Best RTS about World War 2 is upcoming? Sudden Strike 5 returns to big-scale battles

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Initially, when our editor-in-chief hinted at an upcoming demo for Sudden Strike 5, I must confess my enthusiasm was rather subdued. In truth, I had preconceived notions about the fourth installment in the series being a watered-down and underdeveloped Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game set during World War II, falling short of its title’s promise. However, it appears that Kite Games Studio, who has worked on both games, is—and continues to be—committed to fulfilling the expectations of fans of the Sudden Strike series.

More command, less hand-holding

Initially, we focused on addressing issues in Sudden Strike 4, ensuring that player feedback played a significant role in our improvements. We rectified bugs and enhanced the user interface. As a result, the Steam version of the game has received mostly positive reviews and is now widely regarded as a hidden treasure. This is because when I consulted friends for their opinions, many still echoed sentiments from the initial release, which had labeled the game as mediocre. However, with these updates, it’s clear that Sudden Strike 4 has evolved and improved significantly.

In contrast, now is the moment for shifting perspectives and advancement. Sudden Strike 5 intends to deviate from the linear missions that provided limited tactical possibilities. Regrettably, the game continued to struggle with an issue that was prevalent in the initial games developed by Fireglow Games. We were given a fixed number of units, occasionally reinforced by pre-scripted reinforcements, which frequently resulted in a stalemate only 20 minutes into the mission.

Does Normandy ring a bell?

During the presentation, I came across a script labeled “The Battle of Remagen,” which depicted the American offensive on the last Rhine bridge. This time around, the game continues to explore well-liked topics such as the Western and Eastern fronts, yet it won’t be lacking in Africa and Italian campaigns either. In terms of resources, there will be a plethora of options available – developers claim an impressive 190 types of vehicles and 110 kinds of infantry at our disposal. At the outset, we’ll have 25 scenarios for the usual factions: allies, Soviets, Germans. Unfortunately, enthusiasts of the Pacific War won’t find a scenario in the base game; if it does materialize, it might be offered as downloadable content.

In the upcoming game Sudden Strike 5, it appears that the primary emphasis is on solo gameplay, remaining true to the series’ core values. However, rest assured that multiplayer isn’t being neglected entirely – the popular deathmatch mode will return, although specifics are yet to be disclosed.

Immediately, you’ll notice a significant shift compared to its predecessor: a broader scope and the camera positioned at a distance from the action. In Sudden Strike 5, there’s a return to the expansive feel reminiscent of the initial two games in the series. Players can still get up close with the camera for an intimate view of the intricately designed unit animations. Gone are the tightly controlled troop movements on compact maps, replaced by vast, open terrains with side missions. Completing these tasks offers various types of aid. The most crucial will undoubtedly be air forces, which you can command once you’ve seized the radio station in this mission.

Buying units – heresy in Sudden Strike?

For the first time in this game, players will have true command over their battles, as they decide what and how to fight. This is a significant change from previous versions. Moreover, in an unprecedented move for ‘Sudden Strike’, players can now purchase units using prestige points amassed during gameplay. These acquired units will arrive via train on the map, addressing a long-standing issue faced by series players – being placed in disadvantageous situations due to random losses, often requiring them to abandon the last 15 minutes of the mission.

In this refreshed version, the gameplay reminiscent of Company of Heroes will reappear, featuring commanders representing diverse strategies or doctrines. You’ll have the option to select cards that offer benefits tied to doctrine points, such as cheaper medics, half-priced vehicle repairs, reinforced tank front armor, or enhanced infantry defense. While it might not match the allure of the original game, which centered around unique units, it offers an engaging range of possibilities.

War has never been cooler?

The essence of the conflicts remains consistent – Sudden Strike continues to focus on smaller-scale skirmishes, offering fun over realism, yet maintaining a hint of authenticity. Tanks have hit points, and the amount lost depends on the angle of the bullet’s impact. Supply and fuel can deplete, and tracks can get damaged – this underscores the importance of logistics and repair vehicles. However, expect less full-on realism – the 380 mm mortar from the Sturmtiger only deals a few percentage points of damage to a heavy tank’s health. Despite this, the blending of established combat mechanics with a new economy and larger scale suggests that Sudden Strike 5 has a strong chance of becoming the best game in the series yet.

As a gamer, I’m excited that those engineering units capable of constructing pontoon bridges are returning this time without any fixed locations dictated by the game scenario. The environment destruction remains consistent – one wrong move and the terrain transforms into a devastated wasteland. And just like we saw during the demonstration, seizing abandoned vehicles, such as the German Sturmtiger, is still possible.

In the upcoming game, you’ll encounter a fresh element concerning infantry: stress. The developers haven’t disclosed specifics yet, focusing on ongoing work. It’s expected that this feature might expand upon the surrender system, familiar from Sudden Strike 4, which was originally pre-scripted and will now likely be dynamic.

If you enjoyed the duo of sniper and artillery in the original Sudden Strike series, get ready to rekindle that excitement in the latest game! Unlike before, though, their use won’t necessarily guarantee success; there are multiple strategies available for achieving victory this time around.

I want it now, but we will wait until 2026

Kite Games’ newest project appears robust and promising. If the release of Sudden Strike 4 attracted some gamers, it’s likely that its successor will prove a delightful addition for them. As someone who was initially uncertain about the viability of modern RTS games like Sudden Strike, I find myself eagerly anticipating a fresh alternative to Company of Heroes – one that prioritizes engaging single-player scenarios.

We’ll hold off on Sudden Strike 5 until 2026, but don’t worry, it won’t just be available on PC. You’ll also find it on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The last version showed that there’s a niche for classic RTS games in the console market as well. To pass the time until then, I suggest revisiting Sudden Strike 4. It’s a fantastic demonstration of what can be achieved when game developers take player feedback into account after its release.

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2025-07-16 16:02