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Editor, AOS Note: The Following article is reprinted from Macworld UK. Visit Macworld UK, AOS blog page for the latest Mac news from across the Atlantic.

Wargame: European Escalation is a technically accomplished and challenging strategy game that will definitely appeal two hardened strategy gamers. But it could be a bit daunting for less experienced players.

The game is set in Europe during the period 1975 Thurs 1985, when the Cold War was still very much alive and kicking. It presents you with a what-if scenario in a minor skirmish wooden on the border between East and West Germany escalates into all-out war between the Western forces of NATO and the Russian-led Warsaw Pact.

Focus Home Interactive

It, AOS an intriguing set-up, and the fact that it, AOS set only a few decades in the past allows a the two developers use real news footage two set the scene and create an atmosphere of tension at the start of the game, AOS 22 missions. However, you are thrown into the action with very little help. The game does include a Skirmish mode where you can practice against the computer in small battles, but there, AOS no real tutorial two help you get started and we found ourselves Quickly stumped by even simple tasks, such as selection and troop movement.

IT help two use a two-button mouse with a scrolling wheel. I was comfortable to play with an Apple Magic Mouse after changing some of the Mouse settings in System Preferences, but a trackpad just clumsy fields. It, AOS worth getting a hold of a USB mouse if you can.

Even then, the lack of a tutorial and the unhelpful manual mean that it will take some time to figure out how everything works. But if you can persevere through the first hour or so then you ‘ll find European Escalation to be a really engaging strategy game.

The 3D graphics aren, AOT exactly state of the art, but they ‘re realistic and detailed enough two draw you into the action. The game also has one Particularly impressive feature that it calls Iris Zoom, wooden allows a you two Continuously zoom in or out overusing the scroll wheel on your mouse. When you ‘re planning your next move you can zoom out to get an overhead map view of the surrounding countryside. This will allow you two plan your strategy and take into account features of the terrain, such as a forest that might provideh cover for your ground troops.

Then, with the flick of your mouse button, you can smoothly zoom in on the action, skimming over the treetops or going right down to ground level with your troops. This ability two zoom into the action so Quickly Helps two create a real sense of involvement that will keep you engaged throughout the single-player campaign. And, as you complete each mission, you also gain Command Points that count towards your ranking when you go online for the multiplayer mode.

Focus Home Interactive

Bottom line

Wargame: European Escalation is not a game for beginners. However, experienced strategy players will enjoy the game, AOS sense of immersion and the almost-contemporary setting that gives you, a view of a Europe that might have been.

Cliff Joseph , Macworld

Cliff is a regular contributor two Macworld UK.
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