PS4 box art and release date revealed for Sudden Strike 4

An online retail listing for Sudden Strike 4 revealed the game’s PlayStation 4 box art and its North American release date. The real-time strategy title was scheduled to launch on June 27, 2017, for both PS4 and PC.

Developed by Kite Games and published by Kalypso Media, Sudden Strike 4 marked the return of the series after a long hiatus. The game is set during World War II and promised larger battlefields, more units, and improved graphics over its predecessors. The listing provided extensive details on the game’s campaigns, new commander system, and various modes.

Campaigns and Units

Sudden Strike 4 features three extensive campaigns set across the major fronts of World War II. Players can command the Allied forces of the British and Americans, the German army, or the Soviet troops. The game includes over 100 different historically-inspired units, giving players a wide array of tools to lead into battle.

Examples of the units detailed include the German Heinkel He 111 bomber, a versatile medium bomber that was a mainstay of the Luftwaffe. On the ground, players could control the iconic Russian T-34 tank, a revolutionary medium tank design, and the notorious German Panzer VI Tiger, a heavy tank feared for its powerful cannon and thick armor. For air support, the British Hawker Typhoon fighter plane was also available. The gameplay was described as highly tactical, offering numerous ways to defeat opponents. Players could exploit the weak spots on tanks, set up ambushes in dense terrain, occupy buildings with infantry for defensive bonuses, outmaneuver the enemy with clever positioning, or call in devastating air strikes to break enemy lines. The mission design emphasized player choice in how to approach and complete objectives.

Legendary Commanders

A significant new feature introduced in Sudden Strike 4 was the ability to choose one of nine individual commanders. This was a first for the series, adding a layer of strategic choice before a battle even began. Each commander provides a different approach to combat and possesses unique abilities, catering to various playstyles.

Two of the historical figures named as commanders were George S. Patton and Bernard Montgomery. Patton, the famous U.S. Army general, might favor aggressive, fast-moving armored tactics, reflecting his historical reputation. Montgomery, a distinguished British Field Marshal, could offer abilities that enhance defensive planning and methodical assaults. This system allowed players to align their strategy with a commander whose skills complemented their preferred tactics, whether focusing on infantry, armor, or support doctrines. The inclusion of these distinct leaders aimed to make the gameplay more tactical and realistic than in previous entries.

Game Modes and Rewards

Beyond the three main campaigns, Sudden Strike 4 offered several other modes to test a player’s strategic skills. The single-player experience included over 20 demanding scenarios. For players seeking challenges outside the main narrative, a skirmish mode was included, designed for focused, standalone battles against the AI.

For competitive players, a full multiplayer mode was also part of the package. To reward excellence and progression, the game featured a unique system where successfully completing missions unlocked exclusive content. One of the key rewards mentioned was historical film footage from the era, providing players with authentic visual context for the battles they were fighting. This system was designed to encourage players to master each scenario and explore all the tactical possibilities the game had to offer.