"Pathway to Glory: A perfect 10 on the N-Gage..."

Introduction:

Pathway to Glory (from now on referred as PtG) is one of the most awaited N-Gage games, and it's finally here.
PtG is a turn based World War II strategy game. When I first heard the words “turn based” I immediately thought the game would fail since it would be too slow. I was totally wrong about it.
The PtG team released a downloadable demo for the game a few months before the game's release. People started saying it was quite good and I decided to give it a shot. I was amazed. Even though it featured only one level it was amazing, the game was very addictive. Now PtG has been fully released in all its glory.

Story:
Not Rated

It's WWII, based on real battles.
I don't think there's any need to rate this section, the game gives a historical background before each mission but that's about it.

Graphics:
10/10

Excellent graphics considering it's a mobile phone. The environments are very well done and the vehicles and mounted guns are also very clear and nicely done. The enemy soldiers even have different uniforms in some missions. These little details make the game look really nice. The menus, although simple, aren't unpleasant and the game even features video briefings before each mission. It's clear that a lot of time was dedicated to the graphics, this can clearly be seen in the environments.

Sound:
10/10

From the music themes that play in the background to the sounds of gunshots, vehicles, grenades and soldier screams and shouts everything is excellent. Although small, it really makes you think that you are in war.

Gameplay:
10/10

PtG is the first N-Gage game that really made me addicted.
As you already know, the game is a turn based WWII strategy game. You command a team of soldiers (which varies in number depending on the mission) and you move around the environment completing the objectives.
In the beginning of each round each soldier is assigned some ‘action points' (normally around 20, depends on the soldier). With these points you move and shoot. Every time you move, and depending on the distance you lose those points. Shooting also uses the points and you can also use more points in order to gain more accuracy. Crouching and going prone is also possible, without the cost of any points unless you move. You'll need to crouch and go prone behind obstacles to take cover.
Also available to you are vehicles (such as tanks and jeeps) and mounted guns. They work in the exact same way as soldier movement, the only difference is that you need to get a soldier in them.
A lot of different weaponry is available (which is selected before the mission). Rifles, machine guns, sub-machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers, grenades and in some missions air strikes are also available provided you have a radio with a soldier. To add to the realism you can also have medics to heal your team members in case they are wounded and start bleeding (they can die from bleeding).
When you have finished all your actions and you end your turn it's time for the enemies to move. The enemies have a good AI also. They'll take cover in trenches and try to blend in with the environments. I've also seen them work as team, although this is not very common but it is there. They'll also use vehicles, grenades, mortars or any other weaponry they have.
The game environments are nicely done and have cover points, such as trenches and sandbags which are very useful when in confrontation. Some parts of the terrain, such as sandbags, mounted guns, explosive barrels and small huts can also be destroyed with rockets, grenades, tank fire or air strikes.
To add to the greatness of the game, 3 multiplayer ‘ways of playing' were added. Not only do you have the 14 single player missions but you also have 12 multi player missions throughout 4 campaigns. You can play multiplayer via GPRS (which connects to the Arena), via Bluetooth (if you have a friend with the game next to you) and via the hot seat game (all players on the same N-Gage, taking turns). Although GPRS games with 6 players are a bit slow, it's a good advance towards real, around the world multi player.
The gameplay is by far the best of the game, too bad the rating can't go over than 10…

Replayability:
10/10

With 14 single player missions and 12 multi player missions the game will keep you busy for some time. You can also use different strategies for each mission and by fighting with different opponents in multi player you'll see it's a new way to complete a mission every time since you're opponents each have their own strategies.
You can also try ‘no casualty' or ‘not detected' games if you're bored.

Final Recommendation:

If you have an N-Gage, buy it. If you don't have one then buy one and buy PtG, especially if you're a WWII fanatic and like strategy games. If you are this kind of person, I promise you you'll love Pathway to Glory.

Final score:
10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05