World in Conflict [PC]

We've written a lot about Massive Entertainment's next big RTS due out this fall. But that doesn't mean we can't write more. The last few days have been spent checking out some of the new features in the multiplayer beta. There's still a bit of work to be done, but we've had a good bit of fun playing through various maps and modes that have been designed to have very different feels. A new interface has also been put in place while balance is still being ironed out.

We've found ourselves playing a lot in each of the roles, often switching in the middle of a match to fill a hole. Many players seem to prefer artillery at the moment because it affords them the opportunity to sit back and do damage from afar. It's also become pretty clear just how powerful anti-air vehicles are against the hit and run tactics of helicopters. We've probably had the most fun with the helicopters here at work for their ability to move anywhere on the map very quickly and deal out a considerable amount of damage. The main problem with them is that they can be shot down very quickly and aren't cheap. Infantry is probably the most interesting group because they can fortify buildings and gain protection bonuses in forests. They're also pretty strong against all types of units. Of course, a little artillery, napalm, or machine gun fire will slaughter them quickly, but if used correctly they can hand out some serious hurt. But more important than any of these particular units' strengths or weaknesses is how they're used in concert with one another. While each of the specialties can still requisition units from other specialties, they're much more expensive and make planning together as a team imperative.

One of the nice changes that's taken place since we gave the alpha a go is the interface. Everything looks much more sleek this time around and the reinforcement screen uses easy icons to identify types of units rather than silhouettes. Because they use icons like this, they can also be imposed on the map which helps define enemy and friendly units quickly in battle. All units under your control show as easily selectable icons on the bottom of the screen as well. More unit information shows up in the bottom right including special abilities, but it's become apparent that it's much, much better to memorize the quick keys to use all of the abilities and functions. Moving the cursor to actually hit the button loses valuable time when fighting against a skilled player.

When the beta began, Massive introduced two of the three maps already played pretty extensively in the Alpha. Both of these use the basic World in Conflict multiplayer mode, which challenges players to capture and hold various strategic locations around the map. We chose to wait and write about the beta when we'd had the chance to check out a few more of the maps that Sierra told us would be released over the course of the test. At this point we've had the chance to test out five new maps, two of which are set in the snow-covered landscape of Mother Russia, two set in Europe, and one more in the US. Each of these new maps offered up some very different styles of play.

The first new map rollout brought one from Russia and one from Europe. The Russian map was a Domination game set around a more remote location surrounding a coal mine sunken into the ground. Around the coal mine is a mining camp along with several fairly tall hillsides that provide plenty of cover for units looking to spring a surprise on any helicopters in the area. There's also a good amount of tree cover here for infantry to move around unseen and fire on unsuspecting tanks and helicopters. Most of the strategic points are spread around enough and separated by impassible terrain that the battle tends to be spread out farther than the three US maps we'd already played in the Alpha. Consequently, there seem to be less tactical points accumulated and which means less nukes, carpet bombing, and artillery falling on your head. But it does mean a more liberal use of smaller strikes, which can be equally as devastating when used correctly even if they're less visually impressive.