With Verdun and Tannenberg both receiving Xbox Series X|S optimisations last year, it is now time to look forward. The WW1 Game Series studio today heads to Italy for Isonzo, out today on Xbox, PlayStation and PC.
Isonzo follows on from the groundwork laid out in both Verdun and Tannenberg, but this time reaches new heights, quite literally. The river valley and Italian Alps are both strategic locations with all sides vying for control.
Isonzo keeps the realism front and centre as you play through real battles from the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo through to the Strafexpedition. It also features:
- MOUNTAIN WARFARE: Assaulting mountain fortifications, battling through ruined towns, and fording rivers are just a few of the challenges you’ll face as you fight your way through numerous enemy positions
- TACTICAL MULTIPLAYER FPS: Choose your role and loadout carefully to survive this high altitude combat – play a sniper to pick off the enemy engineers before they can cut your wire, use rifle grenades to clear enemy machine guns, and much more
- WORLD WAR ONE GAMEPLAY: Historical Offensive game mode based on real battles and focused on the unique challenges of Alpine warfare. Fight with 30+ WW1 weapons, poisonous gas attacks, and intense artillery barrages
- BUILD FOR VICTORY: Place your own wire, sandbags, trench periscopes, and more! Whether you’re digging in or on the attack, shaping the battlefield to your advantage will be key to victory
- FACES OF WAR: Make every class your own by picking from a variety of historically class-appropriate uniforms, accessories and headgear. As a finishing touch, you can even pick your moustache from several famous period-accurate styles!
- AUTHENTIC WW1 ATMOSPHERE: Accuracy in everything from maps and weaponry to music and the uniforms – fight for the Kingdom of Italy or the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy.
There is also some news regarding the future of the studio WW1 Game Series themselves. They have today announced that BlackMill Games and Focus Entertainment have acquired M2H’s majority stake in the studio. Jos Hoebe, CEO of BlackMill Games had this to say: “I’m proud and excited for the upcoming launch of Isonzo, and by teaming up with Focus Entertainment, which is a larger and more experienced partner, and will help the series to reach its full potential. WW1 Games Series will undoubtedly benefit from Focus’s track record on FPS genre. The fans of our games can expect the same dedication and passion that we have delivered the past ten years with Verdun and Tannenberg but elevated to new heights with Isonzo and this partnership.”
Meanwhile, Christophe Nobileau, CEO of Focus Entertainment went on to say: ““This acquisition constitutes a great addition to Focus Entertainment portfolio and its federation of talents. The studio has already shown strong DNA and identity, and has proven to be expert on delivering immersive, authentic, and realistic multiplayer FPS experiences with its WW1 Game Series – one of the references of First World War shooters. We’re looking forward to working with Jos and his team, and to continue delivering new unique experiences.”
M2H have assured fans that the future of the series is in safe hands. “It’s an exciting time with this acquisition, the Isonzo launch and on top of that the opportunity to begin full focus on our new adventure with M2H.” adds Matt Hergaarden of M2H. “We know the WW1 Game Series is in the capable hands of Jos and Focus Entertainment and believe that together they can make the series bigger than ever. While we’re eager to start to work on an exciting new project, we will make sure to hand over our knowledge and expertise in the coming year so that there is a smooth transition. We’re looking forward to seeing where the new owners will bring the WW1 Game Series.”
But back to the game itself and you will be wanting a Store link I presume? Isonzo comes in several flavours but the base game is on the Xbox Store priced at £24.99. The Deluxe Edition comes in at £33.49 and comes with Reserve Units and Veteran Units uniforms for your soldiers. Finally, the Collectors Edition for £49.99 comes with all the above plus Alpine Units and Elite Units uniforms.
The beautiful but deadly Northern Italy awaits you in Isonzo. Let us know if you will be picking this one up.
Game description
World War One expands to the mountains of the Italian Front – beautiful but deadly in equal measure. Inspired by the two year struggle for control of the Isonzo river valley and the Alps during World War One, Isonzo elevates the WW1 Games Series, figuratively and literally. From the makers of Verdun and Tannenberg… Take part in historical offensives from the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo to the Strafexpedition. Reflecting the course of the actual battles, as the attackers advance the fighting will shift through vastly different landscapes within a single offensive: from hillside fortresses to mountain trenches and fierce urban combat on city streets. Everything is recreated based on research and field trips, from sound effects and uniforms down to the houses, vineyards and trenches you’ll be fighting over. The new Offensive game mode puts you right in the middle of key historical offensives on the Italian Front. Lead the charge across stunning Italian landscapes as you choose your path to victory – cut paths through barbed wire, flank your enemies by following mountain trails, or man a mortar to blast a way through. Shape a dynamic battlefield by laying sandbags and wire, placing ammo crates, deploying trench periscopes or sniper shields, and more. Call in support with a unique historically accurate flare system: flare guns can mark targets for artillery or biplane flybys, or different colored flares can be used to guide your team. Once the big guns have softened up the enemy, finish the job at close quarters with an Arditi dagger or mountaineer’s pickaxe. Man heavy machine guns, mortars and even mountain guns for more direct fire support. Choose from six classes based on historical combat roles and build your loadout from a selection of weapons, equipment and perks linked to that class, giving flexibility and variety while staying grounded in what real soldiers might have carried. You’ll be operating wire cutters, bandaging yourself and wounded teammates, and blowing the whistle to start an assault. One shot can kill and even lighter injuries can lead to quickly bleeding out. Being an effective soldier in Isonzo is not just about being a good marksman. Mastering the terrain is also key – the mountain can be a friend or foe. Learn how to navigate well to maintain cover and surprise your enemies or support your allies. Finally… watch out for the dreaded poison gas. You’ve never experienced WW1 action quite like this! MORE GAMES IN THE AUTHENTIC WW1 GAME SERIES Immerse yourself in more WW1 action with our other standalone titles Tannenberg and Verdun. Experience trench warfare on the Western Front in Verdun, or maneuver for control of key sectors in Tannenberg on the Eastern Front. These authentic WW1 shooters let players choose from a range of squads from across the war, as they fight for control of the ever-changing frontlines.
