View source for Software:Silent Storm

{{Infobox video game
|title        = Silent Storm
|image        = SilentStormBox.jpg
|caption      = European cover art
|developer    = Nival Interactive
|publisher    = {{vgrelease|{{wipe|Russia}}|[[Company:1C Company|1C Company]]|EU|JoWooD Productions|NA|Encore Software}}
|designer     = Dmitry "Zak" Zakharov<ref>[http://www.gamershell.com/articles/688.html Interview at GamersHell]</ref>
|engine       = [[Software:Silent Storm engine|Silent Storm engine]]
|released     = {{vgrelease|RU|August 22, 2003<ref name="absolute"/>|EU|November 7, 2003|NA|January 20, 2004}}
|genre        = [[Software:Turn-based tactics|Turn-based tactics]], [[Software:Tactical role-playing game|tactical RPG]]
|modes        = Single player
|platforms    = [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Microsoft Windows]]
}}

'''''Silent Storm'''''{{efn|{{Lang-ru|Операция Silent Storm<ref name="absolute"/>}}}} is a 2003 [[Software:Turn-based tactics|turn-based tactics]] video game developed by Nival Interactive and published by JoWood. The game is set in a fictionalized [[Social:World War II|World War II]] [[Earth:Europe|Europe]] with science fiction elements.

An advanced [[Software:Game engine|game engine]], the [[Software:Silent Storm engine|Silent Storm engine]], was developed for the game and reused in several later titles. ''Silent Storm'' was followed by the expansion ''Silent Storm: Sentinels'' in 2004. A third game taking place in the same setting, ''Hammer & Sickle'', was co-developed by Novik&Co and released in 2005. A ''Gold'' edition containing both the original game and the expansion was released in Europe later that same year.

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Silent Storm pose.JPG|thumb|left|An in-game screenshot showing troops and Panzerkleins]]

The player commands a team of up to six elite soldiers on the Axis or Allied side, undertaking a variety of missions. Once the player begins a campaign, they may select a premade character or create their own to lead the team through the game. Once the introductory mission is complete, the player can access a base complete with a medical station, armoury, personnel, and a panzerklein hangar. From this point, the player may select a team of six characters from a pool of 20. Each character has a role such as medic, sniper, scout, grenadier, soldier or engineer. Each role has different advantages and liabilities in battle. As the player progresses through the game, the armoury will receive new weapons for the player to use, either stolen from enemies or contributed from their own forces.

''Silent Storm'' depicts a wide variety of the authentic weaponry and equipment of circa 1943 with great detail. Mixed into otherwise realistic elements is a plot that features secret weapon projects reminiscent of spy-fi, including energy weapons. Most notable are the Panzerkleins (pseudo-[[Social:German language|German]] for "little tanks"), crude powered armour suits.

The game features a remarkably advanced physics model. Nearly all structures are completely destructible. This has many tactical effects in the combat. For instance, if a character hears an enemy moving in an adjacent room, they can simply fire through the wall to attack them. ''Silent Storm'' also employs [[Software:Ragdoll physics|ragdoll physics]] for bodies according to the precise velocity of an impact. Fully three-dimensional mapping allows for obstruction calculations and cover effects from all angles. Bullets ricochet and their [[Physics:Stopping power|stopping power]] depends on the weapon. The effects are exaggerated for a more cinematic experience (a hail of non-fatal bullets only make the target shake, but a single fatal bullet can send the target flying).

==Plot==
The game's story takes place during World War II in an alternate history. Thor's Hammer Organization (THO), is a shadowy organization with connections all over [[Earth:Europe|Europe]] and the goal of world domination. THO knows that this goal cannot be attained while there are powers capable of challenging them, and aims to use its connections and advanced technology to make sure the two sides of World War II devastate each other, while THO makes a grab for power when both are exhausted. The obvious influence of Norse mythology on the organization's name is further shown by the fact that all THO members use a mythological name as their call sign.

In exchange for the services of both Allied and Axis higher-ups, Thor's Hammer provides them with some of their inventions, including Panzerkleins. Panzerkleins are very difficult to destroy, as they are essentially immune to small arms fire.

