I have played Milsims in the past. The best comparison in this case is obviously Hell Let Loose (HLL). But at this point I'd pick Squad 44 over HLL any day of the week. This is especially true, since Offworld took over, to update the game in terms of content and visuals. These Updates have been huge, with new maps and overall impprovements. Even with everything not being optimal, when it comes to performance, this game should have a bigger player base. For reference I will compare Sq44 to HLL, not because I think one game is better than the other. I don't. Sq44 is just more appealing to me. They outdo eachother in different departements, but end up being different games within the subgenre of WW2 milsims. The comparison simply makes it easier for me to explain the specifics of Sq44. Main differences to HLL: 1. Tactical gameplay is a more detailed in Sq44. It is not a big step up, but it is noticable. In comparison there are tweaks to every system in the game: map and sound design, game modes and tactical gameplay, character managment and gunplay. While not big on their own, these changes overall elevate Sq44 to a more challenging game. Let's say it is not called Squad . . . 44 for no reason. And it might make the difference for you picking one over the other or playing both HLL and Sq44 because they complement eachother for that reason. I wanna mention one thing specifically. Ultimately, how teamwork is appplied in Sq44 makes the biggest differnce: since only Squadleads can ping and they also only can build Spawn points with other players from their own squad (2 free roles or 1 specialist), teamplay becomes a must, way more at least than in HLL, where you can still do things on your own (which I wouldn't recommend either) in comparison. Since additionally the ticket system in Sq44 actually conributes to the winning conditions unlike in HLL, tactics will change during the game if necessary and medics are actually a more important role. And you can feel that while playing. Players are communicating a lot more, due to it being a necessity and the atmosphere is more cooperatrive, than in other squad based games. 2. Maps: Sq44 aims for realism and a slower but intense pace, on big, more open (but not empty maps); HLL on the other hand goes for dense maps and a faster pace. Both are valid approaches. But Sq44 maps are really big and beautiful maps They even went so far to recreate Iwo Jima 1:1. And I have to admid before Squad 44's Iwo Jima I never liked the asian war fronts very much. In Sq44 I love it and after seeing it in the playtest I am looking forward to Guadalcanal. The size of the maps makes the game slower, but it doesn't take away from the intensity of the fights. To me it feels more like a distinct and slow built up, until two armies meet in a deadly crescendo, while at the same time I am still awestruck, by certain views the game provides. 3. Graphics: The game looks really good with its own style. Here and there you can see that it is not as polished as other games. But not being polished does not mean it is broken. Not at all. But you can see i.e. in HLL, that some details are just done better and more polished. But even with its flaws, Sq44 is in a state, in which it doesn't have to hide at all and it really comes down to your preference, which style you like more. Technically graphics is the one department, in which HLL lies ahead of Sq44. But not to a degree, that it is not more a matter of taste than quality at this point. 3. Sound design is amazing and the best I ever have experienced in a war game. This is where Sq44 really shines. There are sounds in this game, I haven't heard in any other game. It is a little overwhelming at first, but one gets used to it pretty quickly. Especially, when you have played similar games before. But it leads to an atmosphere unmatched in other games, I have played. It is loud but distinct, awesome, really scary and threatening at all times, even when you are not in a fight yet. This is what I'd associate with being in a war zone. The only critcism for me would be that vehicles are already very loud, even when they are still far away, which makes it hard to judge, how close they really are. Otherwise the sound offers a lot of information, that I am missing in other games. To me this difference is so big, that it is hard for me to get back to HLL because it fades in comparison, while not being bad at all. But in this case greatness outshines a job, that is "just" well done. It really feels unfair to say this. But that is simply, how good the sound in Sq44 is, Period. 4. Effects: I'll make it short. When things blow up THEY BLOW UP, and it will take a long time until I get tired of seeing a tank getting ripped into pieces. I find them a lot more appealing and immersive than in HLL. Explossions and shockwaves are impressive. And the smoke resulting from these events has a real but authentic feeling impact on the battlefield. 5. Gunplay: Guns feel and sound really good as expected in this genre and animations are very detailed. It is a really nice feel. Due to the impact of stamina on weapon sway, the ranging mechanic and how suppression is handled in the game, it also offers a layer of complexity, I appreciate a lot. The game has two main problems. 1. There are only two servers (sometimes three), with enough players at all times: one asian and one us server. But it means there is a player base and you are not missing out. It just means the game has no options when it comes to servers and play modes. Which is sad, because you will only see a limited amount of modes, the game has to offer. Hopefully this game gets more recognition in the future. It certainly deserves it and it would hopefully result in a bigger playerbase. 2. Performance is not optimal. I am not playing on a high end pc. So performance becomes more and more an issue for me. But I can get my 40 fps out of most modern games. Sq44 struggles with that and is an older game. If this is gamebreaking for you and you don't wanna mess around with settings, don't touch sq44. It is on the good side of playable and I don't mind. But in general it is a noticable issue and it might be for you, when you play on a lower graphics card (for reference: mine is GForce 1660 Ti). Overall Squad44 is a very underrated game at this point, even when not everything is perfect. The updates within the last 1.5 years have been incredible and make it now one of the best milsim-fps out there. And it certainly doesn't have to hide behind any other, when it comes to ww2-themed shooters. In fact it is exceeding the competition in several departments at this point. However I also think HLL and Squad44 are games in their own rights. For new players, who never played a game like this before, I'd still recommend to start with HLL. It is a little more forgiving, and still not an easy game. For everone else I'd say it is worth gaving both. especially since you can find Squad44 for a really cheap price. But in general I'd say that for me HLL feels tame but beautifully polished, while Squad44 feels raw, brutal and unfiltered. Beatles vs. Rolling Stones. It'd be ignorant to choose one over the other. You pick both. But forced into deciding for only one of the two, even with its flaws, Sq44 will be my choice without a doubt.
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