“Hell Let Loose” (HLL) is a game that aims to put you in the boots of an infantryman in the western front of WWII. Iconic battlegrounds from the theater are being routinely added and you can experience them in a way that few games can capture. This intense military simulation game strives to give you a truly harrowing experience of the unimaginable cruelty of the Second World War.

What I like the most about this game—other than the mechanics—is the poetic ending to every game. Regardless of who wins, you will hear a brass band and accompanying chorus sing a patriotic war song from either side. The disconnect that they are showing is truly wonderful and hopefully not lost to many of the players. The intensity of situations you just experienced, the sights and sounds, are contrasted by enthusiastic singing and makes a perfect demonstration of the military experience. The game could accompany the movie “Fury,”which deals with this theme of idealism versus realism.

This game is wonderful for what it is, and it is not much. The game only has a multiplayer mode that is tough and unforgiving. Sticking with your squad and learning the ropes is what it takes to survive. Your squad leader will be giving you instructions as the rest of your 50-man team maneuvers on the battlefield. You will feel like a small peg to a larger operation and as you advance and feel comfortable taking on a squad yourself, you will feel the immense weight of leadership on trying to accomplish your squad’s orders from the commander and what is physically in front of you.

Being a mil sim, this game can cause more casual gamers frustration. Bullets are lethal in this game and one or two will put you down. Respawning is not instant and if your teammates are not playing the game right, it can be 5-10 minutes until you’re in the action again. If you like fast paced games, this will not be the game for you. If you are looking for a more realistic experience this is your game.

5/5 to this crowd-funded game from Australia!