WWII Online: Battleground Europe

[Tikigod]

Its probably the best battlefield sim game out there for multiplayer/coop. Operation Flashpoint and Arma are good but, don't have the same gameplay and vast environment this one does.


PROs
-It has the largest battlefield map in any game ever released.
-Cities are all different sizes.
-Terrain varies in many areas making every battle interesting (for as big as the game is you don't get repetative environments)
- Time and lighting transitions from day to night.
- Battles go on 24/7 (its hard to sign off)
- Some Cities may take a weekend to capture depending how well defended they are by other players.
- Capturing Cities require alot of teamwork. It requires you to capture and hold structures (you can't do it on your own you need alot of people to invade and setup defenses for a counter attack)
-There is actual strategical targets (bombing structures actually reduces resources)
-Game model is very well thought out (forward bases, cutting off supply, resource choke points)
- Lots of roles to choose from: Infantry, Paratroopers, Anti-Tank Guns, Flak Cannons, Fighter Planes, Bombers, Support Trucks, Tanks, Gunboats)
-Sounds are excellent in game. There is time delay from when you see impacts to when you hear them.
-Very active virtual sqads to join and play with (the best way to survive in battle)
-Your units you play gain rank and skill as you play unlocking more weapons and vehicles you can use.
-Overall strategy is amazing. You can use small teams to scout or spy on towns pre-invasion or use aerial reconnaissance to find troop numbers or movements.
-Resources are limited. As vehicles die they are removed from inventories. As cities get bombed resupply of inventories gets reduced.

CONs
-Can't jump from one role to another. Can't leave vehicles and go infantry. You either have to respawn or die to change roles.
-Graphics and animations are outdated for as old as the game is.
-There is no fire or smoke that you can see from a distance. The main instincts you use to find hot areas is through visually seeing tracer fire or by sounds of explosions and gunfire)
-Units are limited (There is no Artillery, Mortars, Mines, and other equipment used in WW2. There are only a handful of vehicles and airplanes to choose from)
-Dogfighting is pretty simplified (its no IL2 but, its ok for as massive as the game is)
-New Chain of Command system requires ranking officers to be online to issue orders or objectives. If there is no leadership there is noway to gain ground. This is a very nice model but, if I am paying to play I want to have active leadership 24/7.
-Price. Game goes through population swings. There is on average 10-20,000 people registered. Most activity occurs during the Free welcome back soldier promotions.

Battlefield Europe is better than the old WW2 Online. Although its the same engine it added Paratroopers, Smoke Grenades, a Vehicle Mobile Spawn for infantry (although unrealistic improves gameplay tenfold), and slightly better graphics.