Battalion Commander 1917
Being a soldier on the frontlines can be one of the most dangerous roles to fill, but some risk their lives to do so and will push forward like in Battalion Commander 1917. It's back to the year before the final year of WWI and you are taking the lead on an offensive that will cut through enemy lines. With only some firearms and your strength, you need to advance through waves of enemy units and defenses in hopes of bringing this war to an end. You won't be alone however as your comrades in arms have been captured and are just waiting for a chance to join the fight.
About Battalion Commander 1917
Games about WWI may be one of the most prominent when it comes to shooting games, but not many go for a lighter tone. This game attempts to do that by presenting the conflict in a bullet hell scenario with cartoon graphics. It takes the tone of one of the most devastating global events and turns it into an arcade affair which may be what helps people approach the subject. It takes a lot of liberties but overall succeeds at its mission and challenges you to push further every time so that you can earn those higher ranks.
How to Play
Battalion Commander 1917 is a 2D top-down arcade shooter set in WWI that you can play with the mouse. By moving the cursor around, you will control the movement of your soldier around the battlefield. He will automatically advance forward while firing at certain intervals. The goal of the game is to get as far as you can while eliminating enemies, saving soldiers, and collecting gold.
Before the game starts, you have the option of equipping your soldier with gear such as different firearms that will affect damage, coverage, and fire rate. After that, you'll be thrown into a randomly generated course through the battlefield. As your soldier advances, enemy soldiers will appear with various various to fire, strike, or explode your position. They can be evaded or eliminated with direct shots. Defenses and hazards like barbed wires and bunkers will block your path but can be destroyed with enough shots. Your health is displayed on the left as a meter under a star. If it drops to zero, your run will end.
While playing, you will come across elements to help your run. The most important are cages that contain allied soldiers. You can shoot to free them and then walk into them to recruit them. These soldiers will join your squad and will move as you do while firing automatically. However, they don't have as much health as you do and can be killed if hit by enemy fire. You can also come across collectibles in the form of coins and medkits to help you out.
Between runs, you can use the coins you've collected and earned by completing achievements to upgrade elements of the game. This can be things like raising your movement speed or unlocking new types of soldiers to rescue. You'll get access to more upgrades by improving your rank which you can do by completing Achievements.
Tips and Tricks
Since this is a bullet-hell, you really need to keep an eye on your position and those of the enemies. By doing this, you can prevent dodging one bullet only to run into another. Ranged enemies are dangerous as they can aim at you even when you're behind them. You should be particularly alert about Snipers due to their very long range and high damage, so eliminate them as quickly as possible.
Game Details
- Developer: IriySoft
- Platforms: Web Browser (PC and mobile) and Android
- Languages: English
Gameplay Footage
FAQs
Does Battalion Commander 1917 have an ending?
Unlike certain arcade shooters involving spaceships, this one seems to be almost like an endless runner but you could consider it completed once your soldier reaches the highest rank.
Games similar to Battalion Commander 1917
Considering the theming and the gameplay, you can find this title in the War and Gun Games categories on Flames Games. It's with games like Island Of Pirates, Battleship War, Shot Trigger, and Combat Reloaded.