Game review ‘Regiments’: My Take on Bird’s Eye Games’ Strategic Gem.
Game review ‘Regiments’
Table of Contents
As a fan of strategy games, I was excited to dive into Regiments, the new real-time tactics game from Bird’s Eye Games and MicroProse Software. Set in 1989 Germany during a fictional Cold War conflict, it promised an intense and immersive experience.
We found Regiments to be a gripping single-player game that lets you command military units in a hypothetical NATO vs Warsaw Pact showdown. The game’s attention to detail in recreating Cold War era equipment and tactics really drew us in. From calling in artillery strikes to maneuvering infantry platoons, we felt like we were in control of a high-stakes battlefield.
MicroProse has a long history with war games, and Regiments feels like a modern take on that legacy. While it can be challenging at times, we appreciated how it struck a balance between realism and accessibility. The graphics aren’t cutting-edge, but they get the job done in portraying the conflict across the German countryside.
Overview of Regiments
Regiments takes us back to the late Cold War era, putting us in command of military forces in a tense European conflict. We’ll explore its core premise and setting in more detail.
Core Game Premise
Regiments is a real-time tactics game that drops us into a hypothetical war between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces. We get to lead our own regiment through intense battles across German landscapes. The game gives us control over infantry, tanks, and support units. We can call in artillery strikes and air support to turn the tide of battle. It’s all about making quick decisions and adapting our strategies on the fly. We need to use terrain to our advantage, manage our resources, and outmaneuver the enemy to win.
Setting and Era
We’re transported to 1989 Germany, right at the end of the Cold War. The game imagines a scenario where tensions boil over into open conflict. East and West Germany become the front lines of this new war. We get to command forces from major powers like the USA and Soviet Union, as well as both German states. The setting feels tense and believable. Cold War-era weapons and vehicles add to the authentic feel. We can almost feel the weight of history as we send our units into battle across familiar German landscapes.
Gameplay Mechanics
Regiments offers a unique blend of real-time tactics and strategic decision-making. We found the gameplay to be deep and engaging, with systems that keep us on our toes.
Command System
The Platoon Command System is at the heart of Regiments. We control our infantry units by giving orders to entire platoons rather than individual soldiers. This lets us focus on big-picture tactics without getting bogged down in micromanagement.
We can create task forces by grouping different unit types together. This gives us flexibility in how we approach each mission. The system takes some getting used to, but once we got the hang of it, we found it very satisfying.
Resources are limited, so we have to make tough choices about what units to bring into battle. This adds an extra layer of strategy to each engagement.
Real-Time Tactics
The real-time battles in Regiments are intense and dynamic. We have to think fast and adapt our plans on the fly as the situation changes.
Flanking maneuvers and proper use of artillery are key to success. We learned quickly that rushing in head-first rarely works out well. Instead, we need to use the terrain to our advantage and coordinate our units carefully.
The game doesn’t hold our hand – we have to figure out effective tactics through trial and error. This can be frustrating at times, but it makes victory feel truly earned.
Skirmish mode lets us set up custom battles to practice specific strategies. We found this really useful for honing our skills before tackling the main campaign.
Single-Player Campaign
The single-player campaign in Regiments is where the game really shines. We found ourselves immersed in a gripping Cold War conflict set in Germany. The campaign offers a mix of challenging missions and an engaging story.
Narrative and Story
We felt drawn into the tense atmosphere of a Cold War gone hot. The story unfolds across the German landscape, with each mission adding to the overall narrative. While not groundbreaking, the plot kept us interested.
We appreciated the little details that brought the setting to life. Radio chatter, mission briefings, and cutscenes all helped create a sense of being part of a larger conflict. The developers clearly put effort into making the Cold War setting feel authentic.
Campaign Structure
The campaign is split into several missions. Each one presents unique challenges and objectives. We liked how the missions built on each other, gradually introducing new units and tactics.
Some standout missions include:
- Defending a key bridge from waves of Soviet armor
- Leading a breakthrough operation behind enemy lines
- Conducting a fighting retreat through dense forests
The variety kept things fresh throughout our playthrough. We never felt like we were just repeating the same tasks over and over.
