Gary Grigsby's War in the East 2
- December 10, 2021
- 2by3 Games
- 51h median play time
"Gary Grigsby's War in the East 2" is a turn-based strategy wargame that simulates World War II's Eastern Front. It features an improved UI, enhanced AI, and a more detailed economic system compared to its predecessor. Players can command either the Axis or Allied forces, managing resources, troops, and battle tactics in a massive campaign that spans from 1941 to 1945.
Reviews
- Incredibly detailed and realistic simulation of the Eastern Front in WWII, offering a deep strategic experience for dedicated players.
- Comprehensive manuals and community resources, including YouTube tutorials, make the steep learning curve manageable for newcomers.
- The game provides a unique blend of historical education and immersive gameplay, rewarding players who invest time in understanding its complex mechanics.
- The user interface is often criticized for being unintuitive and cumbersome, making navigation and management of units and logistics frustrating.
- Performance issues, including crashes and slow calculations during turns, detract from the overall experience and can lead to significant interruptions.
- The steep learning curve and complexity may overwhelm casual players, making it less accessible for those looking for a quick and easy gaming experience.
- gameplay14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is complex and offers a steep learning curve, but players can find value in the depth and detail of the mechanics once they grasp them. While the game provides an immersive experience with historical references and advanced systems, it suffers from unclear rules and basic mechanics that can hinder enjoyment. Overall, it is well-suited for history enthusiasts willing to invest time in understanding its intricacies, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its complexity.
“The learning curve is not that bad once you understand the mechanics.”
“Yes, the price is high, but considering it takes a couple hundred hours to get fully comfortable with the game mechanics, you should definitely get your money's worth.”
“Just the effort that has gone into the depth of historical reference of weapons, leaders, insignias, gameplay with weather, terrain, infrastructure use and repair (railroads, airbases, logistics) is stunning.”
“It's a very detailed and in many ways advanced game, yet fails at basic mechanics which should really take precedence.”
“The game does not balance gameplay or preferences between saves, so use extreme caution when reloading games at previous junctures.”
“In particular, although the manual is over 500 pages, it says very little about the game mechanics.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game appears to be somewhat unclear, with users noting that winning may involve different strategies, such as selecting the German option from the main menu rather than during mission selection. Additionally, tutorial videos suggest that understanding the story's context is crucial for success.
“I assume winning will be a different story.”
“The tutorial videos on YouTube say to go German, which you have to do from the main menu, not when you're selecting the mission.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is severely lacking, with users reporting a poor user interface, significant performance issues, and frequent crashes.
“Atrocious UI, severe performance issues, and frequent crashes.”
“The game runs poorly on most systems, making it nearly unplayable.”
“Optimization is non-existent; the frame rate drops are unbearable.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are not considered a standout feature, as the game's focus lies elsewhere, suggesting that visual appeal is not a priority in its design.
“Not a graphical beauty, but that's not the point with this one.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its persistent instability, with users reporting numerous bugs and random issues even after several years since its release.
“Unbelievably buggy and random even after many years since its release.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experience constant lag and glitches that ruin the overall experience.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the game fosters a deep emotional connection, enhancing their overall gaming experience in a positive and fulfilling manner.
“To me, the game has made me feel connected to gaming in a healthy, happy way that I never thought was possible.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's "inexhaustible replay value," indicating that players find it highly engaging and enjoyable to revisit multiple times, suggesting a wealth of content and variety that keeps the experience fresh.
“Inexhaustible replay value.”
“The game offers endless possibilities, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and diverse character choices, I find myself coming back for more.”