Making History II

Most strategy games seem content to focus on the combat. Players are put in command of armies, given their objectives and generally have to focus on nothing more than conquest.

The Making History series takes a different approach, with its second instalment – The War Of The World  – due to hit shelves in March.

Developed in collaboration with  historian Niall Ferguson, the game invites gamers to discover the true scope of World War II.

Players are required to manage everything from the factories and shipyards on the home front to the infantry and artillery on the frontlines as they wage war across Europe.

Making History II works to teach them how key economics can be to a nation’s war efforts, teaching them to constantly monitor production, consumption, trade and wealth.

In order to take full advantage of the resources at the disposal, gamers will have to customise the development of key cities and regions in their territories. This level of depth also carries across to military units.

There will also be key decisions forced upon them that will affect their standing with other political factions, both at home and abroad.

It’s not all resource management, of course. Wannabe generals will have to orchestrate attacks on key enemy regions, as well as leading air missions against a range of industrial and military targets.

WAR WITH THE WORLD
Making History II also boasts a comprehensive multiplayer mode. The developer has drawn inspiration from social networking sites for the built-in communication tools, allowing players to set up their own personal user pages, create friends lists and message other gamers directly.

Mamba Games will be promoting Making History II with ads in key gaming magazines and supporting competitions.

There will also be competitions and banners on Strategy Informer.

Head of UK sales Glenn Hayes added: “The support from retail has been fantastic so we hope that the sell-through performance is as good as the feedback we have been receiving.”