Reviews

• gamedeal user

  Dec 11, 2021

  This is it. This is the big one. Simply put, there is no better wargame that models such a vast conflict as the Eastern Front during WWII. There just isn't. That being said, it comes with a learning curve as steep as K2, if you want to dive deep into its systems. I mean, there is a 500+ page instruction manual, which is ASL-level stuff, you know? Also, to be fair, this isn't anything more than a computerized classic hex-and-counter wargame. That sounds like an insult, but it isn't, as this would be unapproachable in anything other than what Grigsby and Co. have managed to pull off. As others say, DO NOT start with the grand campaign. Just get used to the mechanics. Figure out what you want automated and what you want to dig into. Learn to fail and learn to learn. There's so, so much if you're a new player, and a lot if you're returning from WitE or WitW. Don't be intimidated if you have even a small interest. Just pay the admittedly steep toll and give it a spin. Like many others, I am coming to the steam version after sinking countless hours into the direct purchase from Matrix.
• gamedeal user

  Dec 11, 2021

  This does it. Possibly the most niche itch that ever needed scratching, but this does it. The scale and depth makes the likes of HoI4 look like an idle game a la Clash of Clans. It's impossible to show this to other people without either getting concerned or amused looks, but if you're insane it's worth the weight of the physical manual in gold (520 Pages!!!). Assuming that you only clicked on this game already being familiar with it, let me just say that it's an across the board (heh) improvement over WitE 1. Only gripe I have is the map-projection, but that's more about getting used to it. It's a bit too skewed for my liking, and for a game that is focused on the east (Smolensk "south" of Tula for Pete's sake). Now let me just play 300-500 hours to finish one game. (hopefully)
• gamedeal user

  Dec 17, 2021

  I cannot in good consciousness support this game. I like Matrix Games and want to support but they've really messed this game up from prior version in 2 ways. 1) Air War - the UI is atrocious. Terrible, hard to do unless you do AI Assist. 2) Supply depots take forever to setup and manage unless you use AI Depots. Both AIs don't really do the job well. Doing is manually is a nightmare of time and fetishized complexity. The rest of the game flows very well and easy to do. Sad they couldn't the same with Air and Supply.
• gamedeal user

  Jan 10, 2022

  The 'basic' game is wonderful, and you can get to grips with it pretty quickly (I recommend the youtube videos out there, I used First Contact Gamer's replays which were fun to watch although I suggest you speed forward through bits of them). The AI is very competent and the game system intuitive. I was a hesitant in purchasing the game, put off by the high price and rivet counting reputation of the series. These were misapprehensions. While there is no 3D rendering (thankfully), this is a very playable divisional WW2 game and worth every penny. At every turn you are faced with a series of decisions, judging by the application your wargaming and historical knowledge, the pro's and con's of each one. As you delve into the game, the designers keep giving and giving - options for this, details on that etc etc. This really adds to the enjoyment and replay-ability of the game. Just amazing, this takes it beyond just a game and feels more like a WW2 strategic simulator with a great tactical overlay. For example, finally you begin to see the strategic importance of Stalingrad and yet realise that the Germans paid a far too great a price in trying to seize it. This game is a work of art and I just love it!
• gamedeal user

  Jan 19, 2022

  Great Game. 277 hours into it. In the beginning each turn will take approximately 1hr. Detail, complex game. Enjoying it.
• gamedeal user

  Jan 25, 2022

  This Wargame features the Eastern Frontier 1941-1945 with both the Axis and the Soviets as playable Factions. It is about realism, featuring every unit, every model of a tank, plane or gun and every General from history. This also includes reinforcements later in the war and withdrawals for other frontiers. It also has a lot of special rules, like for the Germans in the first turn where the Soviets were surprised and overrunned, but also the first winter of 1941 which was very problematic for the Wehrmacht. WitE2 is for the experienced wargamer, that takes everything into account when planning: The terrain and weather both on ground and air, roads and railroads etc. and it has a very detailed supply- and logistic system. All freight, like supplies or replacements for units, has to be moved on the railroad track to a depot and from there with trucks to the frontlines. The player has to plan ahead for managing the depot-system and make his offensive moves along a route, that offers enough supplies. Without supplies, ammo and fuel, units will only recover a few points for movement and lack the strength for combat. It's a very complex game, you can see that on the manual which has 520 pages. It's not like HoI4, which is easy accessible and offers a big variety of alternate-history scenarios. It is rather for gamers, that want to experience the real conditions of the Eastern Frontier and facing the real problems both sides had in that time. Note that there is no real unit construction: The player will receive the original reinforcements and only the Soviet side can build some units, but not a lot. So you will have to deal with what you got and the game also features the history outside of the map, like when the Allies land in Siciliy 1943 or in France 1944 and thus, some German units get redeployed. Some areas are restricted first, but become playable when the enemy enters, like the Balkans. It's a very good game for people that are interested in history and able to learn a lot of different gameplay mechanics. Be aware that some things like the supply system affects the Grand Campaign more over time than the small scenarios, so better plan ahead. It's also very time consuming, you'll need a lot of time for a single turn. It's maybe overwhelming on the first start, when you see a hundred of units and there are even more off-map support units which are attached to each HQ. I like the game very much, but it is not for everyone, be aware that it is very complex and you'll have to read and watch a lot of tutorials before you can really understand how the gameplay works.
• gamedeal user

