Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Combat Mission: Anthology delivers a deep and authentic tactical experience that spans three critically acclaimed titles: Beyond Overlord, Barbarossa to Berlin, and Afrika Korps. Each module builds upon a robust turn-based „WeGo“ system where both players input orders simultaneously and then watch the results unfold in a 60-second action segment. This dual-phased approach rewards thoughtful planning, realistic tactics, and careful consideration of terrain and unit cohesion.

The anthology shines in its sheer breadth of scenarios and campaign options. Beyond Overlord immerses you in the hedgerows of Normandy, where infantry assaults and tank maneuvers must account for limited fields of fire. Barbarossa to Berlin takes you on a sweeping journey from the steppes of Russia to the heart of Berlin, with mechanized warfare and combined arms becoming paramount. Afrika Korps transports you to the sands of North Africa, where supply lines, mobility, and flanking actions can turn the tide of battle in brutal desert conditions.

Unit customization and scenario design tools further enrich the gameplay. A built-in editor lets you craft your own battles, tweak unit rosters, and adjust victory conditions to create personalized challenges. The AI opponents adapt to your tactics, encouraging you to vary your approach rather than rely on a single „winning move.“ For newcomers, the learning curve can be steep, but the included tutorials and incremental scenario difficulty ensure you’ll develop a solid grasp of squad-level tactics before tackling the hardest campaigns.

Graphics

While the Combat Mission series prioritizes simulation over flashy visuals, the anthology’s graphics remain surprisingly effective for a tactical wargame. Terrain is rendered in subtle shades that clearly distinguish fields, woods, villages, and elevation changes. This clarity is crucial for assessing sight lines, cover, and probable enemy positions at a glance. The isometric 3D engine allows you to rotate and zoom the battlefield, giving you control over your tactical perspective.

Vehicle and infantry models are not ultra-high-poly, but they feature enough detail to convey unit types, damage states, and orientation. Smoke, dust, and muzzle flash effects add to the immersion without obscuring important battlefield information. Weather conditions—rain, mud, and snow—are visually represented and have tangible effects on movement and visibility, reinforcing the link between graphics and gameplay mechanics.

The user interface is clean and functional. Unit icons, morale bars, ammunition counters, and range circles are overlaid unobtrusively, providing key data without clutter. Although the menus and tooltips reflect the series’ heritage, they are logically organized, and veteran players will appreciate quick access to orders, firing modes, and formation adjustments. Overall, the graphical package serves the simulation’s needs admirably, even if it doesn’t compete with modern AAA visuals.

Story

Combat Mission: Anthology is less about a linear narrative and more about re-creating pivotal battles and campaigns of World War II’s European and African theaters. Each module immerses you in historical contexts: the breakout from Normandy’s bocage, the grinding Eastern Front offensives, and Rommel’s desert maneuvers. Scenario briefings provide concise background information, order of battle details, and historical objectives that ground each engagement in real-world events.

Rather than scripted cutscenes or character arcs, the story emerges organically through tactical play. As you progress through linked scenarios, dynamic campaign systems track unit strength, morale, and logistics, creating a living narrative of advance, counterattack, supply shortages, and reinforcement waves. Success or failure in one operation shapes your starting conditions for the next, weaving a continuous thread that echoes the ebb and flow of wartime momentum.

The anthology’s emphasis on authenticity means you’re encouraged to study historical tactics and apply them in-game. Veteran players often cite „replaying history“ when experimenting with alternative strategies—such as encirclements at Kursk or hedgerow tactics in Normandy. This emergent storytelling turns every decision into a moment with weight, delivering a satisfying sense of historical resonance even without a traditional storyline.

Overall Experience

Combat Mission: Anthology stands as a complete and cohesive package for fans of operational-level wargaming. By bundling Beyond Overlord, Barbarossa to Berlin, and Afrika Korps, it offers hundreds of single scenarios, dynamic campaigns, and a powerful scenario editor out of the box. Newcomers receive a generous introduction to the series’ core mechanics, while veterans can dive straight into complex engagements or user-created content.

The learning curve is undeniably steep, but perseverance is rewarded with one of the most detailed and credible tactical simulations available. The anthology’s AI adapts, the terrain influences decisions, and the „WeGo“ turn system fosters a tense blend of anticipation and analysis. Multiplayer functionality further extends replayability, letting you pit your strategies against human opponents or co-op with friends against the AI.

Whether you’re a history buff, a strategy enthusiast, or a hardcore wargamer, Combat Mission: Anthology delivers an engrossing, detail-rich experience that remains unmatched in its genre. Its focus on authenticity over spectacle ensures every firefight feels consequential, every maneuver demanding, and every victory earned. For anyone seeking to master the art of World War II tactics, this anthology is a compelling and enduring investment.