Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Strategic Studies Group
- Publishers: Matrix Games
Decisive Battles of WWII: Korsun Pocket (2003)
Introduction
Decisive Battles of WWII: Korsun Pocket is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Battlefront.com and published by Matrix Games in 2003. It is part of the Decisive Battles of WWII series, which focuses on key battles of World War II. Korsun Pocket recreates the Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket campaign, a series of battles that took place in Ukraine in early 1944.
Gameplay
Korsun Pocket is a traditional RTS game, played from a top-down perspective. The player controls units of infantry, tanks, and artillery, and must use them to defeat the enemy. The game features a variety of missions, each based on a different historical battle.
One of the unique features of Korsun Pocket is its focus on realism. The game uses a detailed physics engine to simulate the movement of units and the effects of terrain. This makes the game more challenging and realistic than many other RTS games.
Historical Background
The Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket campaign was a series of battles that took place in Ukraine in early 1944. The German Army had launched an offensive in December 1943, but it was halted by the Soviet Army. The Germans were then surrounded and trapped in a pocket near the town of Korsun-Cherkassy.
The Soviet Army launched a series of attacks to eliminate the pocket, but the Germans held out for several weeks. Eventually, the Germans were forced to retreat, but they managed to escape with a significant portion of their forces.
Critical Reception
Korsun Pocket received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its realism, its detailed graphics, and its challenging gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and unforgiving.
Legacy
Korsun Pocket is considered to be one of the best RTS games of its era. It is still played by many fans today, and it has been cited as an influence on later RTS games.
In-Depth Analysis
Realism
One of the most striking things about Korsun Pocket is its focus on realism. The game uses a detailed physics engine to simulate the movement of units and the effects of terrain. This makes the game more challenging and realistic than many other RTS games.
For example, units in Korsun Pocket cannot simply walk through trees or buildings. They must find a path around obstacles, and they will slow down if they are moving through difficult terrain. This makes it important to carefully plan your movements and to use the terrain to your advantage.
The game also features a detailed line-of-sight system. Units can only see and fire at enemies that are within their line of sight. This makes it important to use cover and concealment to avoid being detected by the enemy.
Graphics
The graphics in Korsun Pocket are impressive for a game released in 2003. The game uses a 3D engine to create detailed and realistic environments. The units are also well-modeled and animated.
The game’s graphics are particularly impressive when viewed up close. You can zoom in on units to see their individual features, and you can even see the tracks on their tanks. This level of detail helps to bring the game to life and makes it more immersive.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Korsun Pocket is challenging and rewarding. The game features a variety of missions, each based on a different historical battle. The missions are well-designed and offer a variety of challenges.
One of the things that makes Korsun Pocket so challenging is its focus on realism. The game’s physics engine makes it difficult to simply rush your units into battle. You need to carefully plan your movements and use the terrain to your advantage.
The game also features a number of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You need to learn how to use each unit type effectively in order to succeed.
Conclusion
Decisive Battles of WWII: Korsun Pocket is a classic RTS game that still holds up today. The game’s focus on realism, its detailed graphics, and its challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
