Pacific Storm reminds me of a board game that magically comes to life. The game focus is in the 1940's with the capability of playing as either USA or Japan before Pearl Harbor or after the war. Pacific Storm seems to be a variation of real-time strategy, turn-based and simulation all in one package. While Buka Entertainment demonstrated the game, I felt the game could be another Battleship replica, but its much more complicated than the typical electronic classic board game.

Aircrafts idling on ships are able to be launched from the ship's vessel, as you have the option to zoom in on them during flight to attack through first or 3rd person, much like you can in a simulation game. One feature I noticed was how the zooming in and rotation of the camera doesn't limit you to see so many more angles in-game. Buka also made the game much more realistic by adding weather conditions of rain and fog (be careful when flying in storms, you may have a disaster waiting to happen).

Pacific Storm doesn't lack anything in terms of units variety, as it is packed with Battleships, submarines, aircraft fighters, and everything else I could desire in a war game. Although, being a person who likes to figure out how to rush in a RTS, Buka did mention that they made sure the game didn't allow rushes. Its one strategy game that makes you think, so you have to carefully plan out your attacks. Another great feature is how the units in-game have the capability to upgrade in experience - this allows many more surprises if you have skilled units aboard a ship.

Many classic game fanatics who always wanted so much more from Battleship and other related war games will finally find what they have been looking for with Pacific Storm. It has so much potential with a combination of genres for us war gamers at heart! Look for the game in the fourth quarter of this year.



GENRE: RTS

PLATFORM: PC

DEVELOPER: Lesta Studio

RELEASE DATE: q4 2005