Combat Mission Overview (Repost)

Reposted from the main discussion forums:


I picked up a game a few weeks back before my computer troubles called Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord. It is by far the finest WW2 strategy game I have ever played. Apparently, it was originally was released in 2000 as a web based downloadable game by a small studio that was unable to get a publisher. The game quickly attracted a faithful following, and the attention and glowing reviews of some prominent game reviewing sites, and gaming mags. It's finally got a publisher and has been released as a "Special Edition", which includes a huge mod pack of new high res textures, new vehicles and effects included on the cd. Also included, is a list of mod enthusiast websites, where you can get the latest updates for the game. I HIGHLY recommend installing the included mods as well as the community standard mods and rule sets. They'll add lots of mileage to the game, and really improve the look, and feel of the game. Also included is an easy to use, and powerful mission generator. There's also a great random mission generator, for the quick battle, or not-so-historical engagement. It's quite a bundle, and at $29.99 it's a fantastic buy, for all that's included.

Content: The game Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord takes place from the invasion of Normandy, until the end of the war, with focus on the western European theater. Today, there was another relase called Combat Mission 2: Barbarossa to Berlin, with the focus on the Eastern European theater, and the dread of Sargeant Schultz: The Russian front. Still another sequel is slated for the not-too-distant future. Combat Mission: Afrika Corps captures the essence of the Italian, and North African fronts in the early stages of the war. A must have Trilogy for any WW2 enthusiast, or strategy gamer.

Overview: It's a turn based game, where both side simultaneously plan their movements, and give their orders. Then comes the action phase, where the events play out in 60 second intervals. During the action phase you cannot give orders to your troops, but you can watch the events unfold from every concievable angle, and perspective. You have a toolbar that is similar to a VCR/DVD panel, where you can pan, change camera angles, take screenshots, and rewind, pause, etc.
The battles can be immense historical epics, or small skirmishes. Small skirmishes may put you in charge of 2 or 3 squads of airborne troops sent to clear a garrisioned village. Large battles, on the scale of Market Garden, or Battle of the Bulge will put you in charge of tanks, support vehicles, infantry, stationary guns---all historically accurate down to the smallest detail. Early models of Sherman tanks in the game accurately live up to their German moniker of "Tommy Cookers" by easily catching fire. Panzer tanks reflect historically accurate blast skirts, and shot traps. The designers went to great lengths to make this a historically accurate (and extremely fun) game.

The major downside is, Graphically, out of the box, the game is primitive. The sounds are a bit behind the times as well. But give it a chance, and install the mods. I wasn't too impressed before I installed all the high resolution community mods. The mods included on the CD will get you started, and the content on the fan sites listed on the CD will bring you up to speed, and add plenty of mileage to your gameplay. You'll also find some interesting explosion, fire, and smoke effects updates. I've included a few links at the end of this post, just in case you might be interested in picking a copy up. If anyone out there already has a copy, I'd love to challenge you to a game of online play.

Here's some links, and I'll post some screenshots once I get chance.
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/237353.asp
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/234950.asp

This is the major community mod hub for Combat Mission. The game designers themselves post mods here. http://www.combatmission.com/

The official website w/ screenshots (I think these screens are "out of the box" and low res textures:
http://www.battlefront.com/index.htm

Try a Barbarossa to Berlin demo!
http://www.3dgamers.com/games/combatmission2/
http://www.fileplanet.com/files/110000/112465.shtml

Try a Beyond Overlord Demo!
ftp://ftp.battlefront.com/pub/demos...cmbodemo102.exe

Barbarossa to Berlin Mod Samlples
Mod Vehicle Samples (notice the high res texture improvements in the mod samples):
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/...weinestall1.htm

http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/...r_jármuvek1.htm

Misc. Mod Samples (high res):
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/...cellaneous1.htm

Panzers (high res)
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/Panzers/Panzers1.htm

Russian Tanks
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/.../Svinarnik1.htm
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/Tanki/Tanki1.htm

Romanian Tanks
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/...ule_române1.htm

Winterized tanks
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/...rfahrzeuge1.htm
http://www.combatmission.com/cmmos/...Kamuflyazh1.htm

Beyond Overlord Mod Samples

http://www.combatmission.com/mods/germantanks.asp
http://www.combatmission.com/mods/germansupport.asp
http://www.combatmission.com/mods/alliedtanks.asp
http://www.combatmission.com/mods/terrain.asp

Misc Screens:
http://www.combatmission.com/POTD/ostfront.jpg
http://www.combatmission.com/POTD/hetzerpotd.jpg
http://www.combatmission.com/POTD/mondaypotd.JPG

Wow, I did a number on those links.

If anyone is interested in buying this, don't hesitate to ask me any questions. I can also set you up with links to the latest mod manager, updater and rule sets if you're interested. I would say that to get the most out of the game, you should definately install the approved (CMMOS) mods. But be careful once you do...because you may get hooked!