  Jan 28, 2022

  Awesomely detailed model of the eastern front in WW2. If you are not sure what to do check out Strategy Gaming Dojo on Youtube,
• gamedeal user

  Feb 6, 2022

  Love turn based strategy games, and this has the potential to be a great one. Bad interface and very poor learning material spoil the first impact. In particular, although the manual is over 500 pages it says very little about the game mechanics.
• gamedeal user

  Feb 16, 2022

  Wow. Just wow. This is the best strategy game that I have ever encountered. It is chess on steroids, in the gym, bench pressing 500 lbs with one arm. Unless you buy the game, you will never understand the level of detail that has gone into the game play. The levels of realism and choices on every level are unmatched. Just the effort that has gone into the depth of historical reference of weapons, leaders, insignias, gameplay with weather, terrain, infrastructure use and repair (railroads, airbases, logistsics) is stunning. My mind is completely blown and I will never look at another strategy or grand strategy game the same way again. In fact there is too much data available should you want to really dive into it. However, it is not necessary to the game play. When I fell in love with Hearts of Iron IV, I thought she was the only gal for me. Wow. HOI is like being in love with the girl next door at 9 yrs old versus dating a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader at 23--a completely different experience! (apologies to Dallas haters) WITE2 is a Michael Angelo work of art. For years, I saw that this game was around (at this time, WITE1). The list price was $80. THAT WAS SCARY! $80. Never even considered buying it. Which just goes to show you what a member of the masses I was. (Hey! I bought Kia to get me around town. Why would I lay down twice or three times the money for a Mercedes? Doing just fine. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.) Oh pitiful you. Never to experience the high end luxury car once in your life. But hey, it's your call! My advice? Take a second job. 2nd house mortgage, get the rest from your Aunt Hilda, anything short of bank robbery to acquire this title! Let's talk about the complexity and depth of the game for a bit. After all, the manual is 502 pages--yeah, this is no typo. I was petrified. However, and listen to me good: Playing this is more approachable than I thought it would be. This was surprising. I mean, you didn't jump out of your cradle and sprint a 100 yard dash, did ya? You've been crawling around or even stumble-walking with other mere mortal strategy games, right? You can easily start walking or jogging with this beauty very quickly. The tutorial is pretty good. The learning curve is inclined but not super steep and can be eased into with features such as AI Air power and AI logistical depot handling. Everything make sense in a real world setting. e.g. when rain falls, the roads get muddy and movement points are lost. Not rocket science. I looked at the manual when a game play issue arose. I found out what the heck was going on for this issue but found myself scanning the manual as a whole at random afterwards. Dozens of times I have found myself in awe discovering a new aspect of the game that incorporates just unbelievable realism and genius design. Your mouth will drop open multiple, multiple times at the cool factor. Dudes! The units are upgraded with more modern weapons as the years go by within history should you choose to refit them--and you will need to. This is the Eastern Front! An all out bloody dog fight!! Playing the AI on a normal level is a good challenge. Higher settings are very challenging. I can't imagine playing against a fellow gamer! Tension builds as you go deeper into Russia and your need to keep the offensive going increases with depleted units. Haven't tried the Russian side yet. I haven't yet unchained the automatic handling of the air power by the computer nor the logistical supply depots and I am perfectly happy! Something else to attain when I want to scratch that itch with more ferocity. That's about it. Pricey but long term affordable. Complex but baby step building up to complex with huge rewards. Inexhaustible replay value. ONCE YOU GO EAST, ALL OTHER STRATEGY GAMES WILL CEASE! You have been warned!
• gamedeal user

  Feb 22, 2022

  This game is MASSIVE. Lots to think about and never a dull moment. Good for students of military studies and hardcore armchair generals :-)