==Development==

''Silent Storm'' was developed by Nival Interactive, a [[Place:Moscow|Moscow]]-based studio previously responsible for the ''Allods'' (''[[Software:Rage of Mages|Rage of Mages]]'') series.<ref name=rpgvaultint>{{cite web |author=Jonric |title=Silent Storm Interview |publisher=RPGVault |url=http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/367/367949p1.html |access-date=26 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206145636/http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/367/367949p1.html |archive-date=6 February 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's showing at E3 2003 won it the "E3 2003 Best of Show" award in the tactical genre from ''Wargamer''.<ref name=e3wg>{{cite web |title=Press |url=http://www.silentstorm-online.de/content.php?lang=en&rid=601 |publisher=JoWood Productions |access-date=29 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719083333/http://www.silentstorm-online.de/content.php?lang=en&rid=601 |archive-date=19 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Its English version went gold on January 15, 2004.<ref name=gold>{{cite news |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |title=Silent Storm makes golden sound |publisher=GameSpot |date=January 15, 2004 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/silentstorm/news.html?sid=6086587 |access-date=26 November 2007}}</ref> <!--{{cite news |last=Calvert |first=Justin |title=New Silent Storm details emerge |publisher=GameSpot |date=June 3, 2003 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/silentstorm/news.html?sid=6029398 |accessdate=26 November 2007}}-->

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 82%<ref name="GR1">{{cite web |title=Silent Storm Reviews |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/557924.asp |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060521231105/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/557924.asp |archive-date=21 May 2006}}</ref><br>81% (''Sentinels'')<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |title=Silent Storm: Sentinels Reviews |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/919255.asp |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016055858/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/919255.asp |archive-date=16 October 2007}}</ref>
| MC = 83/100<ref name=mcritic>{{cite web |title=Silent Storm (pc: 2004): Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/silentstorm?q=silent |access-date=29 December 2008}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=techtv>{{cite web |author=Keil, Matt |work=X-Play |url=http://www.g4tv.com:80/xplay/features/794/Silent_Storm_PC_Review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051206175449/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/794/Silent_Storm_PC_Review.html |date=June 4, 2004 |archive-date=December 6, 2005 |title=''Silent Storm'' (PC) Review |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Absolute Games''
| rev1Score = 75%<ref name="absolute">{{cite web |last1=Горячев |first1=Владимир |title=Рецензия на Silent Storm |url=http://www.ag.ru/reviews/silent_storm |website=Absolute Games |access-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213125127/http://www.ag.ru/reviews/silent_storm |archive-date=13 December 2007 |language=Russian |date=29 August 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
According to Metacritic, ''Silent Storm'' received "generally positive reviews" from critics.<ref name=mcritic/> The game experienced poor sales in the United States; ''GameSpot'' reported that "fewer than 20,000 copies" of the game sold during 2004.<ref name=bestworst2004 />

