Frontline: Western Front

Frontline: Western Front is a turn-based strategy game set during World War II, where players command Allied forces or the German Wehrmacht in a tactical campaign across Western Europe, featuring hex-based combat with over 100 historically accurate units, multiple campaigns including key battles like D-Day and Anzio, and dynamic unit progression through experience-based abilities like camouflage and artillery strikes.

Frontline: Western Front: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Frontline: Western Front (2019) is a turn-based strategy game that thrusts players into the heart of World War II, offering a tactical experience rooted in historical battles and military strategy. Developed and published by Frontline: Games Series, this indie title stands out in a crowded genre by blending accessible mechanics with deep, hex-based combat. My thesis is that Frontline: Western Front succeeds as a niche but rewarding experience, particularly for fans of old-school wargames, though it lacks the polish and depth of more established titles in the genre.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Frontline: Western Front is the work of a single developer, a rarity in an industry dominated by larger studios. The game is part of the Frontline series, which includes titles like Frontline: The Great Patriotic War and Frontline: Blitzkrieg!. The developer’s vision was to recreate the feel of classic turn-based strategy games, emphasizing historical accuracy and tactical depth. The game’s development was likely constrained by its indie nature, resulting in a title that feels both ambitious and modest in scope.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

Released in 2019, Frontline: Western Front arrived during a resurgence of interest in turn-based strategy games, thanks in part to titles like Civilization VI and XCOM 2. However, it lacked the budget and marketing power of AAA releases. The game’s use of the Unity engine allowed for a functional but unremarkable visual presentation, and its turn-based mechanics were designed to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Setting

The game is set during World War II, focusing on key battles across the Western Front, including the Allied landings in Sicily, Cassino, D-Day, Anzio, and Caen. While the narrative is not the game’s strongest suit—it lacks a deep, character-driven story—the historical setting provides a rich backdrop for tactical gameplay. Players command either Allied or German forces, engaging in battles that mirror real-world conflicts.

Characters and Dialogue

There are no named characters or dialogue in Frontline: Western Front. The game is purely focused on the strategic and tactical aspects of warfare, with units represented as faceless soldiers and vehicles. This absence of narrative depth is a deliberate choice, aligning with the game’s wargame roots.

Themes

The game explores themes of war, strategy, and historical conflict. It emphasizes the importance of planning, resource management, and adaptability in combat. The absence of a narrative allows players to focus solely on the mechanics of warfare, making it a pure strategy experience.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Frontline: Western Front is a hex-based, turn-based strategy game where players control units on a grid-based map. The core loop involves moving units, engaging in combat, and managing resources like ammunition and reinforcements. The game features a variety of unit types, including infantry, tanks, artillery, and support units, each with unique abilities and strengths.

Combat and Character Progression

Combat is resolved through a simple dice-based system, where the outcome depends on unit stats and terrain advantages. Units can level up and unlock new abilities, such as Camouflage, Sabotage, Over-watch, Smoke, and Artillery Barrage. These abilities add depth to the gameplay, allowing for more strategic and dynamic battles.

User Interface and Innovative Systems

The UI is functional but not particularly innovative. Players can zoom in and out of the map, and the interface provides clear information about unit stats and abilities. The game’s sandbox scenarios and campaigns offer a variety of objectives, from capturing key locations to defending against enemy attacks.

Flawed Systems

While the gameplay is solid, the game lacks some of the refinements found in more polished titles. The AI can be predictable, and the lack of multiplayer options limits replayability. Additionally, the game’s tutorials and documentation are sparse, which can be a barrier for newcomers.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is the Western Front during World War II, with maps that recreate real-world locations and battles. The atmosphere is serious and tactical, with a focus on the grim realities of war. The game’s historical accuracy in unit types and battle scenarios enhances the immersion.

Visual Direction

The visuals are functional but not exceptional. The game uses a free camera system, allowing players to view the battlefield from different angles. The unit models are simple but recognizable, and the maps are detailed enough to convey terrain advantages and obstacles.

Sound Design

The sound design is minimalistic, with ambient sounds of battle and simple musical cues. The lack of voice acting or detailed sound effects is a missed opportunity, but it does not detract significantly from the gameplay experience.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Frontline: Western Front received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its accessibility and historical accuracy but criticized its lack of depth and polish. The game’s low price point ($1.79 on Steam as of 2025) has made it an attractive option for budget-conscious strategy fans. Its reputation has evolved into a niche title appreciated by wargame enthusiasts but overlooked by a broader audience.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

The game’s influence is limited, given its indie status and modest sales. However, it contributes to the ongoing interest in turn-based strategy games and the resurgence of wargames in the 2020s. Its success as a one-person project also highlights the potential for small developers to create niche but rewarding experiences.

Conclusion

Frontline: Western Front is a solid but unremarkable entry in the turn-based strategy genre. Its historical setting, accessible mechanics, and low price point make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of wargames. However, its lack of depth, polish, and narrative elements prevent it from standing out among more established titles. Ultimately, Frontline: Western Front is a respectable effort that fills a niche but does not redefine it. Its place in video game history is that of a competent but forgettable indie wargame, appreciated by a dedicated but small audience.