Steel Division: Normandy 44 -- Catch-All

This game just got released a few days ago and I was wondering if anyone picked it up? It's similar to Wargame in that it's a RTS, but one that's focused on WW2.

Is this game worth picking up?

Yes, I have played through the first part of the campaign and some skirmish. I am having fun with it. If you enjoy other games from Eugen --the Wargame series or R.U.S.E. --then I think you will like this one. There are some changes from the Wargame series: transports disappear once they have unloaded their troops, there is a constantly shifting front line rather than the territory system of Wargame. The campaign is pretty challenging and each section ramps up in difficulty. I slow down the game speed pretty often. Skirmish is fun, but I think playing 2v2 or 3v3 is easier to manage as the size of the front area you have to deal with is shorter.

If anyone else picks it up and wants to play some comp-stomps or online skirmish, friend me up.

After 80 hours into it I can say it's a great game! As Sean pointed out on the pod cast, it is difficult but very rewarding. Tactics come into play ie artillery before assaults, laying down smoke before advancing, combined arms etc. I also recommend playing skirmish or multiplayer team games, ideally 3v3, 4v4 to begin with. There are the larger 10v10 games which can at times be hectic but other times you end up fighting 1 or 2 opponents. I put hundreds of hours into the Company of Heroes series and Men of War series. This is larger scale but offers tons of units where you can build decks from. Experimenting with different decks is fun and critical dependent on the map as well. There is also the option to slow things down to bullet time if you so wish and does come in handy!

I'm glad I'm not the only one finding it difficult. I have it slowed way down in order to succeed at all.

I'm having a great time with it as well. I had played the earlier efforts (the Wargame series) but they never grabbed me like this one has. Really liking it!

Difficult is ok, but how easy is it to learn for a non-grognard?

Someone collected community tips here and it helped me a lot so I hope it will for others as well!

Certis wrote:

Difficult is ok, but how easy is it to learn for a non-grognard?

I don't think its too bad - play skirmish, keep AI easy or even very easy. And do 2x2 so you have an AI ally - maybe even set your teammate AI to medium at first. That way your ally will roll up the opposition and give you time to fiddle around and learn.

Sequel announced!

On to the eastern front!

Yay to more Steel Division!

Shame we never got a Western Front dynamic campaign, though.

Dynamic campaign sounds great! Glad this is getting a sequel - I was afraid it would just be a one-off.