Close Combat: Invasion: Normandy

 PC
  • Publisher: SSI
  • Release Date: Oct 10, 2000
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Eurogamer
    90
    Unquestionably a triumph, marking a great improvement over the last game... It relies on gameplay rather than on cutscenes and ephemera, and the variety and suspense of individual battles combined with the simple but effective campaign system mean that it will stay on a good many hard disks for a long time to come.
  2. Hot Games
    90
    It's not a huge improvement over the last in the series, but then the series doesn't need much improving to begin with.
  3. PC Gameworld
    90
    Effective integration of the psychological aspects of war and first-rate gameplay customization.
  5. GameSpy
    86
    Overall I found Close Combat: Normandy Invasion a breath of fresh air in a genre where emphasis is often placed on the "amass and swarm" strategies, or resource attrition.
  6. Antagonist
    85
    While this latest chapter in the acclaimed series doesn't offer much in the innovation department, it's a quality product, a lot of fun to play and has obvious replayability value.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. IGN
    82
    It's not a huge stride forward but it's still an excellent addition to any wargamer's library.
  8. Happy Puppy
    80
    This new release is not to be overlooked as an excellent continuation of a classic and fun series.
  9. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    Anyone with the slightest interest in historical-strategy gaming will love this title.
    All this publication's reviews
  10. GameZone
    80
    Combines solid graphics and exceptional sounds into a top-notch war gaming experience.
  11. Electric Playground
    80
    The AI has always been one of the weakest elements in this series but this time around it has been tweaked a bit and these soldiers will now perform a little more realistically.
  12. Game Over Online
    80
    Luckily, it doesn't sacrifice gameplay for the sake of simplicity.
  13. GameSpot
    72
    For those who haven't yet played a Close Combat game, or for veterans looking for new maps and scenarios for this outstanding series, then Close Combat: Invasion Normandy provides plenty of new challenges.
  14. PC Gamer
    70
    A solid game that feels like an add-on. This series needs a 3D overhaul. [Jan 2001, p.157]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    The visual, aural, and control limitations of the original are becoming more and more obvious as the series continues.
  16. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    More of an incremental advance over its predecessors than anything really new, but it incorporates the best features of the other games and plenty of customer input into what may be the best game in the series.
  17. Gaming Age
    67
    Does a very good job accurately portraying a wartime environment even with the poor visual presentation, but much like the previous outings, it isn't for everyone.
  18. All Game Guide
    60
    Even though very customizable, Close Combat: Invasion Normandy's gameplay can get very repetitive after repeated play.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best PC Game of 2000
36
#36 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 6 out of 31
  1. Orctownorc
    Oct 3, 2012
    10
    Easily the best operational level historical wargame yet made. The year is now 2012 so the challenge is out there for another developer to tryEasily the best operational level historical wargame yet made. The year is now 2012 so the challenge is out there for another developer to try and match and improve what was achieved here.… Full Review »
  2. m0skit0
    Sep 27, 2013
    10
    Most realistic tactical-level war real-time simulation by far, Close Combat is one of those underrated gems that few people know. "CC5Most realistic tactical-level war real-time simulation by far, Close Combat is one of those underrated gems that few people know. "CC5 Invasion: Normandy" is probably one the best games in the series, which was remade in 2012 with an extended campaign as "CC: The Longest Day". This game challenges you as a commander of troops with realistic behavior, and emphasizes stealth, ambushes and unit pairing over "win by numbers" usually seen in other games. Even battles that seem lost can be won with the right choices and smart use of the troops at your disposal. This is definitely one of the best tactical games I've played along with CC3 and CC4, and I'm still playing it sometimes.… Full Review »
  3. MikeW.
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    This game is superb, its even better when played multiplayer. It has to be the best WW2 RTS ever produced i just wish Matrix Games would This game is superb, its even better when played multiplayer. It has to be the best WW2 RTS ever produced i just wish Matrix Games would combine it with Korsen Pocket to make a very involving multi-level Grand & Tactical Strategy Game.… Full Review »
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