Silent Storm -page 2-

Additional Screenshots

Once you have engaged the enemy (or an enemy engages you) the game will switch to turn based mode. If you are not familiar with the phrase, “turn based,” think of it as you are taking turns with the computer. Each character has a certain number of action points. Depending on their current activity, characters will use up some of their AP. For instance, if you are standing and want to crouch, it will take up 4 AP's. Shooting can take anywhere from 14-25 or more AP's. A character usually has between 40-60 AP points available at start. You have the ability to spend any amount of your character's available AP's per turn. Since you will be dealing with six characters, that's six different AP sets to manage. Each character will be used for different purposes, so you will need to command your squad accordingly. During the period of time that your squad is not engaged with the enemy, you will play the game in a typical RTS mode. This mode has no turns. Because of this, there is no AP system. Your characters are free to take as many actions as they want before combat. This period of time is ideal for setting up your positions before you make an attack. Once you discover an enemy or he discovers you, the game will switch to the turn based mode.

Please Don't Interrupt Me While I'm Scouting

At first, this mode may seem a bit disconcerting. You have a limit to what your characters can do, and once you have ended your turn, there is nothing you can do but watch your squad's fate. If however, during the computer's term, they first reveal themselves to your character, you have the ability to interrupt. This gives you a chance to use any available AP points to try and deal with the newly discovered threat. Once you are done making your moves, you hit end turn, and the game goes back to the computer. Just as this can be a good advantage to the wise player, the computer also has the ability to make interrupts. So be careful… If you leave your scout wide open and end your turn, the computer AI might just kill him/her in the length of their interruption. (It's happened to me too many times.) And there is nothing you can do but sit and weep.

Positioning is Key

Before you become experienced with Silent Storm, you may be watching your team die often.

Additional Screenshots

The computer AI is sharp; they will use their AP as to best defend themselves or take to the offensive against you. Enemies will also position themselves intuitively. In one scenario, there were three enemy units: two behind a bush, crouched for cover, while one out in front sniping away. The correct position can make all the difference.

Great Map Detail

Maps are extremely detailed, and filled with different objects you can use to conceal yourself, go for cover, or even to gain an advantage while in combat. All of the maps are different, so you will never get bored. If you look at some of the screenshots, you will realize how much time and effort was put into designing maps. Houses have floors. Mansions are filled with furniture. Great work Encore!

Missions and Random Encounters

Silent Storm uses a map interface to select the different scenarios available to you. In each place you travel to (ex. Hannover, Britain) you will have a main mission. This mission will involve objectives, like clearing the area, finding documents, or protecting an important figure. To make the game more interesting, there are also things called ‘random encounters' that are spread across the map. If you chose to go to a random encounter, your squad will engage in a non-objective combat-based mission. The only purpose of random encounters is to train your soldiers better and receive more ability points. Random encounters are also cool because they give you more field experience… thus making you a better player overall when you engage in an objective based mission. Even though random encounters were not all that necessary, they are all different. This means more new material, more gun firing, and more fun. Very cool.