Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Battleground: Ardennes introduces players to a deeply strategic turn-based wargame system built on the original Battleview engine. Each turn unfolds on an isometric or top-down tactical map where every decision—from unit movement to artillery barrages—carries weight. With 23 historical battles spanning December 1944 to January 1945, the game captures the ebb and flow of the Battle of the Bulge, challenging commanders to exploit terrain, manage limited supplies, and adapt to unpredictable winter weather.

Newcomers can ease into the mechanics via the included tutorial scenario, which walks through the fundamentals step by step. Once comfortable, you can dive into three hypothetical “what-if” engagements that stretch beyond the historical record, encouraging creative tactics and replayability. For those who want to craft their own challenges, the built-in scenario editor offers everything needed to tweak existing missions or design entirely new battles—ideal for sharing with friends.

Multiplayer aficionados will appreciate the modem support for two-player duels, allowing head-to-head clashes with opponents across town or across the country. Turn resolution remains swift, and the interface clearly indicates pending orders, combat outcomes, and supply status. While the learning curve may seem steep at first, veterans of hex-based wargames will find the system intuitive and richly rewarding once they master terrain effects, weather modifiers, and combined-arms tactics.

Graphics

Visually, Battleground: Ardennes employs SVGA graphics that remain impressive for its era. The map tiles are richly detailed, depicting snow-laden forests, winding roads, and war-torn villages with clear distinction. Unit counters are color-coded and icon-based, making it easy to identify infantry, armor, and artillery at a glance, whether you’re zoomed in on a firefight or surveying the entire front.

Small FMV sequences punctuate key actions—such as breaking an enemy line or calling in a supply drop—adding cinematic flair to the tabletop-style gameplay. Though these clips are brief and grainy by modern standards, they inject a dash of atmosphere and break up the turn-by-turn routine, reminding players of the human drama behind each engagement.

The user interface strikes a good balance between function and clarity. Menus are logically organized, tooltips explain unit capabilities, and terrain overlays highlight movement costs and line-of-sight blockers. While the resolution is fixed to SVGA, the art direction and color palette ensure that even long command sessions remain easy on the eyes and free from visual clutter.

Story

As a wargame rooted in historical accuracy, Battleground: Ardennes doesn’t offer a linear narrative in the traditional sense but instead weaves its story through a series of interconnected battles. Each scenario is prefaced with a briefing that provides context on strategic objectives, terrain challenges, and order-of-battle for both Allied and German forces. This framing draws players into the high stakes of the Ardennes forest offensive.

The game’s hypothetical scenarios expand upon this foundation by exploring alternate “what-if” developments: What if reinforcements arrived sooner? What if the weather cleared unexpectedly? These imaginative twists offer fresh perspectives on a familiar campaign and underscore how delicate the balance of luck and planning can be in wartime.

Through its scenario editor, Battleground: Ardennes empowers players to craft their own narratives, whether by recreating obscure skirmishes or forging entirely new confrontations. This sandbox approach elevates the game beyond a static historical simulation, transforming it into a canvas for strategic storytelling that keeps veterans and newcomers alike invested.

Overall Experience

Battleground: Ardennes stands as a strong debut in the long-running Battleground series, offering a robust blend of historical depth and tactical flexibility. Its combination of 23 meticulously recreated battles, hypothetical engagements, and a scenario editor ensures both authenticity and limitless replay value. While modern gamers accustomed to real-time grand strategy may find the pace deliberate, turn-based enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to plan and execute intricate maneuvers at their own speed.

The inclusion of modem-based multiplayer is a standout feature, breathing life into old-school competition and cooperation. Whether you’re coordinating an Allied counterattack with a friend or testing your skills against a rival German commander, the head-to-head matches add a dynamic layer of unpredictability. Mixed with the atmospheric FMV clips and crisp SVGA visuals, the game maintains a sense of immersion from start to finish.

Though the dated graphics and niche focus may limit its appeal to a broader audience, Battleground: Ardennes excels as a specialized wargame for military history buffs and strategy purists. Its detailed engine, extensive scenario roster, and user-friendly editor deliver a comprehensive package that rewards patience and strategic thinking. For anyone seeking a tactically rich simulation of the Ardennes campaign, this title remains a compelling entry point into the Battleground franchise.

Retro Replay Score

7/10