Hammer and Sickle Review

It's Spring 1949. You are a Soviet spy working in a British-American controlled sector in Germany in the run-up to the Cold War. You're caught up in conspiracy that could start World War III. Your job is to weave through the lies and deceit and make the right choices, because the make wrong ones, and you could easily be responsible for the end of the world as we know it. Excited? Don't worry - it won't be for long.

Hammer & Sickle is a tactical RPG aimed at turn-based RPG fans who enjoyed the likes of Fallout and Star Wars KOTOR, and in recent years this seems to be a somewhat rare genre so this game is likely to catch a few gamers attention. As you watch the prologue and read the game description you begin to think that maybe this could be just the game to fill that void. But unfortunately the good intentions are eventually overshadowed to poor development.

Visually there is a lot to like about H&S. The graphics are meticulous and smooth enough to be pleasing to the eye. There is great attention to detail in the movement of characters and actions often neglected in other similar games. Sadly, you'll spend all too much time enjoying the scenery, as the gameplay is exhaustingly slow.

It seems there is plenty to work at as you gain new skills and choose from six character classes. But the story tries to be so covert that it becomes confusing and frankly uncompelling. Dialogue between characters should be heard if only for the comedy value, possibly due to poor translation, and it obviously deters players from getting engrossed in the "action". In combat there are ample tweaks and options to keep you focused for a while until it steadily becomes more and more tedious, despite the fact there is an impressive amount of gear and arms to play with. Levels are distinctly limited and the surroundings, as nice as they are, are also very short.

Sadly, Hammer & Sickle is a disappointing game that should be avoided by all except the most hardcore turn-based RPG fans.

This review was added on 12th December 2005 by Neil C.