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The Men of War series has captivated strategy gamers since its inception with its engaging gameplay, realistic portrayal of warfare, and punishing difficulty. Men of War: Assault Squad, with its numerous gameplay improvements, is widely considered the pinnacle of the series. Building on this success, 1C Company released Men of War: Assault Squad 2. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Let’s dive into this review and find out.

Intense combat in Men of War: Assault Squad 2

Engaging and Challenging Gameplay

As a real-time strategy game, Men of War: Assault Squad 2 shares similarities with other WWII-themed RTS titles like Company of Heroes. However, Assault Squad 2 eschews base building, focusing instead on direct control of small squads. Players capture strategic points on the map to gain manpower, allowing them to deploy additional troops.

Squad-based combat in Men of War: Assault Squad 2

The game’s signature squad-based tactical gameplay, a hallmark of the Men of War series, returns in Assault Squad 2. Players command small squads and can even directly control individual soldiers, reminiscent of the classic Commandos series. This control scheme contributes to the game’s challenging nature.

Managing individual soldiers is crucial

Players must carefully manage each soldier, conserving limited ammunition and employing effective tactics to avoid unnecessary casualties. Strategic thinking is paramount to success.

Direct control over individual units

Diverse Game Modes

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 offers a wide array of game modes. The single-player campaign features historical battles from five major WWII factions across various theaters of war. The improved AI provides a significant challenge.

Varied environments and factions

Multiplayer options include LAN and online play, allowing players to engage in competitive matches or cooperative campaigns. With 65 multiplayer maps and five distinct game modes, players can test their tactical prowess against others.

Multiplayer combat in Men of War: Assault Squad 2

The integration of Steam Workshop empowers players to create and share their own mods. This demonstrates the developer’s support for community-created content and promises a wealth of exciting player-made additions.

Modding support via Steam Workshop

Enhanced Graphics

Assault Squad 2 boasts improved graphics, giving the Men of War series a visual overhaul. Units, buildings, and environments are rendered in greater detail.

Upgraded visuals and detailed units

The enhanced graphics engine allows for closer camera angles, providing a better view of individual units and immersing players in the heat of battle. Improved explosion effects add to the intensity and realism of combat.

A Familiar Feeling

A sense of familiarity

Despite improvements to AI and graphics, Men of War: Assault Squad 2 doesn’t offer significant gameplay innovations compared to its predecessor. While engaging, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. Many of the campaign missions are recycled from the original Assault Squad.

Reused assets and missions

The familiar units, missions, and maps give the impression of an expansion rather than a true sequel. Furthermore, the soundtrack lacks originality, reusing music from the first game. This creates a sense of déjà vu for returning players.

Conclusion

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 delivers a refined experience with improved graphics and AI, but it ultimately feels more like an enhanced version of the original than a groundbreaking sequel. While the familiar gameplay is still enjoyable, the lack of significant innovation may disappoint those expecting a truly new experience. However, for fans of the series and newcomers alike, Assault Squad 2 still offers a challenging and engaging RTS experience.