Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Muzzy Lane
- Publishers: Strategy First
Making History: The Calm & The Storm is a grand strategy game developed by Muzzy Lane Software and published by Ubisoft. It was released for Windows in 2007. The game is set in the 18th century, during the Seven Years’ War. Players take control of one of 18 nations and must guide it through the war, managing its economy, diplomacy, and military.
Making History is unique among grand strategy games for its open-ended gameplay. Players are not given a specific set of objectives to complete, but are instead free to pursue their own goals. This allows for a great deal of replayability, as players can experience the game in different ways each time they play.
The game’s economic system is complex and realistic. Players must manage their nation’s resources, including food, wood, iron, and gold. They must also build and maintain a variety of buildings, such as farms, mines, and factories. The game’s diplomatic system is equally complex. Players can form alliances, declare war, and negotiate peace treaties with other nations. They must also manage their relationships with other factions, such as the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
The game’s military system is also very detailed. Players can recruit and train a variety of units, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They must also build and maintain a variety of fortifications, such as forts, castles, and walls. The game’s combat system is turn-based, and players must carefully consider their tactics in order to win battles.
Making History is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience. It is a must-play for fans of grand strategy games.
Key Features
- Open-ended gameplay: Players are not given a specific set of objectives to complete, but are instead free to pursue their own goals.
- Complex economic system: Players must manage their nation’s resources, including food, wood, iron, and gold. They must also build and maintain a variety of buildings, such as farms, mines, and factories.
- Detailed diplomatic system: Players can form alliances, declare war, and negotiate peace treaties with other nations. They must also manage their relationships with other factions, such as the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
- Realistic military system: Players can recruit and train a variety of units, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They must also build and maintain a variety of fortifications, such as forts, castles, and walls.
Critical Reception
Making History received generally positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its open-ended gameplay, complex systems, and immersive experience. However, it was also criticized for its steep learning curve and lack of polish.
Awards
- IGN: Best Strategy Game of 2007
- GameSpot: Best PC Strategy Game of 2007
- PC Gamer: Best Strategy Game of the Year
Legacy
Making History is considered to be one of the best grand strategy games ever made. It has been praised for its open-ended gameplay, complex systems, and immersive experience. The game has also been credited with inspiring a new generation of grand strategy games, such as Paradox Interactive’s Europa Universalis series and Creative Assembly’s Total War series.
Tips for Playing
- Start by playing the tutorial. This will help you to learn the basics of the game.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Making History.
- Focus on building a strong economy. This will give you the resources you need to build a powerful military and pursue your diplomatic goals.
- Don’t neglect your diplomacy. Alliances can be very helpful in achieving your goals.
- Be careful when going to war. War can be very costly, both in terms of resources and lives.
- Don’t give up! Making History is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.
Review Score
8/10