I'll start by saying that I really love this Xcom-like genre of turn-based tactical games.

I had recently beaten Last Train Home, a newer game by this same studio, and decided to give Classified '44 a go.

I'll start with the good. The focus/story for the game works really well. A beleaguered but determined band of freedom fighters, trying to disrupt things enough for D Day to succeed, is perfect for this style of game.

I think Classified '44 nails this story, with enemies that fit the setting, ramping up difficulty as D Day and your own efforts gain attention, and even the tension within the French Resistance itself is emphasized nicely. I felt the need to read up on the French Resistance to learn more about the different reasons these regular people took up weapons.

Gameplay-wise, I think Classified '44 largely delivers. It isn't as in-depth as other games in this genre, but it has some nice touches. The two standouts were a weapon spread based on the type of weapon hitting nearby enemies and a morale system where, even if you miss, you lower enemy morale, causing them to lose action points or even freeze up (and the same can happen to you).

The game also emphasizes stealth heavily. You get no XP for killing enemies; instead, it's about achieving objectives and bonus objectives, which is often easier when you are avoiding and slipping past most enemies. In the late game, particularly, enemy units are much tougher than you and should be avoided, and there are a lot of them, which feels appropriate for an outnumbered and outgunned resistance.

However, I do think this game lacks many of the details and features that give other turn-based games like this depth. The cover doesn't seem to do much, and there isn't a huge variety in ways to use it. Height doesn't affect shots or range, and sometimes enemies shoot you from places that you couldn't.

Terrain also isn't destructible, which feels weird with the number of explosions that can happen. Character leveling is flexible, which is nice, but most of the abilities and changes don't feel that impactful, making it less exciting.

The map and resource management are mostly nonexistent, and item upgrades don't feel terribly impactful either.

I saw a reviewer on Steam call this a passable but bare-bones game, and I feel like that is about right. If you love the genre and setting, give it a try, but maybe only buy it on sale. If you don't, it's not worth pushing to try it.