Video games offer an interactive way to relive history and what better way to relive some famous WW2 battles than revisiting some interesting battles from video games.
The history of World War II encompasses six years, filled with both victorious and defeated battles. The world has somewhat forgotten the trauma and perilous times it endured during that period. We select a few renowned battles from different war theaters and discuss how one can relive these experiences through video games.
1)The battle of Dunkirk(1940)-At the onset of World War II, with the German invasion of France, the French resistance and Allied troops, including the English army, faced a daunting challenge in a battle they were losing. The events at Dunkirk, known as the Battle of Dunkirk, were not characterized by a conventional battle; rather, it transformed into a massive evacuation effort. The British army was engaged in trying to rescue its troops from the besieged French port of Dunkirk.
On May 24, 1940, Hitler issued orders for his troops to temporarily cease their assault on Dunkirk, apprehensive of a potential breakout by the Allies. This strategic decision provided the necessary time for the evacuation of Allied troops and the establishment of defense lines, albeit at the cost of heavy casualties for the French and British forces.
Strategic Mind: Fight for Freedom(2021)– The game is a turn-based strategic experience set against the backdrop of World War II, offering players the opportunity to reenact the Dunkirk battle in one of its scenarios. The narrative begins with a lively cutscene in a war room, capturing a meeting between Churchill and his general. Confronted with the weighty decision between fight or flight, the general devises a daring plan for the evacuation of 400,000 troops within a week, a proposal Churchill dismisses as “madness.”
If you’re well-versed in turn-based RTS games, then this game aligns perfectly with your preferences. Your tasks involve establishing defensive lines and anticipating the Nazi onslaught that could jeopardize your evacuation plans. The game offers an abundance of units, ranging from tanks and artillery to troops, allowing you to carefully strategize and execute your moves.
2)Pearl Harbor(1941)- On the morning of December 7, just before 8 am, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base, destroying eight battleships and resulting in the tragic loss of 2400 soldiers. This undeclared assault by the Japanese forces on the American base in Hawaii marked a pivotal moment in World War II history. It prompted the United States to enter the war, potentially altering the course of the conflict.
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun(2002)-The fifth installment in the series revolves around the Pacific chapter of World War II. Released in 2002 as a first-person shooter, the game received mixed reviews. Players assume the role of US Marine Corporal Joseph D. ‘Joe’ Griffin. Awakening to the jarring sounds of explosions from a dream, he must navigate his way to the top of the battleship to defend it against airplanes and torpedoes.
3)The Battle Of Stalingrad(1942-1943)-Hitler had a keen interest in controlling Stalingrad as it would mean gaining access to the industrial town, the Volga River, as well as the oil fields in the Caucasus. With dwindling oil reserves, Hitler had firmly set his eyes on the city, and by August, the Luftwaffe had bombed the entire city to ruins. Stalin urged his soldiers and residents not to give up on the city, and the world witnessed its first urban warfare fought in the ruins of Stalingrad.
By November, German troops faced another threat in the form of bitter cold, with temperatures at -40 degrees. The Red Army launched a counteroffensive to cut off enemy supplies and prevent reinforcements from joining the German troops. By February, the German soldiers surrendered after their ammunition and food supplies dwindled. This war marked the first time the Germans surrendered.
Stalingrad The Video Game(2005)- “Stalingrad,” a video game released in 2005, was developed by the Russian company DTF. The game falls within the genre of real-time tactics, similar to CDV Software’s Blitzkrieg games. Players have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the war experience from either the German side as the 6th Army or from the perspective of the Soviet Red Army. Notably, the game lacks base or unit generation, requiring players to strategize and plan their tactics accordingly.
4)A)Battle Of The Bulge(Dec 1944-jan 1945)-The Battle of the Bulge stands out as the deadliest conflict between Germany and the Allies, marking Hitler’s final major offensive. It is also acknowledged as the single deadliest battle for America, resulting in maximum casualties. Commencing on December 16, 1944, the operation aimed to impede the Allies’ use of the Belgian port of Antwerp and coerce them into submission.
Exploiting the Ardennes forest, where a fatigued Allied army sought respite, Hitler took advantage of unfavorable weather and road conditions to launch his offensive. Despite this, American resistance proved formidable, blocking crucial access roads at Elsenborn Ridge and Bastogne. This strategic resistance effectively halted the Blitz, allowing the Allies to reinforce their army and ultimately bring an end to the siege.
Sudden Strike 4:Battle Of Bulge(2017)– In the final mission of the German campaign in the “Sudden Strike” series, players are faced with a formidable challenge that puts their strategic skills to the test. Operating under constraints of limited fuel and ammunition supplies, the German army must demonstrate resourcefulness to succeed. It becomes crucial to capture enemy artillery and strategically divide troops from tank units.
The climax of the mission features a scripted retreat, introducing an element of ambush that further intensifies the difficulty. As players navigate this challenging scenario, the mission not only demands tactical prowess but also allows them to experience the Battle of the Bulge through the perspective of the German forces.
5)D-Day/Normandy Landings(1944)-The liberation of France from the clutches of the German war machine began with the largest invasion in World War II history. The operation involved the combined might of the American, British, and Canadian armies. Major Dwight D. Eisenhower, leading the American forces, was placed in command to oversee the operation. The assault aimed at liberating several beaches along the coast of Normandy, including Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
Extensive planning, which included studying weather patterns and enemy deceptions, was undertaken to ensure the success of the invasion. The operation took place on June 6th and involved both amphibian and airborne assaults on the beaches. It would take more than a month before the Allies could completely secure control over France in July.
Several factors worked in favor of the Allies for the invasion to succeed, with much of it attributed to their air supremacy. This air dominance prevented the Germans from gaining intelligence on any war preparations, disrupted supply lines along the French border, and involved deception tactics that kept the war plans secret.
Call Of Duty WW2: D-Day(2017)- There are several games that let you relive the brutal invasion as allied soldiers. From First person shooters such as 2002’s Medal Of Honor: Allied Assault to Air combat simulators such as Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WW2 and even an RTS namely Company Of Heroes. We think 2017’s Call Of Duty: WW2 is the perfect modern game to experience the invasion through the eyes of an American troop.
The opening scenes are reminiscent of scenes from “Saving Private Ryan” where even before the landing, the troops are met with artillery shelling and machinegun fire. The game doesn’t shy away from gore either, the whole beach is filled with the cries of wounded soldiers who have lost their limb and blood. After surviving the initial onslaught, you make your way through the trenches clearing enemies all the way to the bunkers perched on the hills. It is a fairly lengthy mission and paves the way for the player’s platoon to head into the French countryside and beyond.
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