Many gamers have decried the slow but steady demise of turn based strategy games over the last few years. Classic games like X-COM and Jagged Alliance have either failed to produce sequels or slipped into mediocrity. Fewer games with a predominantly military theme and an emphasis on combat have utilized a turn-based system over the last few years, instead switching to real-time, constant action and stimulation to appease the masses. Even the Combat Mission games, the great wargaming series of the last decade, uses a “we-go” turn based system that does an excellent job of mixing action and turn-based strategy. Every once in a great while a small developer will attempt to break from the mold, creating a turn-based tactical game with the hope of expanding beyond a small niche market, but over the last few years all of these attempts have met with failure. At the end of 2003, European gamers were surprised by the release of a World War II themed, tactical turn-based game from Nival Interactive, a popular Russian developer, and publisher JoWood. Titled Silent Storm (hereinafter SS), the game took Europe by storm, garnering almost uniform critical acclaim and inducing many US gamers to order the European version (this author included). With the demand for the game on this side of the pond, it was only a matter of time before a North American publisher was secured in Encore Software. Despite some early delays, SS is finally set to debut in North America, and I can safely say that SS is the finest turn-based tactical combat game since X-COM. If all you are looking for is an answer as to whether or not SS is a good purchase, stop right here. Even the most casual fan of turn-based combat games owes it to themselves to give SS a try. For those that want more detail before making a final purchase, read on.