Ah, the Close Combat sequence. Over twenty years previous, and nonetheless disabusing folks of the notion that World War 2 was gained by heroic fees by enemy fireplace towards unbelievable odds. The venerable simulationist technique sequence has been crushing the spirits of would-be tacticians for a really very long time now, though most of the video games have been out of circulation for a while.
Presumably with the intention to elevate curiosity within the upcoming sequel, Close Combat: The Bloody First, GOG have managed to secure the rights to redistribute most of the series, with 5 video games being available for purchase DRM-free, and all discounted at current.
I need to confess that my expertise with the sequence is restricted, though not for need of making an attempt. I’ve tried to wrap my head across the tactical subtleties of those video games a number of occasions, and in some way ended up in the identical acquainted spiral of damaged morale and shattered autos each time, with every transfer made to revive my forces turning right into a contemporary mistake accompanied by additional losses.
Being actually fairly garbage at Close Combat, it’s laborious for me to rightfully suggest the franchise. Thankfully, you don’t need to take my phrase on the standard of those video games – our resident historic technique boffin Tim Stone has said plenty on the subject, and it’s largely optimistic. The AI within the video games exhibits its age occasionally, and the interface isn’t practically as clean and intuitive because it could possibly be by fashionable requirements, however there are nonetheless loads of the reason why the Close Combat title carries weight to this present day, and should you’re the form of one that is aware of their PaK 37 from their QF6’s, these is likely to be simply what the overall ordered.
The Close Combat sale on GOG contains Close Combat’s 2 by four, and the 2 most up-to-date video games, Panthers In The Fog and Gateway to Caen. The latter two (usually priced to suit the technique grognard market, as per Slitherine’s normal guidelines of engagement) are closely discounted at current, down a complete 65% off RRP, and the sale shall be working for the following six days, give or take. The subsequent recreation within the sequence, Close Combat: The Bloody First, is due for launch someday this yr after intensive delays.
