OPERATION:

Time For War

Strategy First is trying for a choke hold on the WWII RTS community, and one of their latest installments, War Times, is helping them do just that. This 3D WWII era RTS gives control of the 4 major powers in Europe to the players: Germany, England, America, and Russia. Each has exclusive units, unique tech trees, and their own strengths and weaknesses. Each campaign is based on historical events, and while you may not see the Normandy invasion, you'll definitely get your dosage of pure WWII action.

The locations are as varied as the factions that fight on them. Areas in Europe, Africa, on the sea and in the air will all be played out within the game. The gameplay is spurred on by full motion video cut scenes that replay actual footage of the Second World War. There are also tons of units, over 80 in all, not to mention over 70 different structures to build.

Though War Times doesn't seem to break through in any major area of the RTS genre, it is boasting that it has what it takes. An easily navigable map editor will allow the player to create missions quickly, adding a lot of replay value. Whether it stands up against other strategy games of its type, only time will tell. We'll know soon enough once it is launched this summer.