Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Great War: 1914-1918 offers a deeply engaging turn-based strategy experience that will appeal to fans of tactical wargaming. Borrowing the robust engine and hex-based systems of classics like Battle Isle, it challenges players to think carefully about positioning, supply lines, and combined-arms coordination. Each turn is resolved simultaneously on a split screen, meaning that while one player plots movement, the other plans attacks. This simultaneous action adds a layer of unpredictability that rewards foresight and punishes overextension.

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Unit management sits at the heart of the gameplay loop. Infantry, artillery, cavalry, tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels each have distinct movement ranges, attack capabilities, and terrain modifiers. As units rack up victories on the battlefield, they gain experience, improving accuracy and combat strength, which makes veteran formations particularly valuable in later scenarios. Depots and factories scattered across the maps serve as strategic objectives: control them to repair battered units and produce fresh reinforcements, or face the grim prospect of attrition.

Seasonal changes bring an extra dimension to tactics, as mud, snow, and fog alter the effectiveness of certain units and restrict movement. Air and sea battles emerge as the campaign progresses, forcing players to master multiple domains and coordinate cross-service offensives. The ability to toggle animated battle sequences on and off lets veterans speed through routine engagements or admire the dramatic coast-to-coast clashes in real time. Combined with a convenient save feature and an unlockable code system for advancing through 48 single-player maps and 24 two-player challenges, the game delivers hours of strategic depth.

Graphics

Visually, The Great War: 1914-1918 embraces a clean, functional aesthetic befitting its early ’90s heritage. Terrain hexes are clearly delineated, with forests, hills, rivers, and towns rendered in subdued color palettes that evoke the bleak battlefields of World War I. Although the sprite work may feel dated compared to modern titles, the distinct icons for each unit type ensure that players can quickly assess the battlefield at a glance.

Battle animations—when enabled—add a surprising amount of flair. Explosions, smoke plumes, and tracer fire animations punctuate each engagement, bringing a cinematic touch to artillery barrages and aerial dogfights. These sequences, while brief, help convey the scale and intensity of trench warfare, even if they lack the high-definition polish of contemporary strategy games. Fortunately, the option to disable them keeps the pace brisk for players who prioritize speed over spectacle.

The historical images and black-and-white photographs displayed between missions enhance the visual experience by grounding each scenario in its real-world context. Portraits of commanders, schematic diagrams of weapons, and period-accurate maps lend authenticity, while captioned text provides quick-reference data on unit specifications. Together, these elements transform the interface into a virtual War Museum, making every menu and map screen feel both informative and immersive.

Story

Rather than relying on fictional characters or scripted dialogue, The Great War: 1914-1918 weaves its narrative through a sequence of historically inspired scenarios. Players assume the roles of either the German or French High Command, advancing through the key campaigns of the conflict, from the initial Schlieffen Plan offensives to the grinding attrition on the Western Front. Each mission captures a chapter of the Great War, offering varied objectives such as breakthrough assaults, defensive stands, and coordinated multi-front operations.

After each single-player map is completed, the game displays a concise historical vignette. These interludes include wartime photographs, technical diagrams, and factual summaries that outline troop dispositions, technological developments, and political milestones. For history enthusiasts, these segments add depth and context—illuminating why certain battles unfolded as they did and how innovations like chemical warfare and early tanks shaped the outcome.

Though there are no named protagonists or branching dialogue trees, the strategic progression itself tells a compelling story of industrial-scale conflict and tactical evolution. As new unit types—such as reconnaissance planes, armored cars, and dreadnoughts—enter the fray, you witness the war’s technological arms race firsthand. This method of storytelling through gameplay mechanics and archival imagery creates a sobering but engrossing narrative that stands out among strategy titles.

Overall Experience

The Great War: 1914-1918 succeeds as both a challenging strategy game and an educational window into World War I. Its methodical pace, simultaneous turns, and veteran-level difficulty ensure that each campaign demands careful planning and adaptive tactics. Unlocking new maps via access codes gives a sense of achievement and encourages continued play, while the two-player mode offers head-to-head rivalries for those seeking direct competition.

While the graphics and interface may feel retro by today’s standards, they remain functional and evocative. Players who appreciate clarity over flash will find the minimalist presentation ideal for focusing on battlefield decisions. The optional battle animations and detailed historical interludes strike a good balance between immersion and convenience, letting you tailor the experience to your pace.

In the crowded field of turn-based wargames, The Great War: 1914-1918 stands out for its authentic portrayal of early twentieth-century warfare and its elegant adaptation of the Battle Isle formula. Whether you’re a history buff eager for an interactive WWI simulation or a strategy veteran craving a new tactical challenge, this title offers a rich, informative, and ultimately satisfying journey through one of history’s most transformative conflicts.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10