game, this might not cut it for you.

10 Pts. SOUND: Music/Sound FX / Voice Acting: 7/10
The accents, for the most part are very fitting. Everyone speaks English, though you can tell if they are German, British, Italian, etc. The music is also very fitting for the game and works rather well.

10 Pts. Lasting Appeal/Replay Value: 7 / 10
Due to the %-value given to each shot, it is possible that each time you play, the outcomes of the battles will be different. Another factor is gathering clues – some clues are hard to find – which unlock other levels. It is possible to play this game going to the missions in a different order every time. Also, there is a huge difference between playing as the Allies as opposed to the Axis, though the end goal is still the same. The game also has a multiplayer aspect (so far untried by the reviewer) which can extend the game-play indefinitely.

10 Pts. The ‘Il Duce’ Factor: 8/10
Great overall game, can be played with almost any combination of players, different order in which to do the missions, and great visuals.
Pros: Great graphics, easy-to-learn Gameplay, intense moments.
Cons: Movement Paths can be annoying, Characters aren’t the smartest and will accidentally shoot each other or explosive barrels (esp. when standing next to them), a small number of glitches.

Final Score: 80/100 This game is one worthy of play. While not a 100% historical WWII game, it does add to the fun factor with the PanzerKleins. It is also one of the first games with completely destructible environments, which also adds another element to game play. Character models are also rather lifelike, and there is a MultiPlayer element to the game too.

Videos:
Arming of German Soldiers in German Base - Video of SilentStorm - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Map Movement and Random Encounter - Video of SilentStormCombat - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Screenshots:

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World War II FPS at its Best.

Published By: Activision
Release Date: October 29, 2003 (UO: September, 2004)
Setting: World War II - Historical

System Requirements:

• 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX 9.0b compatible 32MB hardware T&L-capable video card and latest drivers*
• English version of Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Pentium III 600MHz or Athlon 600MHz processor or higher for systems with Windows 98/ME
• Pentium III 700MHz or Athlon 700MHz processor or higher for systems with Windows 2000/XP
• 128MB RAM
• 8x speed CD-ROM drive (1200KB/sec sustained transfer rate) and latest drivers
• 1.4GB of uncompressed free hard disk space (plus 400MB for Windows 98/ME swap file, 600MB for Windows 2000/XP swap file)
• 100% DirectX 9.0b compatible 16-bit sound card and latest drivers
• 100% Windows 98/ME/2000/XP compatible mouse, keyboard and latest drivers
• DirectX 9.0b (included)

Presentation/Package: 8/10
Truly nothing spectacular about the package it comes in. The cover art is pretty interesting looking - hand drawn action shots that set the mood for the game. The Menu's are very simple, with great background images. Load screens often inform you about your mission and what can be expected.

Graphics: 18/20
Call of Duty uses the Quake III: Team Arena Graphics Engine. Explosions, Gun Models, Shell Casings, Grenades, and Player Models are all extremely well done, even by todays standards. Map locations are often very good looking too, with horizons that make the map look like it extends indefinitely. The graphics dont make you think you're playing a game thats a few years old, but at the same time they aren't cutting edge (anymore).

Interface: 10/10
The compass rotates with the movement of the player. Objectives appear as Gold Stars on the Compass, and a White Arrow points you in the direction you need to go. A health bar shows you how much health you have left, while when you change weapons a 'ghost' bar on the top appears showing you what other weapons you have. Also keeps track of what mode of fire you are in, stance, and how much ammunition you have left for currently equipped weapon. Choosing teams, weapons, and looking at the Map is easily done through the main screen with tabs.

Gameplay: 20/20
Singe Player Campaigns (American, British, and Soviet) can see some extremely intense moments! Like crossing the Vulga under German Attack, with tons of Soviet infantry rushing to their deaths. Artillery barrages shake the screen, exploding grenades shock the player, combat can be intense! And thats just SinglePlayer! Multiplayer is definately the crown jewel of the game. 4+ Years later and there are easily 300 people playing the game at most times of the day. One of the best MP FPS I have ever played!

Contextual Realism: 10/10
Its a historical WWII Game and lives up to it! The campaigns follow specific units of each country, each with characters that have their own stories, fighting historically accurate battles in the game. Locations are well done and you really get a feel for the time period.

Sound: 8/10
Voice Acting could be a little better, but the music is perfect for the game and the SFX is also pretty accurate! The Ping of the Garand clip ejecting is realistic, as is the distinctive sounds of each weapon and incoming Artillery.

Lasting Appeal/Replay Value: 10/10
I still play MP and have started up the SP Campaigns again, and the game has been out for over 4 Years now. Its an extremely fun game, competition online is just awesome, and not enough good stuff can be said about this game.

Il Duce's Factor: 10/10
Are you a FPS fan? Are you a WWII fan? Do you have the game? If you answered YES to the first two questions and NO to the third question, then you clearly aren't what you said you are. Not only did the game win over 80 Game Of the Years Awards world-wide, but it is clearly a milestone in FPS History. Its sequels dont quite live up to the awesomeness of the Original. If you don't have this game, you're no friend of mine!

Final Score: 94/100
A fantastic achievement with only minor flaws or imperfections. If a game scores a 90 or better you know it's a great title with just enough imperfections to let you know they're for real. Games of this caliber are considered must-haves.

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