Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin

 PC
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. PC Gameworld
    95
    If you’re looking for an infinitely replayable wargame, then look no further. CM2 will provide you with hours of fun.
  2. GameSpy
    94
    This is, quite simply, one of the best games of any genre available for the PC (and even the Mac!)
  3. GameSpot
    91
    All the innovations and improvements in Barbarossa to Berlin... take a great game and make it even greater.
  5. GamerFeed
    90
    The game is about as deep as they come, boasting advanced unit AI, a multitude of options, all the unit details anyone could possibly want, an astounding ballistics physics engine and literally hundreds of hours of play time.
  6. Computer Gaming World
    90
    With a superb game system, unrivaled detail, great graphics for the genre, and outstanding multiplayer, CMBB is more than enough to please any wargamer. [Feb 2003, p.70]
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  7. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    This is the champagne of tactical wargames, and the best vintage at that. [Jan 2003, p.72]
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  8. PC Gamer
    90
    It forces you to think more like a real-world commander and less like a "wargamer." [Jan 2003, p.102]
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  9. IGN
    90
    Not only is it one of the greatest wargames we've ever played, it also takes everything that normally makes wargames so inaccessible and throws it right out the window.
  10. GameZone
    86
    A true tactical strategy game with enough combat scenarios and a great multiplayer feature fans of this genre will like.
  11. FiringSquad
    85
    Quite simply, Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin has smashed preconceived notions of what defines the wargame genre.
  12. Pregaming
    80
    Even considering all of these assets and features, and counting in well-drawn graphics and outstanding sound, there is no use denying a simple fact: this game can get really, really boring.
  13. TotalGames.net
    70
    Through four years of massive commitment and seasonal hell with over 300 vehicles and 600 infantry types, this a game to challenge the serious gamer.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PC Game of 2002
98
#98 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
28
#28 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 6 out of 24
  1. JoaquinD.
    Aug 25, 2003
    10
    Perfect strategic and tactical WWII wargame. It really makes you use your brain!
  2. ThomasR.
    Apr 3, 2003
    9
    Needs a brush-up on the graphics.
  3. dinin70
    May 3, 2017
    9
    I don't think it deserves 10/10 for a simple reason: chain orders are not properly executed by tanks. But that's it. The rest is absolutelyI don't think it deserves 10/10 for a simple reason: chain orders are not properly executed by tanks. But that's it. The rest is absolutely perfect.

    So... What is this horrible looking game?

    Basically, for newcomers, it's a turn based strategy game. Both players provide, at the same time (paused game) orders for their troops. Those orders are rather standards: move, attack that unit, crawl, run etc.

    After both players provided their orders, the game runs for 1 minute and both players simply watch their units (trying to) execute the received orders. When the minute is over, you can keep the orders provided from the previous turn or provide new orders. Then again, once everyone provided their orders, game runs for an extra minute and so forth.

    This way of doing is so gratifying as you watch, with an increasing heartbeat, your troops firing, panicking, hiding, not executing the orders. You will exult as your Stug explodes a T34 and rage behind the screen as your cannon misses or your troops start panicking.

    The game may look at first sight hard to handle, but it isn't. Deploy your troops, make sure your squads aren't too far away from their officers and officers aren't too far away from the HQ or else orders will be executed with a more or less substantial delay.

    The game itself is FAR more realistic and strategic as it may seem, and infantries react actually in a very realistic way to which players are not used to.

    Example, from the woods to a Trench you order your squad to run across a wheat field. As a gamer you would expect them to simply run and jump in the trench, even if under fire. Here, it won't. If a MG is suppress-firing the squad, even though not hurting anyone (they are hidden in the wheat field), the MG will prevent them from running. And that's actually how real soldiers would behave.

    Once you are used to this kind of behavior, you understand the huge strategic decisions you must undertake. Suppose you are the player who owns the MG. Maybe there is another squad nearer, easier to kill. But that squad running across the fields may represent a danger if it reaches the trenches because you want to get first to a house nearby. If that squad reaches the trench, it will prevent your troops to reach the house and secure the entire area.

    You see the point now of this game and how important very small decisions may be.

    Furthermore, as the orders are provided at the same time, as a real general, you must foresee what your enemy will try to do.

    And as a real general, once your orders are provided, there is nothing you can do to cancel it quickly.

    And, as a real general should expect, the reality of the terrain and situation well may prevent your soldiers to accomplish their duties.

    Graphics aren't nice. Interface is not very well done. You don't have any feedback-feeling from the animations providing you a high sense of immersion (see soldiers dying, running, recharging etc). But, if your mind is open enough to conceptualize the situation, not only you will find a completely immersive and tense game, but you will find one of the best WW2 strategic game ever released with Sudden Strike Forever. Believe me.    … Full Review »
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