Gary Grigsby's War in the West
" Ambitious WWII simulation with detailed logistics and air war but steep learning curve "
Gary Grigsby's War in the West Review
Gary Grigsby's War in the West (WITW) is an incredibly detailed and complex operational-level wargame focusing on the Western Front of World War II from 1943 to 1945. It offers a vast map stretching from Scotland to North Africa and features historically accurate divisions, regiments, and aircraft, including detailed air war mechanics described as "a game within a game." Players manage logistics, reconnaissance, and combat with a high degree of control, from individual squadron loadouts to supply chain management.
However, the game demands a significant time investment and a steep learning curve, with a 300-page manual and long turn durations, especially during air combat phases. Some players find the combat system unrealistic, particularly regarding German defensive capabilities and supply logistics late in the war. The naval aspect is highly abstracted, and some mechanics, like amphibious operations or unit stacking, have limitations. Despite these issues, dedicated players praise its depth, historical accuracy, and rewarding gameplay, though it may not appeal to casual gamers or those unwilling to invest time in mastering its systems.
Highlights
Players highly praise WITW for its exceptional historical accuracy, including detailed orders of battle and realistic unit representation. The air war system stands out as a complex and engaging feature, allowing intricate mission planning and aircraft management. The game's strategic depth and extensive logistics management provide a rewarding challenge for dedicated wargamers. Many appreciate the game's scale and detail, describing it as a masterpiece and the pinnacle of Western Front WWII gaming. The inclusion of multiple scenarios and DLCs adds replayability and learning opportunities.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the steep learning curve and overwhelming complexity, which can deter new players. The combat results, especially German defensive resilience and supply handling late in the war, are seen as unrealistic by some, leading to frustration. The naval warfare is overly abstracted, limiting player control. Long air combat resolution times cause downtime and disrupt pacing. Some find the limited offensive options for the Axis and lack of dynamic scenarios reduce replayability. The user interface and automation could be improved to ease micromanagement burdens.
Pros
- • Extremely detailed and historically accurate representation of WWII Western Front units.
- • Complex and rewarding air war system with deep mission planning options.
- • Comprehensive logistics and supply management adding strategic depth.
- • Large map covering multiple theaters from Scotland to North Africa.
- • Multiple scenarios and DLCs enhance learning and replayability.
- • High level of unit customization and control over operations.
- • Realistic depiction of command challenges and operational warfare.
Cons
- • Very steep learning curve requiring extensive reading and tutorials.
- • Long turn times, especially during air combat phases causing downtime.
- • Combat results sometimes unrealistic, especially German defense and supply.
- • Naval warfare is highly abstracted with limited player control.
- • Limited Axis offensive options reduce strategic variety.
- • User interface can be clunky and unintuitive for new players.
- • Supply and logistics systems can be overwhelming to manage.
Rating Criteria
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gary Grigsby's War in the West released?
Gary Grigsby's War in the West was released on August 3, 2017.
Who developed Gary Grigsby's War in the West?
Gary Grigsby's War in the West was developed by 2by3 Games.
Is Gary Grigsby's War in the West available on Mac?
No, Gary Grigsby's War in the West is not currently available on Mac according to our data.
Is Gary Grigsby's War in the West available on Linux?
No, Gary Grigsby's War in the West is not currently available on Linux according to our data.
Where can I buy Gary Grigsby's War in the West?
You can buy Gary Grigsby's War in the West on Steam.
Game Details
Gary Grigsby’s War in the West is the most ambitious and detailed computer wargame on the Western Front of World War II ever made.