Silent Storm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Silent Storm | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) | Nival Interactive |
| Publisher(s) | Jowood |
| Engine | Silent Storm engine |
| Release date(s) | EU October 31, 2003 |
| Genre(s) | Turn-based strategy, Tactical RPG |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Media | 2 CD-ROMs |
| System requirements | 600 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM, 32 MB video card RAM, DirectX 9.0, Windows 98 |
| Input | Keyboard, Mouse |
Silent Storm is a turn-based squad-level strategy game for the PC, developed by Nival Interactive and published by Jowood in 2003. The player commands a team of up to six elite soldiers on the Axis or Allied side, undergoing a variety of missions in various theatres. The game has RPG elements in the form of improving attributes, experience levels and abilities.
Contents |
[edit] Features
Once the player begins the campaign either on the Axis or Allied side, they may select a premade character or create their own to lead the team throughout the game. Once the introductory mission is complete, the player can access a base complete with a medical station, armory, personnel management, and a panzerklein hangar. From this point, the player may select a team of five characters from a pool of twenty. Each character has a role such as medic, sniper, scout, grenadier, soldier or engineer. Each role has different advantages and liabilities in battle. As the player progresses through the game, the armory will receive new weapons for the player to use, either stolen from enemies or from their own forces.
Silent Storm depicts the weaponry and equipment of 1943 with great detail, while at the same time diverging from them entirely. Mixed into otherwise realistic elements is a plot that features secret weapon projects reminiscent of spy-fi, including energy weapons. Most notable are the Panzerkleins (pseudo-German for "little tanks"), crude powered armor suits.
The game features a remarkably advanced physics model. Nearly all structures are completely destructible with enough firepower. Silent Storm also employs ragdoll physics for bodies according to the precise velocity of an impact. Fully three-dimensional mapping allows for obstruction calculations and cover effects from all angles, bullets ricochet and their stopping power depends on the weapon. The effects are somewhat exaggerated for a more cinematic experience (e.g. a hail of non-fatal bullets only make the target shake, but a single fatal bullet can send the target flying).
[edit] Thor's Hammer
Thor's Hammer Organization (THO), or simply Thor's Hammer, is a shadowy organization with connections all over Europe and the goal of world domination. THO knows that this goal cannot be attained while there are powers capable of challenging them, and aims to use its connections and advanced technology to make sure the two sides of WWII devastate each other, while the organization makes a grab for power when both are exhausted.
In exchange for the services of both Allied and Axis higher-ups, Thor's Hammer provides them with some of their inventions, including Panzerkleins.
There are three types of Panzerkleins:
- THO: Slow, with fixed weapons. They have stronger armor than other types, and only THO PKs can have energy guns.
- Allied: Faster than other PKs, but lighter armored. They have interchangeable weapons, allowing for different combinations. Allied PKs are more specialized than THO's - there are several models, including Scout, Sniper and Soldier. It is difficult for the Scout model to remain hidden.
- Axis: Slower than Allied PKs, but faster than THO. Their armor level is also between the two. Axis weapons are more powerful than others', except for energy guns. Axis PKs have a Scout model.
Panzerkleins are very difficult to destroy, as they are essentially immune to small arms fire. Even rocket/grenade launchers do only trace damage to the armor, though it is possible to kill the pilot within. Only energy weapons, which do severe damage to the pilot, are powerful enough to quickly stop a PK. Fans critical of their power have created a mod that removes the suits completely. [1]
Thor's Hammer mines a special mineral that is used to power their energy weapons. Several types are encountered in the game:
- Shoulder-fired gun - the type most commonly found in the game.
- Twin guns - found only on certain THO Panzerkleins.
- Stationary gun - used to defend secret THO bases.
- Satellite gun - used for massive orbital bombardment. Seen in the last stage.
- Energy rifle - found in special encounter by a UFO, surrounded by THO PKs. Looks similar to the Laser Rifle from X-COM: UFO Defense. Has the accuracy of a sniper rifle, a 50-round magazine and is also capable of rapid fire. Its magazine can be used in place of the standard 16-round battery used for all energy weapons.
The obvious influence of Norse mythology on the organization's name is further shown by the fact that all THO members use a mythological name as their callsign.
[edit] Problems
Silent Storm has suffered from a lack of sales in the United States, partially due to lack of marketing and problems with getting review copies out to magazines and websites. The US release had troubles with the copy protection of the game, with multiple users unable to run their legally purchased copy.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
- Official Site
- StrategyCore.co.uk: News, FAQ, files, forums and more.
