To Serve and Command

Additional Screenshots

Lately, the world of computer RTS games, and RPG for that matter, has been swamped by World War II games. Many are nothing more than the one it proceeds, and are seen as a chance for a company to put their name out on any brand of game. Although To Serve and Command may not break out of this mold, it is still a very fun game that deserves recognition.

Lack of Storyline is Kind of Good

I wouldn't consider this very different or complex but your mission in To Serve and Command is to control allied forces up against many Nazi encampments throughout various terrains. Pretty typical WWII game, but what TSaC lacks is the underlying storyline. No real major characters are presented to the gamer at any time, and the only mission description given is a small briefing before any mission. I looked at this disadvantage in a rather positive way. For one, you don't need to see the same character all the time and it allows for more flexibility. It's no longer necessary to use one person constantly; it's the whole army that you want to control.

Camera and RTS Description

The game is pretty much point and click to destroy your enemies, set in a 2 and 3D world. The use of both these modes can be very nice, for while ground remains 2D, structures around the map have shape and depth. There's not much to worry about in the game control wise, it's like any RTS out there. For first timers, this game may be a hard first choice, but anyone with minor knowledge will get along just fine.

Poor AI and Unit Control

A rather modest number of around 15 units is available in the game, and can be used in approximately 20 missions.

Additional Screenshots

Not too many, but it's good for the price. One flaw I did note with TSaC was the rather poor control and AI that appeared at the start of battle. Despite my valiant efforts at controlling my group with tactics, they went crazy at the sight of the first German. Units would all just pour in to get a good shot off and would be incredibly hard to control with the given tactics. It takes away from the feeling of a group or battalion and turns it into a free for all. Even worse, tanks often couldn't attack because they were driving into each other. They could identify an enemy, but would have troubling getting into range to attack. So instead, they would stay in the back and nearly run over my poor infantry.

I Can't See Your Face in My Mind

Continuing on this rant, I had some problems with seeing the enemy and vision in general. Granted, it's very realistic to not be able to see units until very close, but this got very annoying after a while. The only times I could see someone was when I got too close and then all hell breaks loose while units try to attack the hostile. Scouting becomes obsolete due to this. You can't send one unit out to search because as soon as enemies come into his line of sight, he's as good as dead. Great, now you're down one more unit.

Technically Speaking

On to more technical stuff, there really isn't anything more I could ask for. Sound is very realistic, and other than the occasional repeated phrase by soldiers, the sound does its job of creating good ambiance. Due to the hybrid 2D and 3D graphics, this category remains firm in the rating. Some of the 3D structures looked bland, but all in all, I could cope.

Overall

The concept isn't very good, and this game doesn't add anything new to the genre, but is a nice quick game for a good price.