2025 promises an abundance of strategy games that have me thrilled, but the trio I’m particularly eager for are Burden of Command, Task Force Admiral, and Broken Arrow. After getting a taste of each, I can affirmatively state that the year 2025 is on track to deliver one of the finest periods in strategy gaming history.
Broken Arrow is a strategic war game resembling large-scale real-time strategies (RTS) like the Wargame series, Regiments, WARNO, and Steel Division. These maps are expansive, accommodating hundreds of units, engaging in long-range battles using combined arms tactics to gain tactical advantage. I’m certain many of you have played or at least heard about these games. Over the years, I’ve desired to immerse myself in these titles, and to a degree, I have enjoyed some of them, particularly Steel Division: Normandy 44 and WARNO. The former appealed to me because it was set in my favorite World War II theater, Western Europe, and the latter stood out due to its slower gameplay pace, something that the Wargame series never adopted.
Based on this initial look, how does Broken Arrow compare to its rivals? To put it simply, if the preview is any indication, Broken Arway could potentially stand out as an intriguing competitor, particularly for those seeking a 2025 adaptation of what Wargame initially intended. Additionally, there seems to be a touch of World in Conflict’s essence, which is quite appealing.
In this game, I only got to experience a narrow part, containing two missions. The first was a tutorial, where I drove a military contractor around a base and demonstrated the capabilities of the American weaponry. Although it provides some context, it may not be very helpful if you’re not already familiar with these types of games. The second mission was where the action truly began. Our objective was to clear the way for an approaching military convoy heading towards Kaliningrad. There were numerous Russian outposts and defensive positions along the highway and surrounding countryside that needed to be neutralized. After successfully clearing the road, the Russians counterattacked, requiring us to protect the flanks so the convoy could pass unscathed, maintaining its unity, integrity, and fighting power. It was a simple yet engaging mission that allowed for some strategic flexibility in approach and the use of various types of units to gain tactical advantage. The unique aspect of this game compared to others is the importance of controlling high ground on both sides due to the sunken lane highway design. This control proved crucial, leading me to the key difference between Broken Arrow and its competitors.
In Wargame and Regiments, maps generally have minimal differences in elevation and are mostly flat. However, in Broken Arrow, the terrain features such as crevices stand out more dramatically and are expected to occur more frequently. The density of buildings in this game is anticipated to significantly influence gameplay, as there will be a larger number of structures compared to other games. I had hoped that this would lead to a combat experience centered around infantry, but it appears that may not be the case.
In my opinion, it’s a significant oversight not to include more detailed infantry mechanics, such as cover systems, in Broken Arrow, given that other games in the same genre were also lacking these features. Introducing a dynamic cover system similar to Company of Heroes could greatly enhance infantry combat by providing a multitude of tactical options and making infantry units more versatile, survivable, and valuable. After all, as recent events in Ukraine have demonstrated, infantry remains crucial on the battlefield and can often hold their own against armored counterparts when strategically placed and supported.
Visually speaking, Broken Arrow certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its expansive maps are meticulously detailed, boasting high-definition textures and models. The movements of the units are lifelike, with tanks rocking back and forth during gunfire, mortar units handling ammunition realistically, and each weapon system within vehicles functioning independently in a manner that appears authentic. Weapon impacts generate impressive dust clouds and smoke plumes, while explosions are both grandiose and satisfying to witness. The audio quality is commendable too; guns produce heavy, bassy sounds, engines roar appropriately, bullets whiz past with speed, and bombs scream as they detonate. Unit commands are equally clear and informative.
Is Broken Arrow the kind of game I was expecting? To be completely straightforward, I’m not entirely sure. What I anticipated from Broken Arrow was a more leisurely paced game with a stronger focus on infantry aspects. The initial playable mission seems to lean towards this, but it feels like an upgraded Wargame in terms of infantry mechanics depth, which I found lacking. Despite the faster pace, I managed to adapt better than other games within this genre, suggesting that Broken Arrow might have struck a balance between overly slow gameplay and frenetic map-hopping and order micro.
As a player who prefers single-player experiences, I’m eager to dive into its campaign because it seems to follow a narrative approach similar to World In Conflict, which I believe is crucial in strategy games. To wrap it up, if you enjoy Wargame, Regiments, and WARNO, Broken Arrow will feel quite familiar.
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2025-03-05 05:19