AI and Difficulty Levels
We found the AI to be competent and challenging. Enemy units use realistic tactics and respond to our movements. On higher difficulties, we really had to think carefully about our strategy.
The game offers several difficulty options:
- Recruit: For learning the basics
- Veteran: A balanced challenge
- Elite: For experienced players seeking a real test
We liked that we could adjust the difficulty between missions. This let us fine-tune the challenge as we improved our skills. The learning curve felt steep at first, but satisfying to master.
Multiplayer and Skirmish Modes
Regiments offers both single-player and multiplayer options for players who want to test their skills. These modes let us jump into the action quickly or face off against other commanders online.
Skirmish Mode
In Skirmish Mode, we can set up custom battles against AI opponents. We pick our Task Force, choose the map, and set the game rules. It’s a great way to practice tactics or try out new unit combos.
The AI puts up a good fight, adapting to our moves. We can tweak the difficulty to make it more or less challenging. As we play, we unlock new units and Task Force options. This keeps things fresh and lets us experiment with different strategies.
Online Multiplayer Features
Regiments’ multiplayer lets us test our skills against other players via Steam. We can host or join matches with up to 4 players total. The game uses a turn-based system where we plan and execute moves simultaneously.
Matches are intense as we try to outthink our opponents. We have to carefully manage our units and resources. Calling in reinforcements at the right time can turn the tide of battle. There’s a ranking system that tracks our wins and losses. This adds a competitive element for those who want it.
Art and Visuals
The graphics in Regiments really caught our eye. We were impressed by the authentic look of the units and equipment. The game’s visuals do a great job bringing the Cold War setting to life.
Graphic Design
We love how Regiments nails the gritty, realistic feel of Cold War combat. The Unity engine delivers crisp graphics that make the action pop on screen. Lighting effects add atmosphere, especially during night missions. Explosions and smoke look awesome – very visceral and intense. The user interface is clean and easy to read, which we appreciate during heated battles.
Vehicles and Equipment
The unit models in Regiments are a highlight. Tanks like the Leopard 2 and T-72M look spot-on. We can see the care put into recreating authentic details. The M2 Bradley fighting vehicle is also faithfully reproduced. Watching these iconic Cold War machines duke it out is a treat for military buffs. The attention to accuracy extends to other equipment too. Uniforms, small arms, and artillery all have that genuine 1980s German look we were hoping for.
Sound and Music
We were impressed by the audio in Regiments. The game’s soundscape really puts you in the thick of Cold War combat.
The roar of tank engines and the sharp cracks of gunfire feel authentic and intense. It helps draw you into the action on screen.
Music in Regiments is subtle but effective. The understated score builds tension during missions without being distracting.
We especially liked the radio chatter between units. It adds to the immersion and gives useful tactical info too.
The sound effects for weapons and explosions pack a punch. When artillery shells start falling, you can almost feel the ground shake.
While not revolutionary, we found the sound design solid and fitting for this type of tactical war game. It enhances the gameplay experience in just the right ways.
Tactical Depth and Complexity
Regiments offers a rich tactical experience that kept us engaged for hours. We found ourselves constantly adjusting our strategies to overcome new challenges.
Advanced Tactics
We loved experimenting with advanced maneuvers in Regiments. Feigning retreats to lure enemy units into traps was thrilling. Mobile defenses allowed us to stay flexible and react quickly to threats.
The game rewards creative thinking. We often combined different unit types to create powerful combined arms formations. This let us tackle objectives from multiple angles.
Careful positioning is key. We learned to use terrain and cover to our advantage. Placing units on high ground or in forests gave us a tactical edge.
Micromanagement
Regiments strikes a good balance with micromanagement. We had to pay attention to details, but it never felt overwhelming.
Unit management is streamlined. We could easily give orders to entire platoons instead of individual vehicles. This let us focus on the big picture strategy.
Resource management adds depth. We had to carefully budget our reinforcement points to keep our forces strong. Calling in air support or artillery at the right moment could turn the tide of battle.
The pace feels just right. We had time to plan our moves, but the action stayed intense. Quick thinking is rewarded when surprises pop up on the battlefield.
Customization and Upgrades
We love how Regiments lets us tailor our forces to match our playstyle. The game offers a solid selection of unit types to choose from when building our battle groups.