While praised for its tactical depth, aesthetics and the quality of its game engine,<ref name="gspy_ss"/><ref name=ign_ss/><ref name="gspot_ss"/> the game has been criticized for its "silly", "over-the-top" story and voice acting,<ref name="gspy_ss">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/silent-storm/494779p1.html |title=S2 - Silent Storm |last1=Rausch |first1=Allen |date=February 25, 2004 |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=ign_ss/> and for its inclusion of science fiction elements&mdash;specifically the Panzerkleins&mdash;and their effect upon [[Software:Game balance|game balance]] in the latter stages of the game.<ref name=ign_ss>{{cite web |last=Butts |first=Steve |title=Silent Storm Review |publisher=IGN |date=January 27, 2004 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/475/475977p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040202085434/http://pc.ign.com/articles/475/475977p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2004 |access-date=11 December 2007 |quote=There is one aspect of the game that really stood out as ridiculous to me. Since it's kind of integral to the plot, I don't want to spoil it. Just watch out for the suits.}}</ref><ref name="gspot_ss">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/silent-storm-review/1900-6087043/ |title=Silent Storm Review |last1=Kasavin |first1=Greg |date=January 26, 2004 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc. |access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="1up_ss">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/silent-storm |title=Silent Storm Review |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=January 1, 2000 |website=1up.com |publisher=IGN Entertainment Games |access-date=5 December 2015 |quote=But worse, late in the game Silent Storm falls victim to the nerd imperative of sci-fi elements that, though some gamers may enjoy, I found totally unnecessary and detrimental. After fighting so many tough, gritty urban battles, the introduction of Panzerkleins (powered li'l mech-like weaponized body armor) and ray guns struck a really sour note and seriously undermined the great WWII feeling the game had created up to that point. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208052049/http://www.1up.com/reviews/silent-storm |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> The game's "tired", "played-out" World War II setting,<ref name=ign_ss/><ref name="gspot_ss"/> poor performance on contemporary hardware,<ref name=ign_ss/><ref name="1up_ss"/> lack of meaningful managerial features,<ref name="gspy_ss"/> and lack of multiplayer,<ref name="gspy_ss"/><ref name="gspot_ss"/> were also noted.

===Awards===
''GameSpot'' named ''Silent Storm'' the best computer game of January 2004,<ref name=gotm>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040901070114/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6087195/index.html |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6087195/index.html |title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Month in Review for January 2004 |author=Staff |work=GameSpot |date=February 1, 2004 |archive-date=September 1, 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the "Best Game No One Played" of the year overall.<ref name=bestworst2004 /> It also won the annual "Best Turn-Based Strategy Game 2004" prize from ''PC Gamer US'', whose Mark H. Walker praised the game's "sweaty-palm firefights, clever leveling system, and its use of its World War II setting".<ref name=pcgamerusawards2004>{{cite journal |date=March 2005 |title=The Eleventh Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards |volume=12 |number=3 |pages=33–36, 38, 40, 42, 44 |journal=PC Gamer US |author=Walker, Mark H.}}</ref> ''Silent Storm'' received year-end award nominations for ''X-Play''{{'}}s "Best Original Game",<ref name=xplaybestof2004nominees>{{cite web |author=''X-Play'' Staff |work=X-Play |url=http://www.g4tv.com:80/xplay/features/50787/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Nominees.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051107164119/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50787/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Nominees.html |date=January 18, 2005 |archive-date=November 7, 2005 |title=''X-Play''{{'}}s Best of 2004 Nominees |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=xplaybestof2004winners>{{cite web |author=''X-Play'' Staff |work=X-Play |url=http://www.g4tv.com:80/xplay/features/50882/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Winners_Announced.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050315015954/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50882/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Winners_Announced.html |date=January 27, 2005 |archive-date=March 15, 2005 |title=''X-Play''{{'}}s Best of 2004 Winners Announced! |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Computer Gaming World''{{'}}s "Strategy Game of the Year (General)" and ''GameSpot''{{'}}s "Best Strategy Game".<ref name=cgwpremier2004>{{cite magazine |author=((Editors of ''CGW'')) |magazine=Computer Gaming World |title=2004 Games of the Year |date=March 2005 |issue=249 |pages=56–67}}</ref><ref name=bestworst2004>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050307021607/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/ |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/ |title=Best and Worst of 2004 |author=The ''GameSpot'' Editors |date=January 5, 2005 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=March 7, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Legacy==
''Silent Storm'' was followed by an [[Software:Expansion pack|expansion pack]] entitled ''Silent Storm: Sentinels''. The later ''Hammer & Sickle'' (2005) serves as a successor to the two games.

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official|https://web.archive.org/web/20060529202326/http://www.nival.ru/silentstorm/}} (archived)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071027031400/http://www.nival.ru/s3/ Official ''Silent Storm: Sentinels'' website] (archived)
* {{MobyGames|id=/s2-silent-storm}}
* {{MobyGames|id=/s3-silent-storm-sentinels|name=''Silent Storm: Sentinels''}}

{{Silent Storm Engine}}

[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Tactical role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Turn-based tactics video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Silent Storm}}