Graphics & Sound

155mm thunder

Wow. It’s not often we’re impressed by sound effects in a wargame, particularly a turn-based title. Then again, part of the appeal of the sound is that the game isn’t actually completely turn-based. Since the combat occurs in 60 second realtime segments, the sound effects really have a chance to do their work for immersion. Hearing tanks fire up their engines, squeak and rumble their way across the steppe and move in behind a hill which is being bombarded by piercing artillery shells – this is not the standard wargame. The sounds are meticulous and different, varying per unit type. The wailing shriek of a Panther’s high-velocity 75/L70 gun is in stark contrast to the low boom of a Stug IIIF’s 75/L43.

Tigers on the prowl

Long range combat

The big cats join in

The sound is complemented by speech in the authentic languages of all the participants. The repertoire is quite limited, but they’ll cry out when they notice tanks or infantry, or under heavy bombardment.

The ugly tree

Although it would be a stretch to say that CMBB fell from the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down, it would be fair to suggest that it got more than its fair share. Keeping in mind that ugly nowadays is far better than pretty was a scant 4 years ago. The sting is softened when we consider just how many models are in the game, done to scale and function rather flawlessly across so many different terrains. There are other mitigating circumstances, like the game having to run anywhere from ten to over a hundred units at a time. Fortunately for performance, all the movement, spotting, reaction and combat (including intricate physics) calculations are done beforehand.

Hide in the trees

Don't want to bog down there

Exchanging salvos

While it won’t win any awards, the graphics engine does manage to impress at times. It is difficult to think of a specific effect, but there are moments where the game comes together and provides a very immersive experience. Though this has more to do with the gameplay, there’s a terrible concern that lets us forget the world outside as we watch a hidden anti-tank team await the approach of a lone oncoming KV-1 which could cut in behind the front line and devastate our forces from the rear. Will the squad be spotted? Will they successfully pull off the attack? Thwap! The Panzerschreck hits, the tank stops! No, it’s paused, reversing and rotating and it opened fire on your team. The team is pinned by the machinegun fire then panics after the inevitable high explosive round from the main gun. It’s almost painful to watch them crawl away in terror.