Order of Battle: World War II
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About Order of Battle: World War II
Order of Battle: World War II is a tactical strategy game from The Artistocrats, published by Slitherine. Released on April 30, 2015, it blends turn-based mechanics with unit management and terrain-based tactics. Played across PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Mac, it positions players as commanding officers directing historical WWII battles. The game emphasizes maneuverability and logistics, letting you deploy troops, aircraft, and armor while balancing resource limits. Its core appeal lies in simulating battlefield dynamics with a focus on positional advantage over brute force. Critics called it a genre reboot, but its niche mechanics cater to strategy purists.
Gameplay
Each turn involves moving units within a grid-based map, adjusting formations, and allocating supplies. Combat resolves via a simplified dice system, but outcomes hinge on terrain, hills grant cover, roads boost movement, and forests hide flanking maneuvers. You’ll micromanage squads in one session, then shift to macro-strategy like stockpiling fuel or repairing tanks. Multiplayer modes test real-time adaptability, forcing quick adjustments to enemy counterattacks. Controls feel clunky on consoles but precise on PC. The loop demands long-term planning: building up reserves for a later offensive while defending against attrition. Victory isn’t about raw firepower but exploiting weaknesses in enemy lines.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 4.2/5, with 78% completing the campaign. Metacritic’s 81/100 reflects praise for depth, though 12% of players quit early. Average playtime is 22 hours, with 43% finishing in under 30. Community moods split between "challenging but rewarding" (68%) and "frustrating for newbies" (29%). Review snippets highlight its "deeper than most WWII titles" but note "complexity can be a barrier." Achievements include 45 total, with 32% of players hitting 100% (completion time: 38 hours). Criticisms often circle around unclear UI cues and a steep learning curve.
PlayPile's Take
This is a high-effort, low-reward game for strategy veterans. Its WWII setting and tactical depth justify the 22-hour average playtime, but the $29.99 price tag feels steep for casual players. Achievements are dense but grind-heavy, 38 hours to unlock all. Skip it if you prefer streamlined tactics or quick sessions. Stick with it if you enjoy grinding out victories through logistics and positioning. The game’s flaws are forgivable for those chasing historical simulation over accessibility.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
80.0
RAWG Rating
2.6
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