Have you ever wanted a game that allowed you to replicate the battles of WWII, except with your own strategies? Have you then, wanted to man those vehicles instead of relying on the A.I. to get the job done? Lastly, have you ever wanted to do both of these, simultaneously and even battle for supremacy online? If you answered yes, then Battles Stations Pacific is what you need.
This sequel to Battlestations: Midway returns with two epic sagas from WWII that you can relive and/or recreate history. You may choose the US or Japanese forces, and what’s more, choose options that may lead to a different outcome entirely.
Just like BS: Midway, the game combines the challenge of an RTS with the rush of real time combat in WWII flight and naval warfare. You will compete in 28 major battles, utilizing 100 units, and even take on all comers in five new multiplayer modes.
Visually Battlestations: Pacific looks much better than Midway in both texture and scale. Thanks to a new cockpit view the game provide more white knuckled scenes than ever before allowing you to witness some very cinematic moments indeed. The landscapes, roaring seas, and massive explosions all come to life and are recreated realistically. Each manned vehicle is remarkably detailed right down to the double propeller engines. The game’s audio provides some realism when it comes to the engine noise, but the voice work can be campy and over the top, especially in scenes that re supposed to be dramatic.
The team once again makes the combination of RTS and action work like a charm and you can choose to do only one style of game play or both, it’s up to you. Typically when a company tries to mix two genres, it results in failure in one of the two, but not here as both the A.I. is challenging and the game play is top notch and tight, while keeping things in check and not overly complicated for novices.
The 28 missions, including the “what if” Japanese scenarios provide more than enough game play time to more than pay for the price tag. If that isn’t enough for you, try your luck online in five new multiplayer modes including Island Capture (Capture and Hold Islands, support landing forces, take over artillery, radar stations, and airstrips), Duel Siege, Escort, and of course Competitive. You can even team up with a friend in an all new skirmish mode that will expand both the single and multiplayer experience.
In the end, the team at Eidos have one-upped themselves and made a sequel that outshines it’s already very good predecessor in every way. From the visuals to the immersive game play, to the addictive online modes, Battlestations: Pacific is another way to experience the overused WWII storyline, while still feeling fresh and exciting.
