World War II Online - FAQs

[Detomah]

GENERAL
What is the goal of the game? How do you win?
Once you join an army, your goal is to help your side win the campaign. This war can last a few weeks or a few months- it depends totally on player actions. The kind of role or mission you play in your army/navy/air force will change the way you can win on a personal level but on a global level it is the combined actions of all the players on your side (Axis or Allied) that will result in a win. You are part of a huge army of thousands of soldiers; pilots, crews, sailors who can ultimately win the war by putting all but a handful of the hundreds of facilities (towns, cities, docks and airfields) into contention for ownership, then taking and holding control.

What happens when your character dies?
If you die the equipment you were using is destroyed and it will lower your army's supply. You will also lose all the rank points you may have gained during your mission. You may respawn into the gameworld at any time following your character's death.

What is the story line? Is this a re-enactment of the battles of WWII?
No, the game is not a re-enactment of WWII battles. No pre-scripted missions or battles exist in this game. All battles, missions and even Research and Development and Production (RDP) plans for vehicles, weapons and combat units are managed by the players- not scripted by the game's software. Each countries' army/navy/air force starts a campaign with a realistic set of vehicles and weapons but once the battles are underway the outcome of that campaign is largely based on decisions made and actions taken by the players. Each sides' player-staffed High Command decides what/how much to supply their own forces. Also, the effectiveness of planning and communications and the skills of players in using weapons and vehicles plays a direct role in the success of both offensive or defensive missions. Player decisions and actions- even player morale often determine the outcome of each campaign.

Are there any other games like Battleground Europe?
No, you won't find any other World War II game that allows you to take part in a real virtual war with thousands of players in the same world.

Can you play without leveling/grinding?
Yes, in Battleground Europe leveling isn't't the primary focus because even a first time player can kill an veteran 4-star General in this ultimate PvP environment. If you can't play as much as your friends or other players you won't be disadvantaged and will be able to take part in all actions.

What kind of vehicles and weapons are available?
In Battleground Europe you can use a growing list of 100 different vehicles and weapons. Check our website for more information on the type of units you can play.

What is WWII Online?
WWII Online is the title of the 2001 retail release distributed only in North America. The game has been improved, upgraded and vastly expanded from the first version and will be released in the U.S. and Europe through retail channels as "Battleground Europe".

Who is publishing the game?
The game will be distributed throughout Europe and other international territories by GMX. U.S. publishing is being managed by Trisynergy.

When will it be released?
The retail release in the U.S. and Europe is scheduled for late summer '05.

What are the minimum system requirements?
Windows 98, 2000, XP
1.2 GHz CPU (2 GHz Recommended)
512 MB of RAM (1GB Recommended)
128 MB 3D Video Card
DirectSound-compatibile Audio Card
32X CD-ROM drive (installation only)
56K Modem or High-Speed Internet Access
1 GB Free Hard Drive Space
DirectX 9.0 or higher

Is a 56K modem enough to play?
Yes, you can play with a 56k modem, however it might prevent you from using some voice communication software while you are playing.

What is the maximum number of players per server?
Our technology have been tested to handle over 10,000 players per game world.

GAMEPLAY
What armies can you play?
The British Expeditionary Force, The French Army, the German Army.
How many different vehicles are available?
We have a growing list of 100 vehicles and weapons, we add new units in game on a regular basis through online updates.

What kind of vehicles can you use ?
All kind of vehicles- fighters, bombers, tanks, boats, trucks and more plus Infantry weapons, anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft weapons.

Can you blow up bridges?
Yes, bridges are very important strategic points. The high command often send paratroopers to blow them to prevent the enemy armour from crossing rivers.

Do you plan to add more Units and Armies?
Yes, we plan to add more armies in later expansion packs like the U.S. and Italian Armies.

Are there any neutral zones?
No, the game is full PVP. You can travel from Ramsgate(England) to Cologne(Germany) and kill or get killed by any enemy you may encounter.

How large is the game map?
1200km x 1200km the biggest contiguous online world available (as of June 2005).

How many towns are there?
There are over 450 towns, and thousands of other strategic points like forward bases, bridges, factories, airfields, harbors, deep water ports etc.

Can you enter in all the buildings ?
Yes, you can get enter and fight in all the buildings, they can all be destroyed as well.

Do I need a Joystick to play?
No, you can play the infantry portion of the game without a joystick. You can also play the other parts of the game without it, but you will be more effective using one.

