Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

World War I delivers a focused real-time strategy experience that strips away economic micromanagement and centers purely on tactical battlefield command. Players assume control of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and even air-power across more than 30 missions, each designed to mirror the evolving strategies of 1914–1918. The omission of resource gathering means you spend less time clicking through menus and more time orchestrating flanking maneuvers, defensive entrenchments, and combined-arms assaults.

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Commanding three distinct factions—Russia, Germany, and the Entente—adds depth to the gameplay. Each side comes with unique strengths and weaknesses: Russian masses of infantry excel in overwhelming numbers but lack equipment sophistication; German units are well-balanced and disciplined; Entente forces bring technological superiority but rely on careful positioning. The additional revolutionary Russia chapter shifts the dynamic again, pitting players against guerilla tactics in a civil-war environment.

Missions vary from trench assaults on the Western Front to open-field cavalry charges in Eastern Europe, and even air patrol objectives that support ground troops. Objectives emphasize historical authenticity: hold the line until reinforcements arrive, break enemy fortifications with coordinated barrages, or escort critical supply convoys. Reinforcement waves and scripted events keep tension high, ensuring each scenario feels like a distinct tactical puzzle.

Graphics

Powered by the Enigma engine—first showcased in Blitzkrieg—World War I presents a faithful isometric perspective with detailed 3D terrain rendering. Battlefields come alive with mud-churned trenches, barbed-wire obstacles, and battered farmhouses, all cast in a muted palette that evokes the grim atmosphere of early 20th-century warfare. Lighting and weather effects, such as drifting fog or dust kicked up by shellfire, further enhance immersion.

Unit models are well-defined: infantry squads move in tight formations, cavalry gallops at remarkable speed, and artillery pieces rotate and recoil with satisfying animation. Aircraft—though represented at a smaller scale—leave contrails that drift realistically, and strafing runs feel dramatic despite the limited model complexity. Explosions and smoke plumes, while not cutting-edge by modern standards, convey the destructive power of period weaponry.

The user interface remains unobtrusive, with context-sensitive cursors and quick-access hotkeys that mirror those in Blitzkrieg. Terrain elevation is clearly defined, allowing players to spot height advantages at a glance. When zoomed in, you can appreciate small details like individual helmets and wagon wheels, while zooming out gives a strategic overview free of clutter.

Story

World War I’s narrative unfolds through historical briefings and mission intros that ground each scenario in real-world events. Starting with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and culminating in the armistice and subsequent unrest, the campaigns offer a chronological tour of the conflict’s major fronts. Briefings feature archival photos and period-appropriate maps, lending authenticity to your orders.

The three main campaigns—Russian, German, and Entente—are structured to highlight each side’s perspective. As a Russian commander you face the challenges of under-equipped forces against better-trained Germans; playing Germany puts you in offensive operations against entrenched Allies; the Entente missions detail combined British and French offensives. The bonus “Intervention in Revolutionary Russia” chapter shifts to skirmishes between Bolshevik insurgents and foreign expeditionary forces, offering a darker, guerrilla-style narrative twist.

While there are no voiced characters or cinematic cutscenes, the written narratives are concise and informative. Short radio-style messages during missions update your objectives and hint at enemy movements, maintaining a story-driven momentum without overburdening players with dialogue. This minimalist approach ensures the focus remains on strategic decision-making rather than cinematic spectacle.

Overall Experience

World War I stands out for its unwavering focus on battlefield tactics. By eliminating economic layers, it provides an accessible yet challenging RTS experience for both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The mission design encourages experimentation with different unit compositions and battlefield strategies, rewarding players who adapt quickly to shifting conditions.

The pacing strikes a balance between methodical trench warfare and sudden, adrenaline-pumping breakthroughs. AI opponents employ historically inspired tactics—mass infantry charges, creeping artillery barrages, and sporadic cavalry raids—keeping you on your toes. Learning to anticipate these moves and counter them with proper unit deployment is immensely satisfying.

Though it may not boast cutting-edge visuals or elaborate storytelling, World War I excels at conveying the grim reality of early modern combat. Its historical fidelity, varied mission structure, and solid engine performance make it a compelling purchase for strategy fans craving a war game rooted in authenticity rather than arcade-style action. For those interested in commanding legions across the battle-scarred fields of 1914–1918, this title offers an engrossing ride from mobilization to revolution.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10