System: PC, X360 (2008)
Dev: Massive
Pub: Sierra
Release: Sep. 18, 2007
Players: 1-16 (online)
ESRB Rating: Teen
Review by Cole Smith

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

As I mentioned, nuclear weapons play a huge role in this conflict, but as in real life, they are used as more of a deterrent. You don't get to reach for one every time someone pisses you off. But that doesn't mean you won't have fun destroying your surroundings. There's lots of firepower at your disposal. It's so much fun that I almost forgot that I was supposed to be defending the territory rather than blasting it to smithereens.

In place of resources, you will earn requisition points for purchasing units, weapons, vehicles, and reinforcements. You will only control a handful of units, but you can add and command different ones. The units consist of tanks, infantry, heavy artillery, aircraft, helicopters, and antiaircraft units. There are varying degrees of classes concerning each unit. Lighter units cost less, but their general effectiveness is compromised. Used for specific assignments, they can be invaluable. For example, the smaller choppers are highly maneuverable. They make for good recon and rescue missions, but they can't take any punishment. These points don't grow on trees, but sometimes it's better to wait and spend a little more on units that can last. Longevity of units is rewarded by increased effectiveness. Almost like leveling-up in a RPG.

Tactical points are used similarly to power-ups. They are acquired by successful combat and strategies played out on the battlefield. Enemy kills and capturing enemy strongholds will result in points that you can use to call in air strikes to carpet bomb an entire city block. Or you can make your infantry more deadly and accurate with increased artillery bombardment. Best of all, you can order a nuclear strike. It's so realistic, it's frightening. When the sound of the explosion went off, I got chills on the back of my neck. The resulting mushroom cloud was as beautiful as it was horrifying. Okay, it wasn't that horrifying. I loved it.

Those who think this game is more twitch-and-response than cerebral will no doubt find many aspects of the gameplay challenging. After all, this is still a war game. Some of the missions must be performed within a strict time limit. While you have the ability to call in reinforcements, and virtually every kind of unit imaginable, you don't have the benefit of time on your side. This means that you are forced to make decisions quickly and in real time. It's not so easy under such circumstances.

Almost an entity unto itself is the multiplayer component of World in Conflict. Up to 16 players can take part in online matches. These matches are relatively short and very well focused. Clan and tournament play is supported as well as VOIP which lets you communicate loud and clear with other team members. Team play is stressed, as each player is responsible for a specific unit. An army needs a diverse array of units, so when entering a match, you can size up the situation and see what's needed. Players can enter into a match in the middle of it as reinforcements; there is no waiting. Commands are virtually instant and the action is non-stop. If all of your units are destroyed, just call for more. Once you're in the game, you're in it for as long as you can stand it.

World in Conflict is definitely going to be a contender for game of the year. Don't wait another minute. Join this War of the Century as soon as you can. Your county needs you.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

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