Iron Front Liberation 1944

Iron Front: Liberation 1944 is an immersive tactical shooter pitting Russian against German soldiers for control of Southern Poland against the backdrop of the Soviet Offensive of 1944. The game features a number of authentic war machines and weapons, allowing players to truly feel like a historically accurate fighting force. While Iron Front features a long and interesting single-player campaign, it is in its fun multiplayer mode that the title really shines.

Graphics and Sound

Though it has many virtues, Iron Front is not too impressive from a graphical standpoint. While vehicle and weapons models are created with realistic detail, objects look flat and the whole experience has a generally hazy feel that cannot compare to graphically intensive titles like Battlefield 3. Sound is a mixed bag. You'll find some great voice acting that helps move the story along, but not too much in the way of interesting music and sounds. Explosions and gunfire sound particularly dead, while the soundtrack moves along with nothing too memorable.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of either a Russian or German soldier, with the Americans left out of the party this time around. The missions are diverse and fun, requiring fulfillment of one of several roles to cross obstacles, team against enemy soldiers and drive trucks, tanks and planes. The interface, from maps and menu screens to the game's main menu, could have been been much better-executed, though it's not bad enough to take away from non-stop action.

Multiplayer

This game is designed to be played over a data connection with lots of other players. Single-player missions can also be accomplished working as a team of real players, requiring on-point and extensive teamwork just like in single-player mode. Coordinated tactical offensives are always rewarded, as the side with better teamwork will invariably win out over that with simple uncoordinated run-and-gun tactics. The addition of several different multiplayer-only modes, like Capture the Flag and Attack and Defense, help break up the boredom of running the same missions.

Replayability

This is a game with plenty to do, even after the single-player campaign is finished. Multiplayer is a gratifying experience despite lackluster graphics and sound, and a scenario editor allows the player to make custom maps and scripted events for even more fun. This is a flawed game and there are better shooters out there, but Iron Front: Liberation 1944 can still be a riot to play.