Even with a character loaded with a shotgun and sub-machine gun, the best way to deal with an isolated enemy is the knife. The best tools to deal with a patrol of Germans are patience, a knife and some slowed down coordinated team actions. The best way to deal with an enemy group bigger than three is to isolate individuals, take them out and then maybe go loud to take out the final few.
In Partisans 1941 silent kills and stealth movement represent the starting point for all encounters. The title then opens up and gives gamers the tools to plan more ambitious ambushes and firearms-powered duels. The Alter Games team is delivering a relatively classic take on the stealth action genre with some interesting additional ideas, including personnel management, base development, and resource juggling. The various gameplay mechanics reinforce each other well and create a good experience that, unfortunately, fails to push past some of the issues of the genre itself.
Gamers will spend most of their time on the top-down action view, in charge of three characters that need to meet various mission objectives. The Russians have failed to counter the initial advance of the German 1941 offensive. Groups of former military men are organizing behind the front line to make like tough for the Nazis. Players will have to find the best way to take out high-profile targets, sabotage resources, destroy equipment, and save friendlies from certain death.
The Russian partisans have stealth on their side at the start of each mission. Clicking the right mouse button on an enemy brings up their cone of view and it’s a great idea to always stay out of it and make as little noise as possible. High grass, locations, and special areas will conceal characters as they explore the maps, recon objectives, and prepare for action. Knives in the back are the best way to silently take out enemies, even as they become more difficult to pull off in the later scenarios.
A mode that slows time allows players to coordinate moves that involve two or more partisans. The results can be spectacular when everything works out but the system is fiddly enough that it’s almost required to constantly use F5 to create a quick save before attempting anything impressive.
Partisans 1941 understands that hiding and being quiet for an entire mission can become boring so the three-man player group can later use machine guns, grenades, and other loud weapons to thin the ranks of the Germans. A straight-up shoot-out is ill-advised but the game offers plenty of ways to create ambushes and use firepower efficiently, taking into account range, special skills, and more.
Success in a mission depends on player plans and execution but, as the missions grow in complexity, it also requires a squad in the best possible shape. The best way to reach it is to use the forest hideout to keep morale high and everyone in full health. Each day characters can engage with side activities to get food, gain some experience and level up skills, craft more equipment, or heal their injuries.
Maybe the weakest part of the Partisans 1941 experience is the narrative presentation. The characters are little more than bundles of skills, with the voice acting moving between over-enthusiastic and grating. The story beats lack some imagination. Enemies have a limited number of lines and reactions, which makes the game world feel restricted.
The upgrade trees for characters could have also used some more individuality, while the forest hideout management aspects also feel restricted. More options and more dilemmas would have added to the atmosphere and tactical fun of the missions.
The Good
- Solid take on stealth-action
- Unique options for combat
- Deep management elements
The Bad
- Frustrating tactical situations
- Another WW II game
- Limited atmosphere
Conclusion
Despite this Partisans 1941 has good mission design, a nice synergy between characters, and the outside the mission variety that makes it a good recommendation for those who like this style of game and the World War II setting.