Ruse is a WW2 RTS set upon the war map of the allied armies during the war. It takes place between 1938 and 1945 with the advancement of years granting better weapons and units. As with all RTS games; Ruse is played from an above perspective but in this RTS the view can be zoomed in right down to the troops and tanks on the battlefield, fading the background of desks and war-time equipment surrounding the map in a war room to a stormy sky within the landscape. The transition is fluid and responsive and helps give scale to the battle unfolding on the map and really helps the player feel as if they are a commander and/or troop on the battlefield.
The map itself consists of rolling hills, deserts or coast lines and represents various stages of the war. You can expect to take on Rommel in the African deserts or maintain momentum during the D-day invasion in France. The terrain is a mesh of fields, roads, lakes and forests whilst movement of units is restricted to it’s type; tanks being unable to pass through thick forests forcing them to detour where-as infantry can lay ambushes within woodlands. This dynamic makes for some intriguing tactical bottle-necks; laying waste to an army of tanks using artillery to level the town is quite satisfying and can lead to some impressive David vs Goliath moments.
Selection of units uses the usual paint or box method; selecting individual groups or units requires a zoomed view which can become cumbersome at times, especially when in the thick of battle. Units can’t be grouped into armies which again can cause some confusion requiring the required units to be separated geographically from the main if quick selection is needed, opening up units to air attacks so attention must be paid to the anti-air cover.
The ruses; which give the game its name are tactical abilities which either aid your troops or confuse your enemy. They can provide intel on enemy units, launch a fake assault using wooden tanks or planes or plant a booby trapped fake bases for the enemy to squander their attacks upon. They are very effective at turning the tides of battles and are rewarded every two minutes. When playing against a real player they make tactical advantages flow with ease, yet can confuse your own attacks in a similar fashion.
The best version of this game is undoubtedly the PC incarnation; the console versions are limited by time restraints and unit numbers to surely keep the game flowing freely. But this restraint can force the player to be more tactically savvy using quick thinking on the fly making for some intense moments during the course of battle.
The game offers both a campaign and skirmish modes; both are equally engaging, the campaign is of particular note re-creating historical battles as well as teaching the player all about the units, their uses and how best to approach any given situation. Game-play will endeavour to keep you occupied for at least 20 hours or more, and re-playability is warranted through the skirmish modes. The game also offers specific scenarios which are varying and challenging as well as a multiplayer mode for up to 4 players.
Ruse is a well produced game, the cut-scenes telling the story of the campaign from both sides. They are well animated and voice acted. The help system offers vocal support throughout the game as well as pointing out important events on the battlefield as the battle unfolds. All in all, Ruse is a very comprehensive package which offers RTS gaming which is innovative and challenging and yet different enough to warrant a mention.