We can mix and match infantry, tanks, and support vehicles to create a force that suits our strategy. It’s fun experimenting with different combinations to find what works best.
The upgrade system adds another layer of customization. As we play, our units gain experience and level up. This unlocks new abilities and improvements, making our forces more effective on the battlefield.
We enjoy seeing our units grow stronger over time. It gives a sense of progression and attachment to our troops as we use them in multiple battles.
The force customization options aren’t incredibly deep, but they provide enough flexibility to keep things interesting. We can create specialized groups for different missions or develop a well-rounded force.
PC System Requirements
We’ve got the scoop on what you need to run Regiments on your PC. The game isn’t too demanding, so most modern systems should handle it fine.
Here’s what you’ll need at minimum:
- Windows 7 or newer
- 4GB RAM
- Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon R7 260X
For the best experience, we recommend:
- Windows 10 64-bit
- 8GB RAM
- Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580
You’ll also need about 15GB of free disk space to install the game.
We found Regiments runs smoothly on mid-range systems. If you’ve got a GTX 1050 or better, you should be good to go at decent settings.
The game is available on Steam, so make sure you’ve got that installed too. Overall, the requirements aren’t too steep for a modern strategy game.
Performance and Accessibility
We found that Regiments runs smoothly on most PCs and offers some helpful features for new players. The game balances technical performance with ease of use.
Game Performance
We tested Regiments on a few different PC setups. It ran well even on older machines. The graphics look sharp without needing a top-end graphics card. Load times are quick, and we didn’t notice any lag during battles.
The controls felt responsive when giving orders. Unit movements and combat animations stayed fluid, even with lots of action on screen. We liked how smoothly we could zoom and pan across the battlefield.
Ease of Access for Novices
Regiments has a learning curve, but it tries to help new RTS players. The tutorial teaches the basics step-by-step. Tool tips explain game concepts as you play.
We appreciated the pause feature. It let us take our time planning moves without feeling rushed. The AI difficulty settings allowed us to ease into tougher challenges.
The UI is clear and easy to read. Important info is right where we needed it. We found the hotkeys intuitive after a little practice.
DLC Winds of Change
We’re excited about the new Winds of Change DLC for Regiments. It’s set to shake things up in a big way.
The highlight is a new procedural campaign mode. This should give us tons of replayability as we face different challenges each time.
New units are coming too. We’ll get to try out heliborne troops and fighter jets. These will add fresh tactical options to our battles.
The DLC also brings new regiments to play with. French, Dutch, Canadian, and Czechoslovakian forces join the fight. Each should have its own strengths to master.
We can’t wait to see how these additions change the gameplay. The new air units especially could really mix things up on the battlefield.
Winds of Change has launched on August 16th. It’s not long to wait now! We’re looking forward to diving in and testing our skills with all the new content.
Developer and Publisher Background
We’re excited to dive into the minds behind Regiments. Bird’s Eye Games, a small but talented studio, crafted this engaging real-time tactics game. They poured their passion for strategy into every detail.
MicroProse Software published Regiments, bringing it to gamers worldwide. This name might ring a bell for long-time strategy fans. MicroProse was a giant in the ’90s, known for classics like Civilization and X-COM.
After a long break, MicroProse came back in 2020. They’re now giving new life to the strategy genre they helped shape. We love seeing them support fresh ideas from smaller teams like Bird’s Eye Games.
Both companies have roots in the UK, adding a touch of British flair to the gaming scene. We think this partnership between a rising developer and a reborn legend is pretty cool.
Together, they’ve created a game that mixes modern design with classic strategy depth. It’s great to see new takes on the Cold War setting we enjoyed in older titles.
Community and Support
Regiments has a small but dedicated player base. Fans share strategies and mods through official channels. The developers stay in touch with players to address issues.
Steam Community
We’ve found the Steam community for Regiments to be helpful. Players post guides and tips in the discussion forums. Some share custom scenarios they’ve created. The workshop has user-made mods that add new units or maps.
Steam reviews are mostly positive. Players praise the game’s Cold War setting and tactical depth. A few complain about the learning curve. Overall, the community seems friendly to newcomers.
