Games based on world wars are not uncommon for shooters. Both Call of Duty (recently with Vanguard and Warzone Caldera) and Battlefield have gone through them, the latter with relatively recent titles such as Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V. We also find other games that are not as well known but have the same theme, such as Enliste, Hell Let Loose, and even the more hardcore narrative adventures of Sniper Elite. Thing is, World War I and World War II have been glorified countless times in video game format, and creating something that really stands out against that landscape is a challenge.
Blackmill Games has taken on this challenge over the past few years by developing a series of shooters set in World War I and based on specific parts of the global conflict. In 2015 Verdun explored the Western Front and was named after the Battle of Verdun in 1916; Later in 2019, Tannenberg focused on the Eastern Front, specifically the 1914 battle that gave him his title. Now the third part of the series has arrived, the name of which is associated with the Italian front of the First World War. Welcome to Isonzo.
I don’t think it’s necessary to describe shooter dynamics to explain how Isonzo works because frankly everything on that front is very similar. As part of a huge group of players, you must defend or capture strategic points spread across a vast map in order to achieve victory. The main difference between this title and other similar games of the likes of Call of Duty or Battlefield is that Isonzo turns his attention to the infantry’s perspective and thinks it’s more realistic. What I mean is that you will not be annihilated by an untouchable pilot flying in an airplane miles above the battlefield, nor will you find yourself running at full speed like a burly super soldier not feeling the exhausting embrace, if lactic acid runs through his veins no, you will be slower, you will have to take your time and you will surely die if you get shot. And you’ll have to do it all while traversing the rocky mountains of the Italian countryside.
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In my experience with Isonzo, this playstyle gives great meaning to every move you make. It feels more serious, more real, more alive than many shooters on the market, but at the same time its very strict approach means that what it offers doesn’t have much more depth. Of course, its shooting system is top-notch, streamlined, and accurate, but you’ll only last a few hours in the trench, firing at enemies coming your way, before you get the urge to jump in and wreak havoc on a tank or horse. This is a game made and developed for that those looking for a more realistic approach to the war. It cannot be denied.
So just looking at the game dynamics and performance of Isonzo there isn’t much more to add. If you’re part of the audience for this type of shooting game that falls halfway between the more ridiculous Battlefield 1 and the almost overwhelmingly realistic Hell Let Loose, this game is for you. If not, I suggest you keep your finger on the trigger on the true classics. But unfortunately it’s not that easy, so far there are a few elements of Isonzo that have frustrated me a bit.
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The problem mainly has to do with the progression that seems to take too much time from the player. There are six playable classes, each of which can do increasingly unique things. For example, officers can call in deadly support packages like mustard gas or bombardments, and assault units are designed to attack and claim targets at the risk of their lives. Each class can use different weapons and equipment, and you can unlock new items by leveling up each class, which seems to take a very long time. If you only need to rank up a rank or two to get new gear, it’s not a big deal, but to get the final weapon of each class you’ll need to rank up to rank 20, and you’ll likely only get a new weapon or two on the way. Basically not much variation in customizationa bit disappointing considering it seemed to be one of his focuses.
However, the battlefields are very varied and the Blackmill team has put a lot of effort into making it as epic as possible, combining real environments with what we can see in the game. It’s also a very beautiful game, which is fantastic as Italy has spectacular landscapes that Isonzo recreates very well.
But in general I can’t be whimsical and tell you that Isonzo is a huge improvement or a unique approach to the shooter genre because it isn’t. Not a bad shot at all, but sometimes seems very easy and a bit tiresome about its course. It’s a good game, but it probably won’t be at the top of shooters.
