Making History: The Second World War is a turn-based grand strategy game set during the industrial conflicts of the World War II era. Players select any nation and guide its development through economic expansion, technological advancement, and military operations across a horizontally wrapping world map. The design emphasizes open-ended play where decisions in factories, research labs, and diplomatic events shape alternative historical paths rather than following fixed timelines.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on balancing industrial output with military needs. Cities serve as hubs for constructing factories and infrastructure projects that boost resource production. Resources feed into a detailed research tree spanning eras from pre-industrial tools to atomic weapons, unlocking new units and capabilities. Trade systems, including an optional auto-trade feature, help sustain factories and troop supply lines while managing colonies, protectorates, and puppet governments.
Combat unfolds through hundreds of unit models representing iconic aircraft, tanks, ships, and specialized forces such as paratroopers, glider units, kamikaze attackers, missile launchers, and nuclear delivery systems. Naval operations incorporate surface fleets, submarines, and supply vessels that extend range. Air forces receive dedicated AI handling for carrier tactics, strategic bombing, patrols, and strafing. Land units include full ranges of armor, artillery, and nation-specific infantry models. Movement options cover air transport, railroads, shipping, and mobilized forces. Events provide pivotal historical decisions alongside hundreds of alternative outcomes that alter alliances and conflict trajectories on every playthrough.
Game Modes
Play proceeds through scenario-based sessions on the global map, with an in-game tutorial available for newcomers. The built-in scenario editor supports extensive modding to create or modify starting conditions and content. Over 100 achievements recognize progress across different nations and strategies. Every session allows control of any of the 280 nationalities while incorporating colonies and dependent governments into the overall structure.
Strategic Systems and AI Behavior
Economic management forms the foundation, requiring players to expand resource output and allocate production toward both civilian infrastructure and military hardware. Research advances determine access to jet-era units and advanced delivery systems. The AI demonstrates focused behaviors in key areas, including carrier operations, nuclear strikes, dedicated bombing campaigns, and aggressive air patrols with strafing orders. These elements combine to create varied global conflicts where industrial preparation often determines outcomes as much as battlefield maneuvers.
Is It Worth Playing?
The game holds a mostly positive reception based on hundreds of user reviews, reflecting appreciation for its depth in grand strategy mechanics and freedom to pursue non-historical paths. It suits players who enjoy managing complex economies, researching technologies, and commanding diverse unit types in a turn-based format without rigid historical constraints. Those seeking a simulation of WWII-era industrial and military competition on PC will find substantial replay value through the event system and modding tools. Newer players benefit from the tutorial, while experienced strategists can explore the full range of unit models and AI-driven tactics across multiple nations.
