Call to Arms

We do love an indie-developed strategy game. Why? Because most offerings tend to head more towards the ambitious side and promote innovation within the genre. Call to Arms is no stranger to the idea of innovation. The game takes on the core of modern warfare strategy while incorporating some first-person and third-person shooter mechanics.

Can that really work, you ask? Technical limitations in the past often prevented developers from tackling the task. Even though that cross-genre idea has been conceptualized long ago. In the modern age, it feels like anything is possible. Call to Arms seeks to showcase a new wave of RTS to immerse players into battlefields even more. Let's see how that comes across.

Heed the Call!

Firing up Call to Arms, and you'll discover a traditional-looking RTS. The visuals set the scene for a modern combat arena with an isometric view. Not to forget the flurry of well-armed units - infantry, vehicles, and the works. Nothing looks different about any other strategy game you've played - but getting into the nitty-gritty, it's a different story.

Yes, you'll be able to use your mouse to guide your platoon of units to combat in towns, fields, and factories. But you'll also have to take control of individual units to complete your missions. The concept is massive, and the idea of controlling tanks, helicopters, and infantry makes for some exciting gameplay.

Like every ambitious game, though, you'll find a fair few mechanical roadblocks that hinder the experience. At the expense of the freedom of unit control - characters are lacking animation. It makes Call to Arms look stiff. Faction management is also tricky, considering you may constantly interchange between individuals and groups of units.

All things considered, though, Call to Arms definitely has the fun factor. It offers new perspectives on the battlefield and progresses on the right path as a cross-genre game. There are plenty of elements that could use some work, but it's safe to say that any RTS fan won't be disappointed with what's offered here.

Take Up Arms However You Want

Have you spent an excessive amount of time in the RTS universe? You will immediately compare Call to Arms to the Men at War franchise. You wouldn't be wrong for making those connections, considering the developers label the game as the esteemed series spiritual successor. The noticeable difference - you can tell that Call to Arms has free reign over how the game plays out.

Pros:

• An ambitious title that does well in incorporating cross-genre mechanics
• Combat is incredibly thrilling for an RTS
• Take control of individual infantry and vehicles

Cons:

• AI is poor
• Feels like there are balance issues between units
• Faction management can be challenging