I’ve been a speedrunner for years, and Easy Red 2 struck me as a unique challenge in the expansive WWII battlefield genre. I dove into it with high expectations, searching for ways to minimize completion times while savoring the authentic wartime experience. Overall, my impressions are mixed but largely positive. I appreciate the effort from developer Marco Amadei and publisher Corvostudio di Amadei Marco. The game earned a Very Positive reception from many players, and my time with it confirmed that reputation.
Overall Impressions
Easy Red 2 distinguishes itself with massive battles that mix infantry, armored vehicles, tanks, cannons, and even planes. I love the concept of managing your weapons and coordinating with your squad in a destructible open world. However, compared to other WWII shooters, it has quirks that may distract serious speedrunners. Frequent updates can disrupt a smooth play session, though I understand the developer’s efforts to improve the game. It is a game built on passion, even if some choices make certain gameplay sections cumbersome. The promise of authentic WWII action is fulfilled in many ways, and that authenticity is a strong reason to pick up the game.
Gameplay Mechanics
Fast-paced yet methodical gameplay is at the heart of Easy Red 2. I like the fact that all major aspects—infantry, planes, and tanks—feel distinct. In my runs, each gameplay style requires a tailored strategy. For infantry, the game balances predictable squad configurations with varying weapons. I learned that a squad’s specialist role can vary by nation. Tactical choices affect speedrun strategies. I often focus on minimizing delays by optimizing squad movement and careful use of artillery requests.
Artillery has its unique charm. I have seen players comment on its importance. You call in AP, HE, or smoke rounds depending on your target. This extra mechanic requires a moment of decision-making that can either boost your momentum or cause a delay. I have noticed that artillery waves can throw off your speedrun rhythm. Yet, they also reward precise timing, a fact I relish as a speedrunner.
Planes in Easy Red 2 add an aerial twist that many games in this genre ignore. I found that controlling the throttle while aiming gave an authentic dogfight feel. Still, the controls require precision, and the bullet drop mechanic means you must plan your moves carefully. My attempts to cut time sometimes revolved around baiting enemy planes into closer combat so that I could engage swiftly.
Tanks present the toughest challenge. I have experimented with tank routes and learned that aiming for the enemy rear is best. Some players warn about facing the Churchill in the North African campaign. I agree, as I found that these tanks tend to frustrate even the most seasoned gamers due to their superior targeting systems. Despite this, tank battles remain one of the most rewarding parts of the game. They provide enough excitement to justify every extra millisecond spent studying their armor and weak points.
Story and Characters
Easy Red 2 lacks a deep narrative, but it offers enough historical context to make the battles engaging. The game presents realistic factions that vary from mission to mission. I enjoy how each side carries its unique gimmick, like the Italians with impact grenades or Americans using shotguns in the Pacific. Although the individual characters do not come with extensive backstories, the squad dynamics create a living battlefield. There is an unspoken camaraderie among the soldiers. As a speedrunner, I appreciate that the setting allows me to focus more on mechanics than on dialog. However, the absence of memorable character arcs means that the game relies on historical details and battlefield tactics to support its realism.
Visuals and Graphics
The visuals contribute strongly to the game’s atmosphere. Maps are large, and the destruction of the environment feels rewarding. Mid-game explosions and crumbling structures keep the intensity high. I also note that the artistic style leans toward realism over flashy effects, which helps maintain immersion without distracting from crucial gameplay elements. When trying to shave off seconds on a butt-kicking speedrun, clear visuals help me plan both movement and engagement. While the graphics may not rival those of blockbuster shooters, they work effectively to create a believable WWII setting.
Sound and Music
Sound design in Easy Red 2 deserves admiration. The soundtrack echoes the era with a blend of stirring military tunes and tense combat beats. Every explosion, gunshot, and command call has been recorded with ancestral attention to detail. The sound effects are crisp and situational. When you’re racing against the clock, you rely on those audio cues to inform you of enemy movements. Although the voice acting is minimal, it does not detract from the overall performance. Instead, it complements the game’s serious tone and the authenticity of the battles. For speedrunning, every audible detail contributes to maintaining the momentum of the run.
Difficulty and Replayability
I appreciate games that offer repeated challenges and many layers of difficulty in gameplay. Easy Red 2 brings that genuine challenge to the table. It features Easy, Normal, and “Realistic” modes. Each setting changes the dynamics of stamina, explosions, and overall combat intensity. In the Realistic mode, stamina is low and explosions are generous. I find this mode particularly interesting because it requires precise, risk-aware decision-making. This reinforces my approach to speedrunning. I have completed several runs over multiple sessions and each time I discover slight nuances in enemy behavior.
Player feedback has highlighted that the game is friendly for both PVE enthusiasts and those who avoid pay-to-win mechanics. The balance between authentic historical elements and entertaining gameplay ensures that replayability remains high. Frequent updates, as noted by players, also indicate a commitment to refining the experience. This consistent support makes it a game that I can return to and master over time.
Final Thoughts
Easy Red 2 is a cool game built by a one-man dev team that dreamed big. The game has some rough edges, such as irregular updates and imbalances that become evident in heavy firefights. Still, these are offset by its commitment to authentic WWII battles and a richly detailed open world. By examining each gameplay mechanic closely, I have identified strategies to optimize my speedruns despite the occasional setback. The game is nuanced, with artillery calls, tank weak spots, and dogfights that all require tactical finesse.
I rate Easy Red 2 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is a worthwhile addition to the WWII genre for gamers who appreciate a blend of strategy and rapid gameplay. The game fosters continuous learning and repeated attempts to perfect runs, a trait every speedrunner values deeply. With room for improvement, especially in balancing certain elements, the game still offers a fierce, historical battleground that challenges both the mind and reflexes.
I recommend Easy Red 2 for those who revel in military strategy and appreciate the precision required in speedrunning. Its challenges lie in wait, rewarding meticulous players who can master both its pain and pleasure. As I continue to hone my strategies, I remain eager to see how future updates refine this fascinating battlefield experience.
