Rising Storm Game of the Year Edition is an online multiplayer realism based World War 2 shooter. This game also contains all the content from Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad. Rising Storm is based upon the pacific theatre particularly the Japanese vs. American campaign. Red Orchestra 2 is based upon the battle of Stalingrad.
Whilst the trailer for the game, does make the game look like an all out multiplayer shooter like call of duty. However it is different in many ways as the community for the game is small(less than 350 players). Although there is an upside to this as there isn’t many idiots on the game. But the main difference is in the games design. The reason this is a game is separated from the others is that this game is based on realism. This means that the game is more difficult as it tries to be lifelike. Hints in general that are available upon other games such as how many rounds are in your weapon aren’t available. As a result of this most of the time you’re dependant on your overall awareness of your actions/surroundings.
Vulnerability in the game (also one of the factors it is more realistic) is a big deal. This is due to the fact that, if another player can see you they can attack you. Also damage is a big factor, as one hit can kill you. On some locations on your body if you get there it can/will kill you. As a result of this you have to take cover behind anything to protect yourself whether it is walls, furniture or even trees.
Friendly fire is also a factor to consider in this game. So you have to be careful where you run and where your aim is. Even the speed you run at can vary in game. As your running speed is based upon how much you are carrying on you. As expected carrying more items comes at a cost as the more you carry the slower you run. Although it is handy to carry plenty of equipment as you can carry up to 2 primary weapons, 2 secondary weapons and plenty of other equipment. It isn’t really advisable to carry that much because you will run slowly.
It is also more realistic in terms of portrayal of war. Since each side has their own fashions, equipment and even use of native languages. The gameplay is more organised and reliant on team work. This is because no man can complete most of the objectives single handed. To help with this you are put into squads with random people. Although more often than not there were no squads sticking together and everyone went off to do their own thing. Which is a blow as you could have had each squad of infantry doing their own task.
When it comes down to what roles are available in game. Every class is rationed with the exception of riflemen which is the basic class. This is because the game doesn’t want everyone to do the same things. Each class has purposes in the game and equipment to use. For example the purpose(s) of the rifleman is to clear positions held by the enemy and defend them until it is claimed. Equipment wise a rifleman would have a bolt action rifle with a grenade if the server allows it.
However more superior roles such as a squad leader has access to better equipment such as a semi automatic rifle and smoke grenades. Although they have more to do such as throwing smoke grenades so your team can attack a location easier. They also act as an assistant to the commander and acting as a flag pole. Since where they are located on the map squad members can spawn on them thus getting into the battle quicker.
However this game isn’t very realistic as the environment is completely indestructible. Items that you can take cover behind will not be destroyed regardless of the damage taken. Taking one example of this I was attacking a building with a tank. I decided to use a shell to demolish the building as an anti tank unit was camping there. When the shell hit the building surprisingly no damage had happened to the building. After I shelled the building it was still standing with no damage. The only damage to the structure was a small mark where the shell blast was.
Also if you play as a tank based role you cannot leave the vehicle under any context. I think this is strange as if you are in a tank and you are unable to move. You should be able to vacate the vehicle and fight on foot. This is counterproductive as either you have no purpose or you lose the team tickets.
Generally speaking I cannot recommend Rising Storm Game of the Year Edition. I say this due to the fact that it is an online game with a shrinking community. On most days there are less than 350 active players. In the end they will eventually move onto other games. However you can try the game at any point even for a free weekend. Then I suggest that you try it as it is a good game. However I wouldn’t buy it unless it is on sale and you have people to play the game with.
