Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefields Edition Review for Xbox One

Legendary real time strategy series, Sudden Strike, has made its way to Xbox One. Kite Games, along with publisher Kalypso Media, released Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefield Edition last week in an effort to widen the reach of the established PC series into the arena of console gaming.  This release brings all the action from the original game as well as three exclusive new maps and add-ons Battle of Kursk, Road to Dunkirk and Finland- Winter Storm.

Given the widespread success of Sudden Strike as a PC game, the game’s release for Xbox One was a delightful evolution for many fans of Kite Games and is one that has garnered much attention. Whether you’ve played Sudden Strike since the first release in 2000 or you’re experiencing the game for the first time, Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefield Edition will give you a fresh look at how RTS games can be adapted for the console.

GAMEPLAY

RTS games typically require in depth control of the battlefield, something that is hard to come by on the console due to a lack of controls compared to the traditional keyboard and mouse setup.  In Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefield Edition, however, Kite Games’ adaption of the mouse and keyboard configuration to that of a controller is one that is seamless and intuitive: giving players the ability to remain fully in control of the battlefield.  Granted, there will be some learning involved to fully master the mechanics of this game, but with a little practice, the limitations of this Sudden Strike’s console playability are few and far between.

In addition to the three new campaign modes, this edition of Sudden Strike offers a competitive multiplayer online experience as well as a chance to test your skills against challenging AI.  Calling in timely air strikes, precisely placing artillery and strategically positioning your infantry are among some of this game’s most important mechanics involved in securing an advantage over opponents, but the depth of Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefield Edition goes even further.  Game knowledge and cunning strategic plays are important sure, but skill and speed are also crucial to carrying your side to a swift victory.

Another stand out feature (one that  is typically lacking in RTS games) is Sudden Strike’s high quality graphics.  With Xbox One X’s full 4K capabilities, Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefield Edition is no slouch when it comes to providing realistic aerial views of some of World War II’s most iconic Battles.  It’s hard to ascribe the word beautiful to a game about World War II, but this is about as close as it gets.

OVERVIEW

While it doesn’t really make sense for PC users to pick up the console version of this game up, Sudden strike 4: European Battlefield Edition offers console players a RTS experience unlike anything they might have experienced before.  Of course the console rendition of this game will come with a few drawbacks, like the lack of base building or the slightly less intuitive controls, but the advantages of Sudden Strike’s console adaption far outweigh the limitations and give Xbox One users a gameplay that certainly measures up to the series’ past releases.

Score: 6.8/10

Check Out the Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefields Edition Video: