GamersInfo writes: "Playing war games brings out the best and worst of what a game can and cannot offer. Publisher Matrix Games and developer Strategic Studies Group does that with Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets. I've played some good games in my time, but I've noticed in this game, there are a number of flaws that keep it from being outstanding.
If you want to delve into the military history of this particular campaign, I suggest Googling "Kharkov 1942." There is an excellent article on Wikipedia that highlights the military strengths of the opposing forces as well as the campaign objectives."
Kharkov represents the good and the bad of the hardcore wargame genre. On the plus side, the modeling and detail are quite high and should satisfy any desktop commander. The new features, particularly the Area of Operations, enhance the realism and uncertainty of the battlefield, and the AI presents enough of a challenge that victory actually means something.
On the bad side, Kharkov requires too much of an investment from new players, particularly so given that you're basically just replaying the same 16-turn scenario again and again. Yes, there's plenty of room for variety within the single battle, but even hardcore fans will start itching for new content soon. That coupled with the difficulties in even learning the basics of the game won't discourage most grognards, but it won't do much to attract new players either.
Presentation - 8.0
Graphics - 6.5
Sound - 6.0
Gameplay - 8.0
Lasting Appeal - 8.0
Overall -
There are better strategy games out there. There are better World War II games out there. But in the small chance where you are the kind of person who would enjoy playing a board game on your computer with the only technological advantage being that you can play the game by e-mail, then knock yourself out. You have found your perfect match. For everybody else, there's a 95% chance that this will not be your idea of a good time.
Matrix Games and Strategic Studies Group are excited to announce a new World War II operational strategy game, designed to be the successor to both the award winning Decisive Battles and Battlefront designs... Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets!
