Graphics

Who Said 2D Was Dead?

Ask someone 2 years ago about where 2D was going, you'd probably get some joke with a reference to dinosaurs or shoveling a 6 foot deep hole. Yet, 2D has persisted despite that, even flourished. From being simply great backdrops for games like Freespace 2 and Silver, to being used exclusively in Baldur's Gate, Torment, Age of Kings, and Roller Coaster Tycoon, 2D is not about to go out of style.

This must be inspired by SPR...

That's a badass tank destroyer

Sudden Strike too, is exclusively done in 2D. It offers resolutions ranging from 640x480 to 1024x768. Naturally, with higher resolutions in 2D, you see more of the game so this is definitely a huge benefit in a RTS (ever tried Age of Kings in 800x600 after playing in 1280x1024? *shudder*). SS offers hundreds of models of tanks, guns, tank destroyers, armored personnel carriers, trucks, bombers, fighters, artillery, mobile artillery, anti-tank guns, … you get the idea. There is a whole boatload of various units to show, and even sub-types of a unit need to be modeled. Hardcore wargamers tend to get pretty pissy if there aren't discernible differences between a Pz IIIc and a Pz IIIf.

So, speaking of them… the models are amazing. Tanks have rotating turrets, all units cast shadows, and infantry are easily identifiable. An infantry officer, for example, tends to stand proudly in the midst of combat, one hand behind his back, firing his pistol with the other. Sure, he's not doing jack… but he's there for… you know, inspiration. If your leaders are willing to die, why shouldn't you?

Air Strike!!!

Apocalypse Now? I get it...

Terrain and Nitpicks

The terrain in SS is quite nice. While it can't be accused of trying to de-throne Myth, SS certainly has a nice terrain engine that is designed, first and foremost, to enhance the battle experience. Trees, water, bridges, forests, individual buildings and entire towns can all be in a battlefield. You certainly don't want to run your heavy tanks into a forest, without the infantry clearing it first. After all, there could be an ambush and you might lose your precious tanks to a bunch of (relatively) worthless infantry.

Soviet tactics: Throw more Men At It!

And even MORE men!

If you lose the tanks in the forest, then your infantry will be helpless in the clearing beyond it, where enemy tanks and artillery are waiting to rip your unarmored forces to shreds.

The buildings are quite nice. They are clearly appropriate for the areas they are in, lending a certain authenticity to each locale.