Classified: France '44

This WW2-set XCOM-a-like is a really pleasant surprise and a massively confident first title from its developers. Let’s hope we see a lot more from this studio. [Issue#39, p.78]

Counting down to D-Day, you guide a group of Special Forces and French Resistance through Northwest France in an attempt to derail Nazi-Germany. The turn-based tactical squad missions are familiar all the way back to X-Com, but several new tactics have been added. Thanks to a new morale system, every shot counts, even when missed, taking away one of the biggest frustrations of the genre. Classified: France '44 isn't without fault, but will please fans of the genre with fresh ideas.

As a relatively modest strategy title, Classified: France '44 accomplishes much more than you might think considering its rather low-key pre-release reception. Anybody who is up for a good lean tactical strategy game is in for quite a treat here, as Classified delivers an experience that gives you a good hearty taste of what a simple and effective strategy game should be, while adding new and forward-thinking features that address some of the qualms of the genre. The new Morale system is a novel new mechanic that adds a layer of depth to strategy, the missions are good and place emphasis on smart strategic play, and although the story and personalities fall short, the illustrated cutscenes are an admirable embellishment that gives Classified its own distinctive panache. Classified might seem rather plain and ordinary to many, and yes it does represent itself in that fashion, but underneath there is a compelling and satisfying strategy title here that's worth a look for anybody who is intrigued and wants to get rid of hordes of virulent Nazi scum in L'Hexagone.

Classified: France ’44 does so much right; historical authentic tactical combat, tense decision-making, and a minimal amount of stealth. Naff Stereotype-driven characters and technical issues aside, this is a confident and assured debut from Absolutely Games.

Classified: France ’44 sits comfortably within the XCOM genre, content to replicate a good, solid formula without much deviation. This resistance group suffers from all manner of technical flaws and they don’t present themselves as particularly interesting, but the missions you’ll send them on will keep you engaged right up until the Allied assault of D-Day begins, and you’ll have earned that victory lap.

As a turn-based strategy game, it works well, there are many strategic options and some replay value, as the game has 15 endings that you will experience depending on which missions you choose to take during the campaign. However, it also feels like it never quite hits its stride and there are a few issues with some key mechanics - stealth, for example.