World War II was a defining moment in history, shaping not just global events but also our understanding of conflict, strategy, and perseverance. Its impact on media, from films to books, has been immense, and gaming is no exception. Some of the most iconic titles in gaming history are rooted in this era. Company of Heroes, a real-time strategy (RTS) game, dominated the 2010s, keeping the genre alive even as RTS games were becoming less prominent. However, with the recent underperformance of the latest Company of Heroes entry, space has opened up for other World War II-inspired games to rise. One such game is Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Ostfront, developed by Barbedwire Studios and set on the infamous Eastern Front.
Though Call to Arms belongs to the RTS genre, it offers a fresh take, diverging significantly from the classics many of us remember. It shifts the focus to squad-based combat, where tactical unit placement and well-executed attack plans can turn the tide of battle. But it doesn’t stop there. The game allows you to go beyond the traditional RTS approach. You can split up squads and take command of individual units, even forming entirely new squads from different units on the fly. This gives players an unprecedented level of control, allowing them to customize unit loadouts and even take direct control of individual soldiers.
While this may sound complex, the mechanics remain impressively balanced, thanks to the developers’ ongoing dedication to refining the game. Regular updates have not only introduced new content but also kept the game’s mechanics sharp and fluid, ensuring players always have something fresh to look forward to.
New DLC: Airborne Units
One of the most anticipated upcoming updates promises to significantly expand the game’s content and depth. The new DLC will introduce U.S. Airborne Units, allowing players to command the legendary 82nd (All-American) and 101st Airborne Divisions. These divisions were the first of their kind and played critical roles in some of the most memorable battles of World War II. The DLC will feature 12 new campaign missions, taking players from the harrowing drops on D-Day to the Elbe River crossings later in the war. Players will fight through iconic historical moments, such as the capture of Sainte-Mère-Église during D-Day and the heroic defence of Bastogne in the brutal Battle of the Bulge.
What sets this DLC apart is the developers’ commitment to authenticity. Every mission is crafted with historical records in mind, ensuring that players experience these pivotal moments as accurately as possible. This approach not only immerses players in the action but also provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the soldiers of the time.
In addition to the campaign missions, the DLC brings a wealth of new content, including historically accurate scenarios, maps, and a wide range of new units and vehicles. Fans of military history will appreciate the attention to detail, with each vehicle and unit designed to match its real-life counterpart. The tactical changes don’t end there, though. In a significant gameplay shift, briefings for missions will now evolve as the mission progresses, instead of being delivered upfront. This change is designed to mimic the real-life challenges faced by airborne divisions, which often operated deep behind enemy lines with minimal intelligence, making on-the-fly decision-making critical.
The upcoming Airborne DLC is shaping up to be a major addition to Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Ostfront, solidifying the game’s place as one of the most historically authentic World War II strategy titles available. With its innovative mechanics, deep tactical gameplay, and commitment to historical accuracy, the game offers something unique for both veteran RTS players and fans of military history alike.
While it might not be the most beginner-friendly RTS out there, the strong community and ongoing developer support help lower the barrier to entry. This combination of detail, strategy, and support makes it a standout in a genre that has struggled to maintain relevance in recent years. If you’re looking for an RTS that challenges you while staying true to its historical roots, Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a game that should be on your radar.
With the Airborne DLC on the horizon, the game is set to reach new heights, bringing more players into its intricate, tactical world. For those who appreciate a game that pulls no punches in its depiction of war and strategy, this is one experience that shouldn’t be missed.
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