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Real-time tactics (RTT) games have always captivated players with their intellectually stimulating gameplay. From classics like Commandos and Desperados to the more recent Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and Desperados III, the genre continues to thrive. A new contender, Partisans 1941, developed by Alter Games, enters the fray, offering its own take on WWII tactical combat. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Let’s delve into the details.

Leading the Resistance: Gameplay and Mechanics

Partisans 1941 plunges players into the heart of World War II, placing them in command of a small partisan group resisting the German occupation. The game follows Alexey Zorin, a Red Army commander who escapes a POW camp and leads the resistance through 12 missions.

alt: A screenshot from Partisans 1941 showing the main character, Alexey Zorin, aiming a rifle from a concealed position in the woods.

Initially, Zorin is joined by two companions, Sanek and Fetisov. A key feature of Partisans 1941 is its character progression system. Players can upgrade various abilities, such as running speed and weapon damage, customizing their squad to suit their playstyle.

Each character has a unique upgrade path and specific skills. Sanek, for example, possesses a valuable disguise ability, allowing him to move freely within enemy sightlines.

alt: Partisans 1941 gameplay screenshot showcasing Sanek, a partisan character, utilizing his disguise ability to infiltrate enemy territory.

However, his limited weapon proficiency and weaker melee combat capabilities make him a situational choice. Fetisov, on the other hand, excels at close-quarters combat and assassinations, but his low health makes him vulnerable. As the game progresses, new characters with unique skills, like medics and saboteurs, become available, adding depth to the tactical options.

Beyond combat missions, Partisans 1941 features a base management element. Players can use gathered resources to construct upgrades and production facilities. The primary resources are food and supplies. Food is consumed daily, with each partisan requiring five units. Insufficient food leads to decreased morale and impacts combat performance. While resource management can be challenging, efficient base upgrades can mitigate these issues.

Tactical Challenges and Frustrations

While Partisans 1941 promises tactical stealth gameplay, the execution can feel restrictive. The approach options often feel limited by the environment and enemy placement. Stealth approaches are often viable only in areas with ample cover, forcing players into direct confrontations in more open areas.

alt: A scene from Partisans 1941 depicting a firefight between partisans and German soldiers in a rural setting.

The combat itself can be cumbersome. Characters tend to fire continuously until all enemies are eliminated, making precise control difficult. Furthermore, the hit-or-miss shooting mechanics, influenced by various factors, can lead to excessive ammunition consumption and reliance on scarce healing items.

Occasionally, characters exhibit undesirable behaviors, such as automatically engaging enemies despite being set to hold fire. While this can be toggled, the setting resets upon restarting a mission, adding to the frustration. These issues can make planning and executing tactical maneuvers, a core element of the genre, less satisfying.

alt: The base camp in Partisans 1941, where players manage resources and upgrades between missions.

Frequent bugs, such as characters getting stuck or unintentionally triggering explosions, further complicate matters. The game’s quick-save and quick-load functions (F5 and F9, respectively) become essential tools for mitigating these issues. Players will find themselves frequently saving to avoid losing progress due to unforeseen circumstances.

alt: Partisans 1941 gameplay screenshot illustrating a tense moment where a partisan aims at a German soldier through a window.

Conclusion: A Promising but Flawed Experience

Partisans 1941 presents a compelling premise and engaging character progression system. However, its restrictive tactical options, cumbersome combat mechanics, and technical issues detract from the overall experience. While the game offers moments of brilliance, its flaws prevent it from fully realizing its potential. For fans of the RTT genre, Partisans 1941 might be worth exploring, but be prepared for some frustrations along the way. The game could benefit from further refinement and optimization to address its shortcomings and deliver a more polished and satisfying tactical experience.