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Advance Wars PC? It is undeniable that Shattered Union features some similarities with Nintendo’s ultra popular handheld games. The game is turn-based and features game mechanics that are easy to learn but difficult to master, just like Nintendo’s game. In essence, the game is a lightweight wargame that is instantly enjoyable to anyone who picks it up. There are some flaws though that prevent the game from being definitely recommendable.
In Shattered Union, you’ll play as a person tasked with reuniting the shattered union of the United States. In the game, the United States was divided into six regions including the New England Alliance, California Commonwealth, Great Plains Federation and Pacifica. In addition to these American regions, there are Europeans that plan to invade Washington D.C. Your goal is to stop this. To do so, you’ll have access to recent weapons including stealth bombers and M1 tanks.
One of the main features of the game is the strategic map. Here you’ll see the country divided into territories that generate revenue. You’ll be able to decide whether to attack or defend as you manage your units. If you go into battle, you can let the computer handle your forces or take personal charge. You have access to a number of units in the game including infantry (which are plentiful though weak), light armor (decent in attacking but exposed), heavy armor (the best in attacking but pricey and sluggish), and engineers (which can clear obstacles). You’ll also have access to artillery which is very effective in attacking and antiaircraft units that defend well against a number of units. The units are well balanced. The units gain experience thereby becoming more powerful and valuable. This forces you to care for them since you don’t want to let that effort go to waste. You’ll have to be careful since the units have a certain amount of fuel and if they are stranded somewhere they’ll likely be vulnerable to the enemy.
Something that has a lot of importance in the game is political reputation. Your actions are instantly broadcast to the world thanks to the wonders of advanced media technology. If you do something crazy like destroy an entire city, everyone will know, lowering your political reputation. A lower political reputation affects you by increasing the enemy offensive against you. It will also reduce your “good” special abilities such as healing. It will, however, increase your “evil” special abilities like unlocking tactical nuclear cruise missiles. This is especially important since stuff you blow up in a level remains broken in future battles.
The actual battles are simple and very fast paced. Nonetheless, they offer very engaging gameplay if you put the time to get a decent strategy in the game. The game’s AI is excellent on defense providing plenty of challenge. On the offense, though, they aren’t quite as effective.
Shattered Union lets you play skirmish modes in multiplayer. The multiplayer works well if you’re playing against an even skilled opponent. Some will take too long to make a move; others will do so nearly instantly.
The game’s visuals clearly weren’t the focal point in development. The game doesn’t match other strategy games on a pure technical basis. The game features a look that works very well as a throwback to the old school strategy games which is fitting since the game also mirrors their gameplay. In essence, the game has a board game feel to it. The units are petty large and the environments feature landmarks that make them stand out from the others.
The sound effects are good enough, accurately displaying everything that is onscreen at any time. You’ll hear everything from missiles flying to tanks turning on. The music in the game is equally good though it could have been more dynamic to better fir the game.
Shattered Union isn’t perfect. It fits a niche market that very few developers are pursuing though. If you’re looking for that, then Shattered Union will definitely be for you. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Oct 28, 2005
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