XCOM 2 is one of the best games I’ve played, partly because of how it organically creates characterization and drama. Dialogue is sparse. Cutscenes are few. But the sheer ardor of every battle, the chaos of its turn-based, dice-roll combat, and the spontaneous moments of glory that result mean that I feel more committed to my team of blank-slate soldiers than I do to some of gaming’s most defined and verbose protagonists. Combining the Firaxis formula with inspirations from Company of Heroes and Commandos, a new WW2 strategy game balances the player-driven narrative of XCOM with researched historical realism. This is Forgotten But Unbroken, and it’s available right now.
Principally, Forgotten But Unbroken takes place in the former Czechoslovakia. Each mission is rooted in actual events from the Second World War, and your troops, weapons, and gear are all period-accurate. Battles are turn-based, and you need to combine different types of soldiers, as well as flanking and firing maneuvers, in order to be successful.
Some missions are simple hit-and-run jobs – get in, plant a bomb, and get out. But the tide of war is fickle, and Forgotten But Unbroken will often put you on the back foot. Rather than attacking, your job is suddenly to defend against waves of enemies who want to overrun your base. It’s a strategy game where knowing when to fall back is just as important as gaining ground.
And there are some compelling extra mechanics. As well as fighting, you need to manage and expand your base. Stockpile ammo, send wounded troops to the field hospital, and run training drills. It sounds like XCOM, but base management in Forgotten But Unbroken is also affected by the seasons – when winter rolls around, your priorities shift from strengthening your squad to simply surviving.
Similarly, the political landscape of the war is constantly moving around you. Depending on which missions you take and where you target your efforts, you can win the favor of a variety of different allies who can provide resources and reinforcements. Court one side too heavily, though, and you’ll run afoul of the others. Every Allied nation wants to get their way. It’s up to you who you put first.
If you want to give it a shot. Forgotten But Unbroken is available on Steam right now with an introductory 15% discount, bringing the price to $29.74 / £25.07. You can get it right here.
Alternatively, try some of the best WW2 games, or perhaps the best RTS games available on PC today.
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