BeerandVideogames... A little tidbit today for those following the indie scene. Making History II: The War of the World, is available today in stores and digital download format. This is a World War II grand strategy title, with similar gameplay elements to the Civilization series, or even Risk for you non-video based gamers.
You’re something of a nerd. When asked what you read, you say “history.” What upset you about the movie Valkyrie wasn’t Tom Cruise, but the liberties taken with the actual facts. You regularly brag that were you Stalin (as you wiggle your thick mustache), you would have made a pre-war land-grab for Africa. Muzzy Lane Software understands you, unlike your so-called “friends”. “We know of your desires,” Muzzy whispers softly in your ear. “We know you yearn for more than just a wargame, but a mature, full-featured simulator of the mid-20th century.” Muzzy slips a disc from its coat and slyly passes it to you. It’s labeled Making History II: The War of the World. A shiver runs through your body. Can it be?
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.
