After a large number of delays, mega-scale WW2 RTS Steel Division 2 is out now. Another in Eugen Systems’s line of additional chunky technique games (together with RUSE and the Wargame sequence), this one steps up from the comparatively small maps of the original Steel Division‘s Normandy campaign and into the sprawling plains of Russia. One for the historical grognard crew, which is why we have Tim Stone in the trenches working on a review. We didn’t put him in the ditch – he simply gained’t depart it. Below, a launch trailer displaying off the game zoomed in nearer than most will see it.
Steel Division 2’s greatest distinction over the primary game is dynamic campaigns. Turn-based, as within the Wargame sequence, you progress your armies across the theatre of battle, and need to battle your real-time tactical battles utilizing no matter troops you must hand. It provides a little bit of a deck-building component to assembling your armies, too. While the unique Steel Division had some enjoyable single-player missions, this format does attraction much more to me. There’s even the choice to allow auto-resolve so you may play it solely as a turn-based game, however that’d be skipping 80% of the explosions.
As with Eugen’s different large technique games, Steel Division 2’s battles are principally performed from an summary map layer, nevertheless it’s simulating every little thing right down to the place the person shells land. You can zoom in and see your little squaddies diving for canopy as artillery rains down, however you’re most likely not giving excellent orders if seen at that angle. It’s the curse of the sequence, nevertheless it makes for actually enjoyable replays of multiplayer matches, as you take a look at the chaos unfolding from a completely new, extra dynamic angle.
It can be remiss of me to say Steel Division 2 and its delays with out mentioning Eugen’s latest frictions with their very own employees. Much of the studio went on strike last year for 2 months. Not solely did the studio not again down within the face of employees claiming they’d been underpaid, however Eugen went on to fire several of the people involved in the strike simply days earlier than Christmas. It leaves a bitter style in my mouth, and whether or not or not Tim finally ends up giving this his medal of approval, I is perhaps skipping on this one. A pity, as I’ve loved Eugen’s games up up to now.
Steel Division 2 is out now on Steam and Humble for £35/€40/$40, with a number of dearer editions together with a season cross of campaigns to be launched later.
