Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Campaign II builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor by delivering an expansive suite of land-based wargame scenarios covering conflicts from 1945 through 1991. From the rugged hills of Korea to the deserts of Kuwait, each theatre feels distinct, with terrain effects and weather modifiers that profoundly shape your tactical decisions. The core mechanics revolve around hex-based movement and supply lines, forcing players to weigh the cost of extended offensives against logistical vulnerability.

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What really sets Campaign II apart is its depth of scenario variety. You get stand-alone engagements like the Six Day War dogfight on foot, sprawling multi-day operations in Vietnam, and high-stakes border skirmishes during the Iran-Iraq War. Each scenario comes with period-accurate order of battle listings, meaning you’ll command T-55s in ’67 and M60 Pattons in ’73, making you think twice before parking armor in every choke point.

For newcomers, the 14 training maps are an invaluable resource. They start with basic infantry maneuvers and advance to combined-arms coordination, teaching how to interlock artillery barrages with mechanized assaults. This gradual ramp-up demystifies the more complex supply and morale systems, shortening the steep learning curve that often intimidates players of traditional wargames.

Beyond the built-in scenarios, the included scenario editor unlocks nearly limitless replayability. You can customize unit rosters, tweak reinforcement schedules, even paint your own terrain hexes. Sharing your creations with friends or downloading community-made maps extends the game’s shelf life indefinitely, ensuring that veteran strategists won’t exhaust its challenges anytime soon.

Graphics

Graphically, Campaign II stays true to the classic hex-based aesthetic of early 1990s strategy titles. Maps are rendered in simple, color-coded hexes that clearly distinguish forests, hills, urban zones, and water features. This no-frills presentation may lack modern 3D flair, but it prioritizes clarity over spectacle—a crucial choice when dozens of units crowd the board.

Unit icons are small yet instantly recognizable, with distinct silhouettes for infantry, armor, artillery, and aircraft. Each piece of hardware is accurately modeled to reflect its real-world counterpart, from the boxy profile of an M113 APC to the slender hull of an Israeli Centurion tank. These icons may not spin or animate gruesomely, but they communicate vital information at a glance.

The user interface is utilitarian but serviceable. Menus are text-heavy and occasionally require two or three keystrokes to issue basic orders, but context-sensitive help screens and hotkey prompts minimize frustration. Map zoom levels let you zoom in for a close-up view of a firefight or zoom out for grand strategic planning, striking a balance between tactical detail and operational oversight.

Story

Campaign II eschews a Hollywood-style narrative in favor of authentic, historically grounded briefings that set the stage for each conflict. Before battle commences, you’ll read concise overviews of political tensions, strategic objectives, and force compositions. This dry, fact-driven approach ensures you never lose track of the why behind your orders.

Rather than following a single protagonist or fictional storyline, the game stitches together dozens of discrete episodes. Whether it’s defending Seoul in 1950 or launching a counteroffensive in the Golan Heights, each vignette reads like a chapter in a military textbook. This modular structure might feel episodic, but it rewards players with a panoramic view of post-WWII warfare.

Flavor text, including period photographs and archival maps, enhances immersion without bogging down gameplay. You won’t find elaborate cutscenes or voiceovers, but the historical curation speaks to enthusiasts who prioritize authenticity. By the time you’ve worked through half a dozen scenarios, you’ll appreciate how each theatre’s unique political and geographic factors influenced real-world outcomes.

Overall Experience

Campaign II is a love letter to traditional wargamers, delivering the strategic complexity and historical breadth that fans of hex-and-counter simulations crave. Its exhaustive catalog of post-WWII engagements ensures you’ll find your preferred battlefield, whether you’re interested in jungle warfare, desert sieges, or cold front stalemates.

While the dated interface and absence of flashy graphics may deter casual players, the depth of its scenario editor and training suite make it an enduring investment. Veteran strategists will appreciate the game’s fidelity to real-world tactics, and the community-driven scenario sharing keeps the content library fresh long after the initial purchase.

Ultimately, Campaign II offers a robust, historically rich package that rewards patience and strategic thinking. If you’re seeking a land-based wargame that spans nearly five decades of conflict and lets you craft your own military hypotheticals, this sequel stands as one of the more comprehensive options available.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10