Iron Storm (1995 video game)

Iron Storm
Developer(s)	SEGA Entertainment, Inc.
Publisher(s)	SEGA Entertainment, Inc., Working Designs
Series	Daisenryaku
Platform(s)	Sega Saturn
Release	US: April 1, 1996 Japan: September 22, 1995
Genre(s)	Turn-based strategy
Mode(s)	Multiplayer

Iron Storm is a video game for the Sega Saturn. It was released in 1996 in North America. It is part of the Advanced Daisenryaku (Advanced World War) series which was developed by Systemsoft and published by Sega.

Story

Iron Storm is a strategy game that takes place within the context of World War II. The game's general premise is to allow players to pick a side (United States, Nazi Germany, or Japan) and then work their way across several battles within the war. The game takes place in both the Pacific Theatre and European Theatres. In addition, if a player wins certain battles then the path of the war changes. For example, Nazi Germany winning the Battle of Britain will allow for an eventual invasion of America, as will Japan defeating the United States at the Battle of Midway.

Gameplay

During battles in campaign mode, the player mobilizes a large variety of customizable units (tanks, aircraft, submarines, and warships) across a hexagon-shaped grid in order to defeat the opposing Allied or Axis forces controlled by the game's AI. In addition, as time progresses you are able to upgrade individual units either based on experience levels or as a blanket technology upgrade. Experimental weaponry is used in some later battles, including some German jet aircraft like the Messerschmitt Me 262. The map system itself is static but real-time 3-D animations are used to recreate encounters between various types of units, an option that can also be toggled off.

Reception

Iron Storm was a minor hit in Japan.

Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game an 8 out of 10, praising the ability to view the outcome of each battle in cinematic view and the use of experience points.