This new strategy title, which will be released this fall, includes 4 new full campaigns and over twenty individual scenarios that highlight the great battles on the Eastern front. The game utilizes the same 3D engine as Assault, although it has been somewhat enhanced and refined with improved fog, rain and snow effects. There are also over 100 new 3D units, and they have been realistically rendered to represent their real world counterparts. Experienced war gamers and WWII buffs will obviously have an advantage when it comes to the quick glance – such as telling the difference between a German Tiger tank and a Panzer III – but the advantage is really a minor one at best.

The game's interface is simple to use and players have access to mini-pop up menus that supply information on terrain. Being a turn-based game, all units have a set number of movement and attack points, which are modified based on terrain type. For example, more points are spent to cross a river or trek through heavy woods than open terrain, while traveling on a road will actually add a movement bonus. Attacking a force in a city isn't a good idea, as they'll receive a defensive position bonus, but then again most scenarios' objectives revolve around capturing key towns and cities so you won't really have any more choice than Stalin offered his own Marshals!

Leaders now play a role in the game as each unit, whether it is infantry, artillery or armor, has a specialized officer who has a name and brief bio. Successful officers can potentially be promoted and will then work more efficiently. In fact it is important not to give too much responsibility to a less experienced commander, who won't be able to handle as many tasks as their battle proven counterparts.

SSI has added an excellent auto deploy feature and players are no longer forced to watch each vehicle move across the map. Instead units can be issued orders and then with a simple click of the mouse, the unit will automatically deploy to the furthest point, whether that be the point you issued or a spot where the unit comes in contact with the enemy.

Scorched Earth lets players zoom in or out on the main battle map, as well as rotate it and even tilt it for the best perspective. While this really doesn't make the game any more compelling, it is nice to have a customizable view of the action. Additionally, this title continues to look richer than many of the recent offerings from Talonsoft.