Hearts of Iron Anthology

Do other strategy seem 2 simplistic? Did you ever wish you had more freedom? Did you ever want 2 conquer the world, not just the battlefield? Well Hearts of Iron II is the answer 2 your desires. But it is not 4 the meek, this game is seriously complex & a massively steep learning curve. I've been playing 4 two years & I still don't know half of the magic going on behind the scenes. In order 2 play this you're going 2 have 2 be passionate about history & have enough imagination 2 look beyond the lack of pretty 3d armies.

My husband liked the Hearts of Iron II so much & requested these. He's not been disappointed & likes it so much (Armageddon)I rarely see him when he's into a game. It did what it was supposed 2 do. Good Game.

Be Encouraged! This is the BEST WW2 detailed strategy game 2 date. I have played this genre since the 1970's on board games 2 computer games.

Be Warned! This is Grand Stategy played on a clean world map, not a "point & shoot" first person. Graphics & sound are good but are not designed 2 target an "action game" buyer. This is a "board game" done on the computer. This is a Thinking game. It is a "Real Time" game but you can pause time, make decisions, & change direction 4 units & national management. Then let time go "live" again. The time increment is HOURLY starting 12am 01 January 1936 2 1953 with the "Doomsday" edition, or until 1963 with the "Armageddon" pack. And you can vary the speed of the game so that a day goes by in less than a minute.

Your units are divisional size. Battles are abstract. The computer does the losses & retreats, but you get 2 attach the best commanders. And YOU develop the tecnology of hardware AND types of tactical knowledge used in battle. The computer doesn't miss a step here. Smaller units CAN prevail over larger ones easily if you manage 2 develop the crucial details. And the Details here are excellent, as is. However tweeking the coding & cheats are available as well. In short, much customization or moding is possible & is manufactuer condoned. That's how this company's games get better. There is a strong fan base on the web, a large intelligent community. Albeit a better tutorial is needed 2 get your "feet wet" before diving into this deep pool of strategy.

Details needing attention? Espionage could be better handled. Diplomacy needs more "power". Swifter troop movement by rail before any ground movement needs attention. A possible encirclement or capture of whole enemy divisions is not handled, as they simply retreat very weakend, even through your lines on occassion. One assumes the region has not yet been secured. But weak units can cease 2 exist through attrition over time if out of supply. All Regions won surrender easily, but Nations do not, & regions gained are rarely traded perminantly 4 peace & a new "status quo". This again needs 2 be addressed in Diplomacy with negotiation 2 consider "national morale" versus unit or Regional morale.

On the whole, Nation Management 4 Money, Resources, Unit Supply, etc. are well handled & easy 2 adjust. The Reasearch process 4 Weapons & Tactics is outstanding with photos of actual people & companies of the time 2 direct. Leaders of the cabinet are also choosable with photos & personalities of people of the time. Combine this with photos of unit types & technology at that time & you begin 2 see the fantastic research done 2 make this product. It includes all countries of the world of 1936! Amazing. And if there is an incorrect photo or two, you can correct them behind the scenes or add your own in the database before your next session. Also amazing.

There are lot's of "what if" possibilities. In one game I played, Nazi Germany did not attack Poland, but successfully Allied with it 2 fight Soviet Russia! There was no British or French belligerant reaction, & the computer alowed Wendle Wilkie 2 be elected U.S. president on a non-interventioist platfom! In another game, Japan remained on its own & did NOT attack the U.S. but rather concentrated on China & the oil in South East Asia. No Pearl Harbor! Whatever small complaints, this game is VERY playable, & the product is Five-Star.

I am very much into grand strategy games. So far though this one has not hooked me. Everything seems ok... but then when there is a battle you have no tactical control. the battle just happens.. then I'm left with an empty feeling. I do like strategic aspects of games like this, but with so many games like the Total War series I guess I just expect 2 have tactical control over the battles. So that a good strategy can overcome a superior enemy force at times. If I'm not mistaken this series does not even show a graphical representation of the battle. Even if it did I'd still be dissapointed about having no control.

if I run out of other games 2 play maybe I'll try this again. If my opinion changes I'll do another review. But 4 now this series & Gary Grigby's World at War are in the do not play stack.

Being a long-time addict of Hearts of Iron II & Hearts of Iron II Doomsday (an extension of Hearts of Iron II through 1953), I was excited 2 see the Hearts of Iron II Armageddon expansion through 2 1964. In that respect, it was the Hearts of Iron that all die-hard fanatics have come 2 know & love. My only disappointment was that the technology tree was not expanded further, with more options available 2 research. Other than that, it was exactly what I was looking for.

The multiple Editor Choice winner & strategy gamer favorite will include the booster pack Armageddon, never beforereleased in retail. It will also include Hearts of Iron, Hearts of Iron II & Hearts of Iron II: Doomsday. Fans can expect 2 find goodies like a unique Paradox medal & a large strategy map spanning the entire world included in the product. ESRB Rated E 4 Everyone