Men of War II, developed by Best Way and published by Fulqrum Publishing, continues the legacy of its predecessors (and the many spin-off titles) with a fresh new take on World War II real-time strategy. As fans of classic RTS gameplay, we were really looking forward to firing this up on one of our PCs – here’s what we thought.
Men of War II delves deep into the chaos of World War II, allowing players to command units from the Soviet, German, and U.S. armies on the battlefield. The game does not focus heavily on a single storyline but rather offers multiple perspectives through its various campaigns and missions. This approach gives players a broad view of the war, highlighting the strategies and challenges faced by each faction – each with their own strengths and units. This historical context and diversity is rich and engaging, although we wouldn’t have minded seeing a bit more from a storytelling/narrative perspective as well.
The core of Men of War II’s appeal lies in its intricate and realistic gameplay mechanics. Players manage different types of units, including infantry, tanks, and artillery, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The regiment system adds tactical depth, allowing for customization and strategic flexibility. The game also introduces a Front Line mode, which requires players to push their line of control into enemy territory, creating dynamic and tense battles and reminding us in subtle ways of Sudden Strike 4.
However, while the game boasts a wide variety of units and tactical options, the unit cap can feel restrictive, limiting the scale of some engagements. This can also lead to balancing issues, where the artillery units, in particular, can dominate the battlefield, sometimes overshadowing other units unless countered effectively with specific strategies because you can’t just counter them with sheer numbers.
Men of War II’s controls are detailed and can be daunting for newcomers. The game requires precise management of multiple units and resources, which can lead to a steep learning curve for RTS novices. The addition of nine tutorial missions is a helpful feature though, easing players into the complex mechanics while getting them comfortable with the basics. Yet, even with these tutorials, getting fully battle-ready can take a while.
Visually, Men of War II impresses with detailed unit models and realistic environments – though Company of Heroes 3 is still the better looking game. The battlefields are meticulously crafted, enhancing the immersion. The sound design complements the visuals well, with authentic sound effects that bring the wartime experience to life. Explosions, gunfire, and the ambient sounds of battle contribute to a compelling audio-visual experience, and it’s great to play this one with the speakers up – hearing a massive confrontation erupt never ceases to be impactful.
Men of War II is a solid entry in the real-time strategy genre, offering deep tactical gameplay and a comprehensive look at World War II from multiple angles. Its strengths lie in its detailed mechanics and the variety of units and strategies available. However, the steep learning curve and some balance issues with unit capabilities may deter some players, so this one fits more with seasoned RTS players than novices. Overall, it is a rewarding experience for those who invest the time to master its complexities, and if you’re a Men of War veteran who was looking forward to this one, you won’t be disappointed.
Score: 7.8/10
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