Enemy AI is weak, unit balance non-existent (infantry rifles damaging tank is normal here for some reason). There is very little need for a strategy beyond most basic: attack them at a range where they can't shoot back - and yes, enemy units will just sit there for several turns getting themselves massacred. The turn limit so far seems very generous since most missions give you plenty of time, and no incentive to take any risks. Panzer General this is not, as there are no rewards for completing maps quickly. Graphics are serviceable but nothing to write home about. Given the time that passed between release of Rites of War or Final Liberation and this game, I think it's justified to at least expect some animations on units' movement and combat, beyond muzzle flashes and an occasional explosion. In conclusion: I have set my expectations for this game at a level of a twenty years old game, and I'm still disappointed.
The concept is great (if somewhat depressing): no matter what you do, the world will find a way to screw you over, but the execution… Awful shooting mechanics, ridiculous amounts of damage that enemies can withstand (one headshot with a pistol will NOT kill anyone), and subpar graphics (for the time) bring down this, otherwise, great idea for a game. Two stars for the idea. TL;DR: Uwe Boll made a movie out of this game that is BETTER than the source material! No, seriously, it's a super dark comedy, go watch it.
The game shows some nice ideas and (initially) a very creepy atmosphere that is soon replaced by hordes of respawning enemies. Luckily, just before this happens, you get a gun with infinite ammo! Yes, a supposed survival horror throws at you a doom like arena filled with enemies (one type of an enemy, you know, so that variety wouldn't confuse you >.>) and a gun that doesn't need any ammo... Any trace of fear will be gone in less than 30 minutes in and that is really disappointing. Add mediocre combat, dated graphics and below average level design (that mansion feels like god damned mall) and you understand why this game didn't sell well back in 2001. 2 out of 5 for that initial atmosphere - buy only if you think that 30 minutes of relative fun is worth your money. Oh yeah, just so you know, the reload button is named "Weapon Action" in the key-binding menu... Weapon action... ffs.
What seemed like a slightly unpolished version of Age of Empires at first, quickly became a terrible disappointment. It's not the awful UI, not the dated graphics, not even a boring campaign but the god damned unit AI. Units running away from the target when I tell them to attack, soldiers hitting peasants while being slaughtered by the enemy and simply unexplainable path-finding makes this game a micro-management horror. Sorry, I just can't see the appeal others seem to have found in this title, and I don't think it's an "awesome battle" when your soldiers attack a wall in stead of a nearby tower that is decimating them with projectiles (and yes, I did order them to attack the tower several times). It's just painful to watch. Also, how can this be so much less streamlined and enjoyable than Warcraft 2 (six years older game!)?
