Fight on multiple fronts in Holdfast: Nations at War, a multiplayer first and third-person shooter set during the great Napoleonic Era and WWI. Take part in historic clashes on land and at sea waged by the most powerful nations. Charge into battle with over 150 players per server. The game allows for 75 vs 75 multiplayer battles with proximity voice chat. Fight across eras. Head to the trench-ridden frontlines of WWI or equip your musket and march to the battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars...

Fight on multiple fronts during the great Napoleonic Era and WWI

Holdfast: Nations at War is a FPS / third-person shooter that attempts to do something a little different. At first glance the menus seem to be a chaotic mess, with no real guidance on what on earth you're supposed to do. Even when you commence your first game it can be more than a little daunting. You're thrust into an unfamiliar landscape with people barking suggestions or commands to help the team as a whole.

What I didn't witness, which is something that some of the online forums are awash with, was any inappropriate conduct by other gamers.

The game offers over 27 classes and you can engage in quite a variety of tactics, on over 70 maps, from riding to glory on horseback, or charge at the enemy with bayonet at the ready. Command warships from the golden age of sail or bombard the beaches of historic Gallipoli with the mighty dreadnought. You can play under the flag of the British Empire, French Empire, Kingdom of Prussia, Allied Powers and more.

Naval battles are challenging, but fun

For those looking for a more realistic, slower paced online war game, Holdfast: Nations At War certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Just be prepared to die... a lot. I found the naval battles to be incredible fun when playing in a team. You can steer your vessel, lowering and raising the sails, as well as load the cannons and fire them at the enemy. Because reloading in all combat takes time, it really makes you think before you blast at your enemy and hope for the best.

Whilst the base game is only £16, if you find you're really enjoying it there's a lot of DLC and you might find it better to pay £50 for complete edition, which allows you access to all DLC as it's released.

For those who like to think before charging into battle, this game offers a lot to get behind.

8

Nick Smithson