Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Faces of War delivers a unique blend of real-time strategy and direct unit control, placing you in command of a small squad of three to five soldiers. This micro-focused RTS approach encourages you to think tactically, as every decision—from ordering your troops to mount a machine gun to personally steering a soldier into cover—can dramatically alter the outcome of a skirmish. With 30 missions spread across Allied, Soviet, and German campaigns, the game keeps you engaged through varied objectives and environments, ensuring that no two battles feel the same.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The interface allows for both indirect orders and full manual control. You can set waypoints and firing arcs for your squad to follow autonomously or, in high-pressure moments, take direct control of an individual trooper. This dual-control scheme adds depth to the gameplay, as successfully juggling AI commands and hands-on maneuvering becomes a rewarding challenge. Whether you’re laying mines along a well-worn road or commandeering a derelict enemy tank, the game’s responsive controls make every interaction feel impactful.

AI behavior in Faces of War is surprisingly robust. Your soldiers can take cover behind sandbags, auto-target visible foes, and even operate vehicle turrets with minimal input. This allows you to focus on broader tactical considerations—flanking maneuvers, suppressive fire, and using the environment to your advantage—rather than micromanaging every shot. Despite occasional pathfinding quirks, the overall balance between automation and direct control makes for a highly engaging tactical experience.

Graphics

While Faces of War may show its age compared to modern titles, its graphic presentation remains noteworthy for a mid-2000s release. The battlefields are richly detailed, with ruined buildings, trenches, and dynamic smoke effects that enhance the war-torn atmosphere. The lighting system casts realistic shadows over craters and debris, giving each map a lived-in, gritty feel that keeps you immersed in the era.

Soldier models and vehicle textures strike a fine balance between fidelity and performance. Despite lower polygon counts than contemporary games, the character animations—crouching, reloading, mounting guns—are fluid enough to convey urgency in firefights. Tanks and trucks bear authentic markings, and the visual feedback from damage (flickering fire, billowing smoke) aids strategic decision-making by clearly indicating when a vehicle is close to destruction.

One of the standout graphical features is the destructible environment. Walls crumble under sustained fire, trees shatter, and sandbags splinter, creating new lines of sight and cover opportunities. This emergent destruction not only looks satisfying but also impacts gameplay, forcing players to adapt strategies on the fly as the battlefield evolves before their eyes.

Story

Faces of War doesn’t aim for a deeply woven narrative but excels in presenting concise, mission-focused storytelling that captures the tension and stakes of World War II. Each campaign—Allied, Soviet, or German—offers a series of missions with clear objectives, such as seizing key strongpoints, escorting convoys, or sabotaging enemy supplies. Briefings provide historical context, ensuring that you always know what’s at stake.

Characterization comes primarily through mission dialogue and situational in-game events. You won’t find lengthy cutscenes or sprawling hero arcs, but you will witness small, meaningful moments: a squad leader rallying his men, an injured comrade calling for cover, or the tension of driving a captured tank through hostile territory. These vignettes, though brief, help ground the action and foster a connection to your squad.

The choice to remain focused on tactical engagements rather than elaborate storytelling pays off in pacing. Missions rarely overstay their welcome, and each new operation introduces a fresh challenge or environmental twist. This streamlined approach to narrative keeps the action tight and ensures that players remain engaged without getting bogged down in exposition.

Overall Experience

Faces of War stands out for its hands-on approach to squad-level tactics, offering an engaging blend of RTS fundamentals and direct unit control. The learning curve can be steep—managing AI behaviors while taking manual command in high-stress moments demands practice—but overcoming these challenges is deeply satisfying. Fans of realistic wartime simulation will appreciate the attention to detail and the strategic depth packed into each mission.

Replayability is strong, thanks to the three distinct campaigns and the variety of mission types. Experimenting with different national squads, tactics, and the indirect-versus-direct control paradigm gives each playthrough a fresh feel. Although the graphics may not match today’s cutting-edge titles, the destructible environments and authentic sound design maintain immersion and reinforce the game’s tactical focus.

Overall, Faces of War is a compelling choice for strategy enthusiasts seeking a more personal connection to the battlefield. Its unique control mechanics, atmospheric environments, and focused mission structure make it a memorable WWII experience. While it may demand patience from newcomers, those willing to invest time will find a rewarding, richly detailed RTS that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10