Allied General

Description

Allied General, Mindscape's strategy game, brings a unique perspective on World War II from the perspective of the Allied Forces to PlayStation. A spiritual successor to the successful Panzer General, the game doesn't seek to revolutionize the game, but instead builds on a proven foundation and brings it to the console platform.

What immediately catches the eye is the fidelity to historical realities and attention to detail. Players take on the role of Allied commander and must lead their troops through a series of campaigns, from D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. Each mission is carefully designed to not only test your strategic skills, but also offer enough historical references to please any military history buff.

The game's graphics are, as one would expect from a 1996 title, basic but functional. The maps are clear and the units are easily identifiable, which is key for a strategy game. The soundtrack plays more of a supporting role, although the thematic soundtrack and authentic sounds of combat are more than enough to draw you into the atmosphere.

The gameplay stays true to its predecessor, which can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it offers a deep and thoughtful strategy where every decision has a meaning. On the other, the difficulty may only appeal to hardcore genre enthusiasts. Learning all the mechanics isn't easy, and the lack of modern facilitations may discourage less patient players.

The user interface, tailored to gamepad controls, is generally well designed, although at times it can seem a little cumbersome compared to the PC version. However, navigating between units and using abilities works smoothly after a short period of getting your bearings.

Allied General excels in its ability to convey complex military strategies on a console platform, which is an impressive feat in itself. It's a title that may not appeal to a broader gaming audience, but wargaming fans and lovers of historical accuracy will find plenty of material here to ponder for a long time. Although some aspects create a barrier to entry, those who rise to the challenge will be rewarded with a deep and thrilling strategic experience.