One of the abiding joys of historical strategy games is the opportunity they provide for players to answer some of history's more compelling "What if?" questions. The chance to revisit the Second World War and rewrite the events and outcomes based on your own choices and chances has been particularly and perpetually popular. One of this year's efforts is Muzzy Lane's Making History II. Game designer Ralph Gerth recently answered IGN's questions about the sequel.
The origin of Making History II: the War of the World is somewhat unusual. It was designed as an learning mechanism for teachers of modern history and has since evolved both in ideology and intent into the game presented today. This origin marks the game as something a little different from the majority of hardcore strategy games. However, switching goals through development is fraught with danger in games development and whilst this background does give the game a unique soul, it does not guarantee good gameplay. Indeed, it is with fevered hope for the developers sake, this is simply one of its stage of evolution.
Perhaps it’s the strength of the reputation championed by Making History II: The War of the World’s closet peers was convincing enough however, as while the game mimics much of The Creative Assembly’s Empire: Total War, it adds a much more complex financial system to the formula. The Creative Assembly’s Total War series has always been about aggressive dominance, and while that is the ultimate goal of Making History II: The War of the World, getting there is a much more complicated set of negotiations. In fact, while the combat and forces employment is largely based on that of Empire: Total War, the monetary system is closer to that of Sid Meier’s Civilisation.
It isn't perfect, but World War 2 geeks will love this game.