Can I run multiple careers ?
Yes, you can run 9 different careers- 3 in each army with 1 character in each branch(Air/Ground/Sea).

What are Doppler Effects ?
Our game handle geographical sound positioning, you can locate a sound source very accurately with your speakers. You can track a sound source without seeing it. Very useful when you are sneaking close to enemy troops!

RPG
Can you develop a military career?
Your personas can be promoted in their branches and get more responsibilities within their brigades and the High Command.
Can a higher-ranking officer be killed by a Private?
This game is full PvP. Anyone can kill anyone else given the weapon and skill to use it.

Are there any Non Playing Characters?
Everything that moves in the game world are players. The towns have minimal static AI protection like anti-aircrafts guns.

What kind of influence do the officers have in game?
Officers can post missions and are aware of the big picture. They can update mission orders and give information to the troops about what is going on. They can setup the objectives during the battle, coordinate with other officers and organize supply and some other strategic aspects of the game depending on their level in the hierarchy.

How hard is it to assault a town?
Very hard if you face a well supplied Panzer Division! It really depends who is your enemy. Part of the intelligence in-game is to identify who is your enemy and its strength. Sometimes you may be forced to hold your positions for days until the High Command can send some reinforcement to your position.

What happens when the Campaign is over?
We run a special Scenario, so players can enjoy something different. It can be the re-enactment of a famous battle or something else. This serves as a brief intermission prior to the next campaign kick-off.

Is it possible to coordinate with other players to assault the towns ?
Yes, and it is the key to success you are as much as possible encouraged to do so!

What kind of transports are available?
Trucks, armored vehicles, cargo ships, transport aircraft- you can even ride on tanks!

BRIGADES (GUILDS), SQUADS AND HIGH COMMAND
What is the difference between a Squad and a Brigade/Division/Corps?
Battleground Europe has two primary teams- Axis and Allied. Each side is made up of hundreds/thousands of players at a time. Imagine a country sending their troops to battle with no organization or communication abilities. The troops would have a tough time working together. Each side has many different levels that are responsible for organization of their side. Each level holds a different role in providing the organization. Each level manages the level below it. So to answer the question, the Corps/Korps is responsible for the deployment of the Divisions below in the most effective way to accomplish their objectives set out by the higher ranks of command. The Division is responsible for taking the Corps/Korps level objectives and to deploy their Brigades in the best way possible to achieve the objectives. The Brigade is the field level command unit. The Brigade Command is formed by members of the brigade. They are responsible for the organization of the members of the Brigade and those who wish to take part in their operation. This is the lowest level within the command.
Squads are groups of players formed by players to create a social group. Squads affiliate with a Brigade. The squads are operated by the squad commanders, and take on the role that meets the needs of their members. Squads provide players with a organization that gives training, organization, and friendship. Squads are different from each other, and each player that selects a squad has many that they may chose from and they each range in style of how they play and what type of leadership that they provide.

What are the Axis and Allied High Commands?
Those are the players driven structures. All the officers are part of this Players Organization.

What is the role of the High Commands?
There are two teams within the game- the Allied and the Axis. These two teams wage war on a 24x7 basis on a vast battlefield. Imagine armies of the world sending their forces into battle without organization and leadership. It would be something that no country would ever do. Leadership and organization makes up the foundation of any combat force. When the foundation is B, then the weapons can enhance it. If the leadership or organization is weak, more than likely numbers and weapons will not overcome the shortfalls of it. Ranking players make up the volunteer staff of the High Commands.

The game battlefield at any time is manned by hundreds of players in three different branches. Both sides have objectives to accomplish to win the campaign for their team. Imagine if there was no organization or coordination between the players. If each player set their own goal and tried to accomplish it, not much would be accomplished. To give each side leadership, and organization, they have a Command. The Command is responsible for setting the objectives and then motivating their team to achieve those objectives. While some organization may be able to be accomplished on a smaller scale, the command is able to look at the whole map and the resources available. This gives them the ability to deploy troops and weaponry in the way that is most strategic and tactical for their team.

The Commands are made up from fellow players who have learned the game and taken on the role of commanders. Each side has a Hierarchy, which fills different roles in providing their team leadership and coordination on the field. As a player moves up the Chain of Command they take on a different role with more responsibilities on the strategic, tactical, and logistical of the war effort.

How can you join the High Command Staff?
You can contact them on their websites by going to these URLs:
http://www.alliedhq.wwiionline.com
http://www.axishq.wwiionline.com