Silent Storm

Infobox VG
title = Silent Storm


developer = Nival Interactive(1C Company)
publisher = Jowood
engine = Silent Storm engine
released = ^EU November 7, 2003
^NA January 20, 2004
genre = Turn-based tactics, Tactical RPG
modes = Single player
platforms = Microsoft Windows
media = 2 CD-ROMs
requirements = 800 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM, 32 MB video card RAM, DirectX 9.0, Windows 98
input = Keyboard, mouse

"Silent Storm" is a tactical role-playing gamecite web | last =Thompson | first =Mike | title =Night Watch | publisher =Game Helper Magazine | date =June 22, 2006 | url =http://www.gamehelper.com/magazine/previews/night-watch | format =HTML | accessdate =2007-11-26 ] cite web | first =Jonric | title =Silent Storm Interview | publisher =RPGVault | url =http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/367/367949p1.html | format =HTML | accessdate =2007-11-26 ] cite web | last =Calvert | first =Justin | title =New Silent Storm details emerge | publisher =GameSpot | date =June 3, 2003 | url =http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/silentstorm/news.html?sid=6029398 | format =HTML | accessdate =2007-11-26 ] cite web | last =Thorsen | first =Tor | title =Silent Storm makes golden sound | publisher =GameSpot | date =January 15, 2004 | url =http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/silentstorm/news.html?sid=6086587 | format =HTML | accessdate =2007-11-26 ] cite web | last =Stock | first =Robert | title =Silent Storm | publisher =Just RPG | date =January 20, 2004 | url =http://www.just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=931 | format =HTML | accessdate =2007-11-26 ] for the PC, developed by Nival Interactive and published by Jowood in 2003. The game is set in World War II Europe. The player commands a team of up to six elite soldiers on the Axis or Allied side, undertaking a variety of missions. The game was followed by "Silent Storm: Sentinels" in 2004.

Gameplay

Once the player begins a campaign, they may select a premade character or create their own to lead the team through the game. Once the introductory mission is complete, the player can access a base complete with a medical station, armoury, personnel, and a panzerklein hangar. From this point, the player may select a team of six 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 armoury will receive new weapons for the player to use, either stolen from enemies or contributed from their own forces.

"Silent Storm" depicts the weaponry and equipment of circa 1943 with great detail. 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 armour suits.

The game features a remarkably advanced physics model. Nearly all structures are completely destructible. "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 exaggerated for a more cinematic experience (a hail of non-fatal bullets only make the target shake, but a single fatal bullet can send the target flying).

tory

The story takes place during World War II in an alternate history. Thor's Hammer Organisation (THO), 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 THO makes a grab for power when both are exhausted. 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 call sign.

In exchange for the services of both Allied and Axis higher-ups, Thor's Hammer provides them with some of their inventions, including Panzerkleins. Panzerkleins are very difficult to destroy, as they are essentially immune to small arms fire. Fans critical of their power have created a mod that removes the suits completely. [cite web |url=http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=4903&view=findpost&p=61034 |title=Cookie's No-PK Mod - StrategyCore Forums |date=26th January 2006, 8:52pm |accessdate=2007-10-19]

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.Fact|date=October 2007 The game has been criticized for its inclusion of science fiction elements, specifically the Panzerkleins.cite web | last =Butts | first =Steve | title =Silent Storm Review | publisher =IGN | date =January 27, 2004 | url =http://pc.ign.com/articles/475/475977p1.html | format =HTML | accessdate =2007-12-11 ]

References

External links

;Official
* [http://www.nival.com/silentstorm/ Nival Interactive - Official website] ;Other
* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/ss/ StrategyCore.co.uk] - News, FAQ, files, forums, and more
*;Interviews
* [http://www.gamershell.com/articles/688.html Interview at GamersHell]