Review: Making History 2: the War of the World (PC)

The origin of Making History II: the War of the World is somewhat unusual. It was designed as an learning mechanism for teachers of modern history and has since evolved both in ideology and intent into the game presented today. This origin marks the game as something a little different from the majority of hardcore strategy games. However, switching goals through development is fraught with danger in games development and whilst this background does give the game a unique soul, it does not guarantee good gameplay. Indeed, it is with fevered hope for the developers sake, this is simply one of its stage of evolution.

This game has so much potential. So, so much potential

The game takes you back to the build up and battles of World War Two. Through a turn based approach to three different scenarios, the player receives dictator level of governmental control of any nation their heart fancies. In this sense, it is exactly the same as ever other grandiose strategy game. However, unlike others in the genre, it presents a near limitless choice as nations, from the significant to the majorly insignificant.

Its military/battle side is, for a battle game, appallingly poor. Whilst a lot of extensive options are divided into the typical navy, land and air, it is the interactions of these troops that draw ire. The mechanics are woeful inadequate, allowing the simple creation of a bunch of the same units (for instance, heavy tanks), which then can be used to exploit any number of broken mechanics (for example, a remarkable indifference to weather and terrain). Furthermore, the AI is not bright and can be regularly led into simple traps.

Tank swarm!

The graphics of the game, in a board game appearance, are highly enjoyable with the sound effects well done. This builds onto a clear and concise interface, with all of the major buttons in easy access, to create an aesthetically pleasing game. The music, although not spectacular, is appropriate but definitely does not detract from the experience. Sadly, this work is mostly undone. In an understatement, the game had a tendency to crash. Not, for instance, should the overeager general attempt to place troops in two countries at the same time, but instead for the rather unforgivable crime of trying to research, trying to get into the diplomacy screen or sneezing. It may have crashed in response for the audacity of crashing.

The sheer scope of this game is incredible. If only it wasn’t so flawed – but the good news is, it is still a work in progress