Developer Support
Bird’s Eye Games provides decent support for Regiments. They release patches to fix bugs reported by players. The devs are active on the Steam forums, answering questions.
MicroProse, the publisher, promotes the game on social media. They’ve hosted a few tournaments for competitive players. We’d like to see more frequent content updates. But for a small studio, the level of ongoing support is pretty good.
Comparisons With Other Games
Regiments shares similarities with other strategy games but has its own unique elements. We’ll look at how it stacks up against similar titles and analyze its competitive position.
Similar Games
Regiments reminds us a lot of World in Conflict. Both games focus on Cold War-era combat in Europe. They let players control units in real-time battles. But Regiments feels more grounded and realistic to us.
We also see parallels with Warno. The two games share a modern military setting and emphasis on tactics. Regiments has a slower pace though, which we like for planning moves.
Many strategy fans will spot influences from classic wargames too. The detailed units and terrain remind us of some tabletop games we’ve played.
Competitive Analysis
When we compare Regiments to other recent strategy releases, a few things stand out. Its focus on a specific historical period gives it a unique flavor. Not many games tackle the 1980s Cold War setting in such detail.
We think Regiments fills a nice niche between hardcore wargames and more casual RTS titles. It’s not as complex as some simulations, but offers more depth than many mainstream strategy games.
The single-player focus is both a strength and weakness. We love the well-crafted scenarios, but some players might miss multiplayer options. Overall, Regiments carves out its own space in the crowded strategy market.
Reception and Critiques
We’ve seen mixed reviews for Regiments since its release in 2022. Some players love the Cold War setting and tactical gameplay. Others find it a bit challenging to get into at first.
On Steam, the game has earned mostly positive reviews from purchasers. Many praise the detailed units and realistic combat scenarios. The Cold War gone hot premise seems to resonate with strategy fans.
We noticed some critiques about the learning curve. The controls and interface take time to master. But patient players say it’s worth the effort.
The single-player focus disappointed a few folks hoping for multiplayer. Yet others appreciate the deep solo campaign and skirmish modes.
Graphics get mixed reactions. Some find them dated, while others feel they fit the 1980s setting well. The sound design generally earns high marks for its authenticity.
We think Bird’s Eye Games deserves credit for trying something different in the RTS genre. Not every game nails that balance of accessibility and depth. Regiments seems to lean more toward the hardcore strategy crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered some common questions about Regiments to help you get up to speed on this Cold War RTS game. Let’s dive into the details about gameplay, mods, campaigns, and more.
How does ‘Regiments’ gameplay compare to other real-time strategy games?
Regiments stands out with its focus on Cold War tactics. We control military units in 1989 Germany, balancing realism and strategy. The game lets us command squads rather than individual soldiers, giving a broader tactical view.
Unlike some RTS games, Regiments doesn’t have base-building. We instead focus on unit positioning and combined arms tactics. This makes for faster-paced battles compared to more traditional RTS titles.
What kind of mods are available for ‘Regiments’?
We haven’t found much info on mods for Regiments. As a newer game from a small studio, the modding scene is still developing. Some players have expressed interest in creating mods, but official support or a big mod community isn’t apparent yet.
Can you describe the single-player campaign experience in ‘Regiments’?
The single-player campaign puts us in command during a hypothetical Cold War conflict. We lead NATO or Warsaw Pact forces through a series of missions. Each scenario presents unique tactical challenges.
The campaign isn’t a long, story-driven experience. Instead, it offers a set of connected battles that test our strategic skills. We make decisions that impact the flow of the war, adding replay value.
What are the system requirements to run ‘Regiments’ on PC?
For the most up-to-date info, it’s best to check the game’s Steam page or official website. Generally, strategy games like this don’t need top-end hardware to run well.
Are there any downloadable contents or expansions available for ‘Regiments’?
The new DLC ‘Winds of Change’ is available since August 16, 2024.
How do player reviews rate ‘Regiments’ since its release?
Player reactions to Regiments seem mostly positive. We’ve seen praise for its tactical depth and Cold War setting. Some players enjoy the challenge and realistic approach to warfare.
A few critics have noted that the game might feel limited compared to larger strategy titles. But many appreciate the focused gameplay and attention to historical detail.
