World War 2 MMOs

Seventy-six years ago the world was changed forever by the most widespread war in history. The Second World War was a conflict that will never leave human consciousness and it’s one that we as a species must learn from in order to never repeat it again. That said - video games about war are bloody fantastic - especially online ones. There’s something about sitting at your computer desk with a hot cup of tea while scouring the streets of Berlin or Stalingrad gunning down Nazis. Whether you’re commanding infantry from a general’s perspective or you’re looking through the eyes of a soldier as bullets whiz past your eyes and grenades detonate all around; you will probably find some form of World War II MMO that suits you.

We shall fight in the fields and in the streets

Many military gamers come from a tabletop war gaming background; re-enacting pivotal battles with painted miniatures. Although fantastic fun, this sort of war gaming requires time and available opponents, both of which can be difficult to find, so PC simulations are the next best thing. Wannabe generals will probably get a lot out of Heroes and Generals, a strategic FPS game with realistic graphics, battles, vehicles, weapons, and more. Armchair generals can also command troops across Europe in an epic PlanetSide 2 style military campaign.

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We shall fight in the hills

If you want to get down to the gritty level of war then maybe bombing around a field in a tank is more up your alley. If so, then World of Tanks has you sorted and then some. The idea is simple. You and up to fifty-nine other tank-driving lunatics get into teams and go at each other all-guns-blazing. There are over 150 of these hulking steel death machines to play with, but as a newbie you’ll start with a couple of basic models- the Soviet MS-1 and the German Leichttraktor. Going solo in the heat of battle is about as recommended as licking a Portuguese manowar, since you’ll soon find yourself the proud owner of a smoking pile of debris. Instead, you must use teamwork and take advantage of your environment to achieve your goal. There’s also some splendid RPG aspects thrown into the game for good measure, such as being able to customize your tank with stat points and shiny new parts. Fans of Wargaming's World of Tanks can also look forward to World of Warplanes and World of Warships, 2 upcoming World War 2 themed titles. Those looking for realistic dogfights now can check out Warthunder.

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We shall never surrender

Whereas World of Tanks prides itself on some degree of historical accuracy, Battlefield Heroes is about as close to historical reality as a cabbage is to Bill Murray. However, that’s not to say it’s not a lot of fun. Battlefield Heroes is a much lighter and humorous addition to the Battlefield series, one which pit’s the National Army against the Royal Army. Despite the obvious differences in naming, the gear and vehicles put this 3^rd person shooter solidly in the WWII camp. You can choose from three basic classes: Soldier, Gunner and Commando before heading into a brilliant capture the flag style scenario known as ‘conquest mode’. Here, each team begins with 50 lives, which are diminished by getting killed or losing flags. If you like your violence cartoony and colourful, then Battlefield Heroes is your best bet. Since Battlefield Heroes is shutting down on July 14^th, 2015, this may be your last chance to give the game a try!

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War is hell. But war MMOs are heaps of fun. Let us know your favorite WWII games. After all, it is Military appreciation month.

By, Scott M.