Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy

The main pros of the game

• Realism: The game is praised for its realistic portrayal of World War II combat, requiring players to understand military tactics and the capabilities of various weapons.
• Depth of Gameplay: Players appreciate the complexity and depth of the game, which rewards strategic planning and decision-making. The AI is noted for being independent and capable of executing tactics effectively.
• Historical Accuracy: The game allows players to relive historical battles, giving a sense of what it was like to be a soldier during WWII.
• Content: There is a substantial amount of content available, including mods and downloadable content (DLC). The scenario and map editors are also well-received.
• Addictiveness: Many long-time players find the game highly engaging and capable of providing countless hours of gameplay.

The main cons of the game

• Graphics and Performance: The game suffers from outdated graphics and performance issues, especially on modern PCs. Users report that it runs poorly unless specific adjustments are made.
• Technical Problems: Some players have experienced crashes and bugs, leading to frustration with the game's stability.
• Steep Learning Curve: While the complexity is appreciated, many users note that the steep learning curve can be daunting for new players, requiring significant time investment to understand the mechanics.
• Clunky User Interface: The UI is described as dated and cumbersome, reminiscent of older operating systems, which can detract from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Lack of Evolution: Users feel that the game hasn't meaningfully evolved compared to earlier titles in the series, with many features and details from previous games missing in the newer iterations.
• Limited Faction Diversity: Players miss the variety of factions and vehicles that were present in older games, which added depth and role-playing potential to the gameplay.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Some mechanics, like effective use of grenades, and more varied defensive structures, are reportedly lacking or feel recycled.
• Promised Features: Users express disappointment that promised features such as physics and non-grid-based movement have not materialized, making the game feel stagnant.

Summary

• Overall, while Combat Mission Battle for Normandy is celebrated for its realism and depth, it faces criticism for its technical issues, outdated graphics, and lack of innovation compared to its predecessors.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025