Underrated Game – Battlestations Midway

Every once in a while, a great game is released without much fanfare. There is no hype for game reviewers and other media to buy into. Often times, the game is a bit different than the usual fps/sandbox/point and shoot cookie-cutter games that get cranked out year after year. Sometimes the game requires you to actually think about what you're doing, and work with the other guys on your squad.

This time, that game is Battlestations: Midway.

An action/RTS hybrid, this game has more depth than 95% of the blockbuster titles out there (I'm looking at you Gears.) You can control ships large and small, small fighter and bomber planes and even high level bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress. Challenging submarine play is also included, which is one of my favorites.

This game takes some time to learn the controls, maybe an hour or so, and much more time to master each type of craft. Even then, you need a squad of capable teammates if you want to conquer the teams out there that know what they're doing.

For example, the huge battleships, such as the Yamato, can pound the living daylights out of anything they come in contact with. They are susceptible to torpedo hits from subs and torpedo bombers, though, so you have to protect them with air cover, AA guns and sometimes destroyers. Your team will need to defend any incoming attacks while coordinating your own offensive maneuvers.

This means you must learn the game, find workable strategies, agree on them with your team and then properly execute. People who want to pick up a controller, jump right in and start blasting away don't have the patience, and nick the game for not being what they expected. Many reviewers who gave this game less than stellar reviews seem to be of this type.

Those of us who invest many, many hours into our games don't mind spending time learning them. Many of us find the strategy element and included gameply depth a treasure trove of fun. We know in team based games, it's all about the win - the win for the team, not our individual scores.

So, if you gave this game the cold shoulder due to the crappy reviews, give it a second look. Play the multiplayer demo on XBL marketplace, but get a friend to show you the ropes when you get started. (No tutorial is included, and it takes time to figure out alone. 15 mins with a bud will get you up to speed.) If you don't have a friend who knows this game, send me a message and I'll try to hook you up myself, or get one of my buds to help you.

Don't miss out on one of the richest Xbox Live experiences available now. I personally give this game a 9 out of 10.

On sale this week at Circuit City for $40, Battlestations Midway is a real treat.