Blitzkrieg (video game)

Blitzkrieg is a series of World War II real-time strategy (RTS) video games developed by Nival Interactive and published by CDV Software. The series is known for its focus on historical accuracy, realistic unit behavior, and challenging gameplay.

The first game, Blitzkrieg, was released in 2003. It featured three playable factions: the Soviet Union, Germany, and the Western Allies (primarily the United States and Great Britain). Players controlled combined arms formations of tanks, infantry, artillery, and aircraft in historically based missions across various fronts of the war, including the Eastern Front, Western Europe, and North Africa. A key feature was the emphasis on strategic resource management and tactical positioning rather than base building, a common element in many other RTS games.

Subsequent entries in the series, including Blitzkrieg 2 (2005) and Blitzkrieg 3 (2017), expanded upon the gameplay mechanics and introduced new features. Blitzkrieg 2 focused more on dynamic campaigns and allowed players to call in reinforcements and air support. Blitzkrieg 3, developed by Nival's successor, features a single-player campaign and an asynchronous multiplayer mode where players attack and defend fortified bases.

Common characteristics of the Blitzkrieg series include:

• Historical Accuracy: The games strive to realistically depict the uniforms, weaponry, and vehicles of World War II. Missions are often based on real historical battles and operations.
• No Base Building: Unlike many other RTS games, Blitzkrieg games do not require players to build bases or harvest resources. Players begin each mission with a set of units and must strategically utilize them to achieve their objectives.
• Focus on Tactics: Success in Blitzkrieg depends heavily on tactical maneuvers, flanking attacks, and the effective use of combined arms. Players must consider factors such as terrain, line of sight, and unit morale to overcome their opponents.
• Damage Model: The game uses a realistic damage model, where individual units can be disabled or destroyed by enemy fire. The angle of attack and type of weapon used can significantly affect the outcome of engagements.
• Unit Experience: Units gain experience as they fight, improving their combat effectiveness. This encourages players to preserve their veteran units and utilize them strategically.

The Blitzkrieg series has been praised for its historical accuracy, challenging gameplay, and innovative approach to the RTS genre. It has also been criticized for its steep learning curve and occasional balance issues. Despite this, the series has a dedicated fanbase and remains a popular choice for players seeking a more realistic and tactical World War II RTS experience.