Classified: France ’44, scheduled for an early 2024 release, is a must for strategy game enthusiasts. Set against the backdrop of the late stages of World War II during the Allied invasion of France in June 1944, the developers at Absolutely Games have gone to great lengths to create a historically authentic yet endlessly enjoyable gaming experience.
If you appreciate strategy games with a rich historical context or are curious about the potential of the strategy genre, Classified: France ’44 is not to be missed. In anticipation of its launch, let’s delve into the game’s themes, campaigns, and tactical mechanics.
A Hidden Narrative While winning through clicks and commands is essential in strategy games, a top-tier strategy game also weaves a captivating narrative. Classified: France ’44 immerses players in a historical conflict, expanding upon the true events of Operation Jedburgh while adding a touch of creative storytelling. Players assume the role of the first team of special operatives dropped into Nazi-occupied France in 1944. They must collaborate with the French resistance to weaken the Axis forces in preparation for D-Day. Time is of the essence, and the choices players make have long-term consequences, influencing more than just the current turn. As D-Day approaches, players will witness the impact of their team’s actions and witness history in the making.
Building a Strong Team Realism is a cornerstone of the game’s approach, especially when it comes to handling units and reinforcements. Players begin with a select group of elite Allied commandos and can recruit members from the French resistance. This aspect of the game highlights the human aspect of various personalities coming together as comrades in arms. Players must closely monitor their squad, as replacing fallen comrades is not a simple task. These team members are irreplaceable, and players are responsible for keeping the squad intact. Morale and individual personalities play a significant role in the decisions players must make. Each team member has their own backstory, motivations, and skills. As the game progresses, players can customize each member’s loadout with a selection of authentic WWII weapons and armor and enhance their abilities to give the team a fighting chance.
Tactical Warfare To make the game feel authentic, Classified: France ’44 emulates real-world tactics. Using famous hit-and-run strategies to eliminate the enemy, players will employ evasive maneuvers and precise shots to decimate enemy ranks. For tougher foes, the in-game morale system can be used to break their spirit and force them to forfeit a turn. Every shot counts, as the sound of gunfire affects the mental state of both sides and causes physical damage. The psychological toll of warfare should not be underestimated, as it can be used to one’s advantage, but players must also ensure the well-being of their fighters.
Players can opt for an all-out assault or focus on stealthier approaches. Expanding the resistance networks and bolstering the underground power of the Allies before D-Day is a crucial aspect of gameplay. Players must proceed with caution, as a thriving information network increases the risk of detection by the enemy.
Strategic Thinking Like real military operations, Classified offers a variety of strategic options and missions. This includes infiltrating enemy bases and building up underground networks without getting caught. Recruits are provided with more action points than typically seen in similar games, enabling complex gameplay that relies on each member’s unique skills for victory. Players can also use the environment creatively, taking cover in local vegetation or using inventive forms of concealment. Silent takedowns and distractions are key tactics to keep the enemy unaware until players are right at their doorstep.
An Expansive World A single playthrough of Classified: France ’44 won’t reveal everything this game has to offer. The game utilizes an overhead map of France in 1944, allowing players to choose which areas to focus on, which missions to undertake, and where to allocate resources. Players can support different factions and enhance new resistance abilities to match their style of play. Decisions can lead to various outcomes, and your choices can alter the course of history. With procedural generation, missions will vary each time, and new recruits will become available for combat. Discover the countless ways to secure a victory on D-Day and explore the extensive content for yourself.
Add Classified: France ’44 to your wishlist today and test your skills in ensuring an Allied victory.