Army Men: World War

Army Men: World War

Overview & History

Released initially for the PlayStation in 2000 by 3DO, *Army Men: World War* marks a gritty, historically themed divergence for the iconic green and tan plastic brigade. Moving away from the suburban backyard and household environments of earlier titles, this installment thrusts Private Grunt and his platoon into the mud, trenches, and ruined French villages reminiscent of mid-century European theater conflicts. As the Green Army faces an aggressive Tan onslaught across increasingly desolate landscapes, the game leans heavily into a gritty, arcade-style isometric war film aesthetic, complete with dramatic orchestral war-horns and the distinct crunch of plastic snapping under fire.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike the traditional top-down or third-person entries, the arcade iteration of *Army Men: World War* focuses on fast-paced, linear run-and-gun combat mixed with strategic use of military hardware. Players navigate hostile terrain divided into discrete mission objectives, ranging from rescuing trapped Green infantrymen and destroying Tan pillboxes to hijacking anti-aircraft guns and clearing minefields. Character moves include standard running, ducking behind low concrete barriers for cover, and executing a combat roll to evade incoming plastic shrapnel. Combat relies heavily on a cyclable arsenal of weaponry—from the reliable standard-issue rifle and heavy-duty bazookas to flame-throwers and mortar strikes. Ammunition management is critical, and players must scavenge supply crates dropped by aerial transport to survive relentless waves of Tan infantry, armored tanks, and stationary turrets.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause