When Colorado Computer Creations decided that they were going to create an awesome World War II strategy game, they had no idea what a tough row they had to hoe. In the eighties and nineties, the video gaming era when High Command: Europe 1939 – 1945 was published by Three-Sixty Pacific, Incorporated, there were literally hundreds of video games on multiple formats that dealt with the second world war, either in a realistic and historical context, or in an action game. Making something fresh and exciting was going to be a challenge.
With great titles, such as the Grandest Fleet, Balance of Power, the Third Reich, and Axis and Allies readily available, Colorado Computer Creations turned to the DOS format to begin. Created especially for DOS, High Command: Europe 1939 – 1945 is a strategy and simulation hybrid.
In High Command: Europe 1939 – 1945, the gamer can choose to play as either the Allies or the Axis factions of World War II. As the name of the game would suggest, whichever team the user chooses will see him as the High Command. All of the important decisions revolving around the chosen faction’s war movement will be made by the player. He will have to control every facet of the military, beginning with the acquisition and training
of new units, right up to the battles themselves. The economy will require a mastermind in order to remain balance, with the user attempting to keep the people satisfied and quiet while still producing enough surpluses to fund a war effort. Finally, efforts in diplomacy will be left to the gamer, as well. He has to find a balance between a firm stance and angering allies and neighbors, who can prove to be great thorns in the side.
One of the things that helps to set High Command: Europe 1939 – 1945 apart from the countless other games in this specific genre is the level of detail that the user will enjoy. There are many unique and random events that will add depth (and dilemma) to the user’s game. The weather, for example, can readily become a factor in both attack and defense, as well as economic production. The terrain the user crosses and colonizes will have strengths and weaknesses for some units and events. A decidedly interesting random factor will be the interaction with other countries.
Overall, High Command: Europe 1939 – 1945 is an interesting play, and Colorado Computer Creations does a good job in setting it apart from its competition. Many of its ideas have been redone in today’s more modern gaming, proving that CCC was on the right track with their video gaming ideas.
