Exploring the Interpersonal Dynamics of War
In the realm of World War II narratives, countless biographies and films have depicted the harrowing realities and remarkable courage of leaders in combat. Yet, a unique venture is on the horizon that aims to delve deeper into the interpersonal dynamics of soldiers and officers who fought side by side for extended periods. Burden of Command, an upcoming game, positions itself as a "World War II tactical leadership RPG," employing familiar game mechanics reminiscent of classic hex-and-counter wargames.
Having had the opportunity to explore a pre-release build of
The story isn’t just about the battles, but about the people in them. This focus on realism is intentional. The training missions are designed to mimic real-world exercises, complete with referees who pause the action to adjudicate outcomes. Players take on the role of a lieutenant, customizing their character and navigating interactions with fellow officers and soldiers. Dialogue choices during combat can shift the narrative, impacting the lieutenant’s reputation and relationships within the unit.
Three Key Social Resources
Three key social resources come into play: Prestige, which influences your standing with superiors; Trust, which reflects how well fellow officers collaborate with you; and Loyalty, indicating how readily soldiers will follow your commands. This intricate system adds depth to the gameplay, blending elements of traditional wargames with the character-driven storytelling of RPGs.
Taking Your Shot
Combat unfolds in alternating phases, where players select a lieutenant and move their squads strategically. Each unit operates with limited action points, necessitating careful planning. Officers must balance their actions between moving troops and performing essential tasks like rallying soldiers under fire. The stakes are high; an officer’s positioning can mean the difference between rallying troops effectively or succumbing to enemy fire.
Avoiding casualties is one of your foremost concerns. The game emphasizes the significance of morale and the well-being of soldiers. Each scenario presents tactical objectives alongside the imperative to preserve lives. Players must engage enemies strategically, using gunfire to pin them down before launching assaults, all while managing the risks associated with combat. The scenarios are time-sensitive, requiring players to balance cautious advances with bold maneuvers to achieve success.
No Plan Survives
In one scenario, I faced a moral dilemma when sergeants reported friendly soldiers trapped in wrecked tanks from a previous attack. The decision to risk sending troops into the open to rescue them led to unforeseen consequences, as enemy reinforcements arrived unexpectedly. While the main objective was achieved, the act of bravery bolstered the soldiers’ loyalty and impressed command.
Overall,