In addition to the aforementioned campaigns and scenarios, players will have the option of creating their own single and multiplayer missions with German, Russian, English and American forces. While this wasn't included in the previewable beta it does seem like the kind of feature that would appeal to hardcore fans, especially considering that the future of turn-based war games looks as bleak as a Russian winter.

Fans of RTS games should be warned that while Scorched Earth is visually much more like the current crop of real-time games than previous turn-based titles, success still relies on standard WWII doctrine of combined arms. A tank rush against an enemy position will only result in an utter disaster for the attacker. Players will need to be sure to use air support for infantry attacks, which in turn is used to provide support for armored units. This may sound complex but it has actually never been as simple as it is in the Panzer General game system. While the game probably won't convert hard-core RTS fans, it should easily appeal to military buffs and anyone looking for a realistic yet relatively accessible World War II strategy simulation.

By Peter Suciu
Contributing Editor