It is also performing solidly with the professional reviewers:
http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/583046.aspIt is a great game, and a refreshing addition to the Xbox library. The $20 price point makes it especially sweet. The graphics are crude, but the gameplay is fantastic.
-Free Mode
-Mission Mode
-Single and multiplayer
-mapmaker/map editor
-400 units
-Over 100 maps
-Units gain experience through combat (E to S class)
-8 different countries
-elevation, terrain, angle of attack, ammunition type and several other aspects all modify damage calculations
-save anywhere
Dai Senryaku is truly the big brother of games like Advance Wars. So far I'm really enjoying the gameplay. It lulls you in with a false sense of security during the first several maps, but after that the AI becomes more aggressive, and the odds are sometimes stacked heavily against you.
There is also alot to consider in planning, as you must deal with air, sea and land units. Enemy units also layer themselves. For example, an enemy tank will be covered by indirect fire from artillery, as well as helicopters and fighters. If you use your properly equipped infantry to attack a group of enemy tanks (each hex holds several units), you will often be counterattacked by three or four types of enemy units. Thus it is VERY important to recon the area, as a fog of war is always in effect. Failure to recon often leads to successful enemy ambushes.
Furthermore, logistics are important because ammunition and fuel is limited, and each unit has to be resupplied. (In the field or by retreat to a city) In later maps I noticed the AI makes a competent attempt at breaking your supply lines and destroying your refueling trucks. In one particular map my front line troops were very low on supplies. I quickly brought up a resupply truck, and the AI immediately circumvented my tanks to attack the resupply truck. Artillery which had been pounding my Bradleys started firing OVER them and into the back lines. I was forced to retreat a large portion of my front line because resupply was nearly impossible. Pincer attacks and flanking attempts by the computer should be expected. The AI seems to be doing a good job of using combined arms. We'll see if it holds up.
The map editor is extremely easy to use, and allows you to create your own battles.
It allows you to adjust:
Terrain
Units
Players
Countries
Funds
Fuel
Allies
Max # of Turns
Difficulty
Map Name
When playing the Free portion of the game, you can adjust the difficulty level by changing the options listed above. For example, if you pick the map "Normandy Beach", it asks if you wish to adjust the settings before play.
Of course, the game does have some warts. The graphics are truly uninspired, and there are no changing weather effects. I have seen the AI make a few sloppy mistakes, but it is still far more advanced than what you would see in games like Advance wars, Fire Emblem, Romance of the 3 kingdoms, etc. It is NOT a game for everyone, however. There is a relatively steep learning curve to play effectively. Dedicated turn-based strategy fans should certainly give it a try, but casual gamers might feel overwhelmed.
