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One of the biggest surprises of 2004 became a whole lot better with the latest patch that included innovative and fun new multiplayer modes. We want more! [Jan. 05]
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91The detail of the environments, the splendour of the graphics, the wonder of the physics engine, all these things combine with the dangerously entertaining gameplay to make SHOWW2 the best game of its kind, and one of the most refreshingly enjoyable games I have had the pleasure to review.
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90Plenty of gloriously explosive action is complimented by depth and variety.
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90Offers the arcade intensity of a first person shooter combined with the cunning challenges of a top-notch strategy game and it does so with aplomb.
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The complexity of the game is very natural, which is a side-effect of the producers desire to make the game as real as possible. But despite this, the complexity of the game doesn’t seem forced or overwhelming for a minute.
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87If there is a hint of helplessness it's in those marvellous moments when Soldiers' fabulous physics, rich environments and imaginative AI produce such totally unpredictable results, you can only look on in amused dismay. [PC Gamer UK]
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87Even the impossibly hard missions are horribly addictive. [Aug 2004, p.83]
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86The multiplayer component is designed perfectly.
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85There are still some stupid mistakes here -- like the lack of a quick save hotkey or the absence of a restart option when you fail a mission -- but all in all, this is an excellent and challenging title that's not content to reproduce what everyone else has already done.
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85While some RTS fans may not be happy that it does not follow the same Build & Overwhelm pattern of many other RTS titles, the depth and strategy it offers is a welcome change.
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The graphics are gorgeous and the game engine has some excellent physics. With the excellent sound effects and music, the game drew me right into the atmosphere, and these days, all gamers should be demanding no less.
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85Where Soldiers best succeeds, though, is in the visuals. This is one immensely detailed game. The various environments you’ll find in the game feature incredibly detailed structures and high-resolution textures, which will surely push your videocard.
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Tough, punishing and as unreliable as the timer on a second hand VCR, there’s an experience hidden beneath the lush foliage and 100 different types of weapons that’s hopefully the first of many to revolutionise the RTS.
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85Definitely aimed at a different vein of gamers, but it gives the veteran gamer something different besides the typical twitch-fest.
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At times Soldiers plays more like a 3rd person action RPG, but that’s not a bad thing. I originally felt that Soldiers does both RTS and action RPG at the same time, only neither one very well. That would be unfair as the nuances of this game reflect the uncompromising nature of Codemasters’ philosophy on gaming and the creative ingenuity of 1C.
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83The only drawbacks to Soldiers are its murderous difficulty and speed. [Sept 2004, p.72]
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I was fascinated by the aforementioned RPG elements though and would like to have seen a more dynamic struggle, somewhere in-between the grandeur of "Total War" and the intimacy of "X-Com," where you could take your band of survivors to different areas of conflict with whatever equipment you can lay your hands on.
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81A very good RTS, you get to play missions with only a few troops and struggle against overwhelming odds and normally under equipped. This adds something to the title and makes this a title you can really sink your teeth into and spend hours trying to get your troops through each mission alive.
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80Brilliant graphics, incredibly detailed environments, smart controls, and 30 sinister standalone missions. [Oct 2004, p.120]
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80The biggest problem in need of improvement would have to be in the soundtrack. Don’t get me wrong, the music is well composed and fitting for the game, but too often in the mission you get this repeat atmospheric type music that is about a five-second long (if that) affair that then repeats itself in total constancy.
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Offers a refreshing and immersive experience, although personally we’d like to have seen a little more focus on the action side of things.
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80With the direct control system, insane level of detail and physics modeling, exciting and interesting missions, modding support, and incredibly fun gameplay, the game is hardly stale and makes it easy to recommend to players who are sick of playing "Command & Conquer" clones.
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80Soldiers brings something new to both well-worn genres, and only its unforgiving difficulty keeps it from being a complete standout.
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It’s a satisfying strategic adventure if you have the persistence to overcome its quirks and nuances, but it’ll frustrate you senseless if you don’t want it bad enough.
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80Not many games have walked the line between real-time strategy, stealth, and action this well, and fewer have done it with such variety and classy presentation.
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A little rough around the edges, but if you like a challenge, you'll love it. [Nov 2004, p.76]
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79The game's level of challenge often borders on being punishing, but fans of tactical strategy games will find that the effort is worth it.
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79A solid RTS game, one that fans of the genre will probably enjoy. However, anyone who’s growing bored of playing the same WWII sim game in different forms wouldn’t find too much to write home about.
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79A good, though somewhat flawed game. With the upcoming patch, I can only hope they fix the AI, pathing, framerate and difficulty issues.
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If you’re looking for a real challenge in a great looking strategy game, then Soldiers is for you. However, the game can be so difficult that it will be just too much for the patience of most gamers.
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If you’ve enjoyed other tactical strategy games, then you might want to take Soldiers for a spin -- its 28 mission should provide well over 50 hours of gameplay.
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75Soldiers could have been a fantastic game, but in the end is brought down by technical issues, bugs, and a level of difficulty only a sadist would enjoy.
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It’s complexity will turn many gamers far, far away, but to those with the dedication to play a solid game that will last them hours, this one is for you.
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75The game is almost too difficult at times, and will probably appeal only to the die-hard RTS fan. If you want a challenge in the WWII arena, this is just what the doctor ordered.
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Even if your not a big fan or RTS games, Soldiers offers a unique experience that you'll be hard pressed to find in any other game in this genre.
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Soldiers is Hitchcockian: the real payoff's the setup, making it a guilty, grueling pleasure in the time-honored vein of belovedly frustrating isometric classics. [Nov 2004, p.82]
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We all know that war is hell, but this game often forgets that games need to be entertaining. At times the missions are just too frustratingly difficult, with your soldiers facing near-impossible odds.
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I had to ask the game's publisher for detailed instructions on navigating the game just to make it part of the way through the first mission, and I still lost half my men in a half-hour. Those who complain that video games have become too easy will welcome Soldiers, but the rest of us will flee in terror.
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60When trying to sum up this game's single-player missions, the first phrases that come to mind are hopelessly outnumbered, completely surrounded, and best hide behind a big rock quick.
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60If you’re willing work though the interface and aren’t opposed to saving and reloading over and over again, you’ll find that Soldiers has legs. What we’d like to see in a future release is a cleaner interface and a more clearly defined design.
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60People looking for a fast-paced RTS should give this one a pass. Those who are interested in something that is a little different and like facing near-impossible odds should give Soldiers a run.
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58The AI is very smart. Probably too smart for newbies. Even on easy mode, soldiers will react with gang reflexes in shooting you to a pulp.
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53A perfect sister specimen of the German Nazis; though it has high ambitions and generally operates as a differentiated tactical game and employs a wealth of detail, beauty, and intricate depth, it’s ultimately defeated by its own shortcomings and underdeveloped foundations.
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50The maddening difficulty level of this game destroys it. If you’re truly patient, then maybe, just maybe you might be able to get something out of it.., but if you’re like me who plays games to be entertained, I think you’re going to find yourself wanting to return this one.
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It's the sheer tedium of every moment that prevents any enjoyment of the cool features it offers. [Aug 2004, p.106]