Historyline: 1914-1918

Historyline: 1914-1918, also known as The Great War: 1914 - 1918, is a turn-based strategy game developed by Blue Byte Studio. It was released in 1992 for DOS and Amiga.

Historyline: 1914-1918 is a turn-based strategy game developed by Blue Byte, the same studio behind the Battle Isle series. The game can be seen as a historical adaptation of Battle Isle, taking the core mechanics of that sci-fi wargame and applying them to the grim reality of World War I. Some people also compared it with the Gameboy title Advance Wars. While it never reached the same fame as these futuristic counterparts, Historyline remains a compelling and well-crafted tactical experience that stands out for its historical depth and strategic gameplay.

The game places players in command of either the German or French armies, spanning the four years of World War I across multiple campaigns. Unlike other war games focused on World War II, Historyline offers a rare glimpse into the earlier global conflict, showcasing the evolution of warfare from cavalry charges to trench battles and armored warfare. Each mission is presented as a strategic confrontation between two opposing forces, with objectives that range from capturing key positions to eliminating enemy units.

At its core, the gameplay follows the same structure as Battle Isle. The battlefield is divided into hexagonal tiles, each unit having its own movement and attack range. Players must carefully position infantry, artillery, and armored vehicles to gain the upper hand, using terrain and defensive structures to outmaneuver their opponent. The turn-based system operates on a split-screen, with one side displaying the battlefield and the other providing an overview of unit statistics and combat animations.

Between missions, the game provides detailed background information about the war, complete with illustrations and text that educate players on the real events and technological advancements of the time.

Graphically, the game is pretty, with detailed unit sprites and environments that change based on the war's progression. The animations, while simple, effectively convey the brutality of combat. The sound design, though limited, includes satisfying battle effects and a soundtrack that complements the serious tone of the game.

Critics praised Historyline for its strategic depth and educational approach, though some found its pacing slow compared to more action-oriented war games. The split-screen interface, while innovative, could feel cramped on lower-resolution monitors. Additionally, the AI was competent but sometimes predictable, making multiplayer the preferred way to experience the game’s full strategic potential. Playing with a friend on a split screen is probably the best way to appreciate this title.

Despite being overshadowed by the Battle Isle series, Historyline: 1914-1918 remains an essential entry in the turn-based strategy genre.