Making History: The Calm & the Storm

[h1] Short review [/h1] Halfway between geopolitical simulation, management game, and wargame, Making History: The Calm & The Storm presents a rich and intricate view of World War II. Initially designed as an educational program, Making History evolved into a full-fledged video game, offering a uniquely detailed, if somewhat niche, experience. While it shares similarities with Civilization and Hearts of Iron, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of entertainment or ease of play. However, Making History is far from lacking in interest; it provides a substantial range of strategic choices and an impressive scope that rewards thoughtful decision-making and long-term planning. That being said, this title is best suited for devoted fans of the genre. [h1] Long review [/h1] Making History: The Calm & the Storm is a grand strategy game that immerses players in the tensions and conflicts of World War II. With a global perspective, it allows players to take control of a major power or a smaller nation, each with unique historical, economic, and military challenges. While its approach to WWII is often more academic than spectacular, setting it apart from other military strategy games, The Calm & the Storm proves to be a captivating simulation that will appeal to those who enjoy strategic and diplomatic management. Making History: The Calm & The Storm challenges players to manage a country’s economy, political relations, scientific research, and military maneuvers, all at once. It requires a careful balance; neglecting one aspect can weaken others. For example, maintaining a strong army is impossible without a steady supply of weapons and provisions, while developing resources without defending them leaves you vulnerable to neighboring powers. In wartime, invasion is always a possibility, though the game’s AI is generally not overly aggressive. International relations hold more significance than they might initially seem. Indeed, facing militarized nations like Germany or Japan requires diplomatic skill and perhaps the assistance of allied nations. Managing alliances carefully and respecting national sensibilities is crucial to securing support when needed. Additionally, keeping up with military advancements by investing in research is essential: outdated technology could quickly become a country’s downfall in this high-stakes setting. The world map is rendered in 3D, allowing players to easily rotate the globe and zoom into any region, though the fog of war often obscures details. Units are effectively represented by markers, each accompanied by a flag and a number indicating their theoretical strength. There’s enough variety among these units to form armies that reflect real-world forces well. Moving units is simple—just click on the unit and then on the desired destination. If enemy forces are present at the destination, a battle ensues. Players can bring in air and naval support to help sway the outcome in their favor. At the end of each turn, a summary shows the casualties on both sides. Players then have the option to withdraw or press on, with the last surviving unit gaining control of the contested region. While some major historical trends are unchangeable, much of the game's enjoyment comes from experimenting with alternative strategies. What if the U.S. had advanced through the Central Pacific instead of prioritizing the Philippines? Or if England had joined forces with Germany against the USSR? What if the Western Allies had launched a second European front as early as 1942? Exploring these "what if" scenarios—known as counterfactuals to historians—is incredibly engaging. However, Making History: The Calm & the Storm is not without weaknesses. Its interface, while functional, remains relatively simple and may feel outdated by today’s standards, though it allows for smooth navigation between management screens. The graphics are somewhat lacking in detail and visual dynamism, and the absence of detailed maps or views detracts slightly from the WWII-era immersion. For players who prioritize strategy over visuals, this is not a major obstacle, but it’s worth noting that the overall aesthetic can feel basic. Also, in a game this complex, good documentation is essential. The tutorial covers the basics of the interface reasonably well, but it doesn't go far enough in explaining how your choices affect your overall standing in the war. While it's helpful to learn how to move units and transfer territory, figuring out why liberating conquered nations might be advantageous or how research points translate into actual technological progress requires consulting the manual. Unfortunately, even then, some aspects remain unclear. Another drawback lies in the artificial intelligence, which, while occasionally challenging, also reveals some limitations in responsiveness and realism. In diplomacy, certain AI reactions may seem inconsistent or counterintuitive, at times affecting the flow and strategic immersion. The military management, while adequate, lacks depth compared to other titles, and combat tactics are often limited to basic movements and positioning, without the richness of advanced military maneuvers. Despite these flaws, Making History: The Calm & the Storm offers a rewarding experience for fans of global strategy and historical simulation. The game requires long-term thinking, as each decision impacts the progression of events. Economic, diplomatic, and military choices intersect in a complex web, often leading players to adapt their plans based on changing global situations. This focus on strategy and planning appeals to players who prefer in-depth, gradual management over direct action. If you're a big fan of the genre, feel free to buy it. Or, you can also look at their newest WWII games: Making History II : The War of the World and Making History: The Second World War