You get to choose your forces and the side you wish to play (German, Russian, American, or British). I find it’s a tough slog playing anyone other than the Germans. Nothing can stand up to the dreaded “88” anti-tank gun in the early war. It can pick off three or four tanks before the enemy can even get in range. But it’s mostly useful only in defense because of its immobility and it is very vulnerable to artillery. Once it reveals its location, it becomes a “magnet” for fire. Also, smoke rounds can blind it.
I prefer the campaign personally. You start the game with very weak units (maximum 24). Luckily the enemy has primitive tanks as well. After each battle, you receive
a certain number of points for repair and replacement depending on how well you did. Eventually you work your way up from Panzer IIs and IIIs to Panthers and Tigers.
Your surviving troops also improve from green recruits to veterans to elite forces as the campaign progresses. This primarily affects morale. A badly damaged force can be routed and run from the battle. Veterans are less likely to do so. Many engagements are won only when the enemy cuts and runs.
You are randomly assigned a mission (Assault, Meeting Engagement, Defend, Delay) before each battle and allowed to select a handful of units to add to your regular army. I usually pick 88s if I’m defending, Engineers if I’m assaulting and sometimes tactical air or artillery depending on the objective. You can set up each unit individually or have the computer do it for you. That’s always exciting as a few units inevitably find themselves in a useless position several miles from the main battle. Fog of war.
The game is a blast. It’s simple to play, but surprisingly complex. The use of combined arms is rewarded. Tanks are great but if you run into a minefield without engineers to clear it, you’ll suffer some serious damage. Some units are best on offense and others are most useful on defense. Live and learn. Stick with it and maybe this time the panzers will take Moscow.
