The game is turn-based, and it is played on a map of Europe that is drawn with 50-mile hexes, divided into countries, and sprinkled with cities, oil fields, ports, and mines that produce resources. Fans of SSI's Clash of Steel from 1993 will feel right at home. In terms of complexity, Strategic Command is a notch or two above Hasbro's Axis & Allies board game and nowhere near the daunting challenge of Avalon Hill's intimidating Third Reich. Strategic Command's level of detail strikes a perfect balance between getting bogged down in too much detail and glossing over important historical factors. But because it lacks a challenging AI, it eventually falls apart as anything other than a multiplayer game. For the most part, it's a satisfying re-creation of the struggle that defined the 20th century. It addresses diverse elements such as technology, air power, amphibious landings, supply problems, and partisans in an accessible and streamlined way. It stretches from the huge sacrifices of manpower on the Eastern front to the submarines fighting the battle for the Atlantic. Strategic Command: European Theater is a simple and at times simplistic look at the epic sweep of World War II in Europe. The future of Europe and perhaps ultimate glory is in your hands. With limited phase restrictions and wide open turns you are in complete control to try many different approaches and entertain just as many possible outcomes. Political options, research and upgrade of equipment, management of supply and resources and the strategic employment of one's armed forces are some of the keys to success. The Campaign Editor allows players to construct alternate realities, and gameplay can continue into 1947.Īs the supreme commander of the Axis or Allied forces, you shape the fates of the nations at war during the Second World War in Europe. The German invasions of Poland in 1939, Operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Kursk offensive of 1943, and D-Day in 1944 are all possible starting points. Unit types include HQ's, tanks, rockets, bombers, cruisers, battleships, carriers, submarines, and transports. Players command either Allied or Axis forces, research upgrades, and make political and military decisions. Strategic Command: European Theater is a strategy game involving 25 WWII European nations.

Strategic command 3