Combat Mission: Touch (2012)

Combat Mission: Touch, developed by Battlefront.com, the renowned creators of the Combat Mission series, offers players an immersive, tactical wargame set during and after the Normandy invasion in June 1944. This critically acclaimed game combines realistic military strategies with fun and accessible gameplay, providing a hands-on 3D wargame experience that allows players to command both American and German forces.

Gameplay Overview

In Combat Mission: Touch, players take control of historically accurate vehicles and infantry units, such as the M4 Sherman Tank for the Americans and the German Panther tank. The game offers a full 3D view of the battlefield, where players can seamlessly zoom from a bird's-eye view for strategic control down to eye level for tactical awareness. This dynamic zoom system enhances the player’s ability to oversee both the big picture and minute battlefield details.

Players can choose to engage in solo missions or head-to-head battles against other players on the Internet. Through the GameCenter, players can easily invite friends to join their battles, while the game’s automatic matchmaking system ensures that opponents are quickly found online. Additionally, players can watch replays of their battles from any angle, providing a comprehensive look at their strategic decisions and gameplay performance.

Realism and Features

Combat Mission: Touch is designed to be more than just a fun wargame; it emphasizes realism in both the action and the mechanics. The game includes realistic ballistics and armor penetration algorithms, which affect the outcome of each battle. For example, the effectiveness of a tank's armor against enemy fire is accurately modeled, forcing players to think carefully about positioning and strategy.

Weapons and effects are also realistically simulated, with troop morale and fatigue affecting performance. In addition, forward observers and artillery support are key components in many missions, adding to the strategic depth of the game. Players must plan their moves carefully, as the game uses a WEGO system (simultaneous planning and action phases), allowing for fast-paced action while maintaining the strategy of turn-based gameplay.

Expansive Battlefields

The game features large, detailed maps that offer vast battlefields to explore. With maps spanning 2km x 2km, players can engage in combat over extensive terrain, whether it’s the beaches of Normandy, the hills, or the dense bocage of France. Combat Mission: Touch includes seven unique and historically inspired maps, each with its own set of challenges and objectives:

• Uncle Red Beach
• Morning of the 902nd
• Panzer Ace
• Off the Beach!
• Crossroads
• Battlegroup Scholze
• Ravenstein's Bridge

Each map offers a unique historical combat mission, challenging players to strategize and adapt to the evolving battlefield. More maps and missions will be available through in-app purchases, ensuring that the game remains fresh with new content and challenges.

Additional Features

To help players get started, Combat Mission: Touch includes a tutorial video, guiding them through the basics of the game. It’s recommended that players listen closely to their Drill Sergeant’s instructions to avoid costly mistakes!

Whether you prefer playing solo or competing against others online, Combat Mission: Touch offers an engaging and realistic tactical wargame experience, with a combination of strategic depth and action-packed gameplay that will appeal to both casual players and wargame enthusiasts alike.

Combat Mission: Touch is a solid wargame that gives you a real taste of World War II battles. The 3D battlefield and smooth zoom let you plan like a general and act like a soldier. The game mixes realism and fun, making it easy to get into but hard to master.

The controls are simple, and the game works well solo or online with friends. The variety of missions and historically accurate units make each battle feel different and exciting. It can be challenging, but that’s part of the thrill.

We recommend Combat Mission: Touch if you enjoy strategy games that test your thinking and timing. It’s not for a quick casual session, but for anyone who likes tactical battles, it’s worth your time.