Originally released as a title that could be purchased via online download or direct from developer, Big Time Software's Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord was hailed as one of the single greatest World War II strategy games. The hybrid turn-based/3D strategy title was simple to learn, offered reasonably detailed graphics, authentic situations and settings, and most importantly, well-balanced gameplay. Simply put, Combat Mission set the bar very high and offered wargamers PC gameplay that not only captured the board-game experience faithfully, but also managed to add a new dimension.

For those who might have missed this one, Combat Mission was a solid blend of turn-based wargame-style play where you'd plan your moves carefully and precisely, and a real-time tactical simulation where all movement and combat transpires in unison. This reduces the complexity of movement points, action points, advancing fire, and other extensive details that make traditional turn-based games, while still enjoyable, extremely slow-paced and rather complicated. In Combat Mission, you issue orders to your troops and then let 60-second intervals play out, with the computer keeping track of complexities like line of sight and morale. Combat Mission utilizes a simple, yet detailed, pop-up interface that allows you to issue a series of commands to your specific units. Additionally, via a series of waypoints, you can craft sophisticated battle plans and then adapt them as necessary as they unfold. This straightforward gameplay was simple to learn, yet challenging to master.

The game's developers took further strides to present detailed units, including infantry, support personnel, and an array of armored vehicles. While not as visually stunning as some bigger titles, Combat Mission was one of the first fully 3D tactical simulations that utilized a free-floating camera that was actually extremely manageable. Because of all these factors, it is easy to see why the game has garnered such a respectable following as well as earning vast amount of praise.

Now, after being available only online, the original Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord has been picked up by notable wargame publisher CDV for traditional retail release. Rather than just repackage and churn out the aging, but still enjoyable game, a new special edition has been crafted and is worth a look even from those who had previously played the original version. In fact, with the new features and improvements, it is likely that fans of Combat Mission will enjoy what the special edition has to offer.

The most notable improvement is the game's graphics, which have been given a significant overhaul. You can expect to see more detailed terrain and environments including trees, buildings, and sky. Fire effects are among the most impressive visual enhancements, but experienced Combat Mission players will easily take note of the improved damage modeling and more realistic destructible environments including buildings and vehicles. On the downside, the unit animations still remain a little flat while the troops are still a bit generic, but this is acceptable considering the well-balanced and highly challenging gameplay.

German paratroopers on the move.
The addition of plenty of new vehicles easily makes up for the somewhat lackluster animations, and with more than 125 vehicles from both the Axis and Allied armies, Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord features one of the most diverse and realistic collections of period equipment in a World War II tactical simulation. These vehicles, as well as the various types of combat troops, which range from British commandos and Polish paratroopers to members of the Waffen SS and German fallschrimjgers (elite paratroopers), make appearances in more than 150 scenarios.

These scenarios range from the days following the D-Day invasion all the way through the end of the Second World War on the Western Front. These include notable engagements at the Imperial city of Aachen, into the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Operation Market Garden, and, of course, the Battle of the Bulge. Expect more fast-moving engagements in the French countryside as well as street fighting in the ruins of the Third Reich. The special edition of Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord now features playable forces from Germany, England, and America, as well as Canada, France, and Poland.

New vehicles and more command options.
The audio has been tweaked a bit to provide more realistic sounds, and you'll actually hear the soldiers speaking their native language on the battlefield. This helps further add another detailed element that isn't entirely necessary, but will further immerse you into the game. As with the assortment of settings, controllable vehicles, and army units, like the U.S. Rangers or elite SS divisions, this special edition manages to be what many "Game of the Year" or "Collector's Editions" fail to be, and that is actually something very special indeed. It truly goes above ... and Beyond.