The Art of War – Inside the Creation of Sudden Strike 4’s Distinctive Art Style (Video)

New video featurette goes behind the scenes with renowned Killzone: Shadow Fall and Game of Thrones artist Robert Simon

They say a picture says a thousand words, and it couldn’t be more true in this case, as Kalypso Media and Kite Games proudly reveal a brand-new featurette shining a spotlight on the making of the stunning artwork for upcoming World War II RTS Sudden Strike 4, in collaboration with the extremely talented artist Robert Simon.

Having worked on hit games such as Killzone: Shadow Fall and Ryse: Son of Rome as well as the hit TV show Game of Thrones (for which in 2014 he won an Emmy for outstanding special and visual effects), Robert Simon was seen by Kalypso to be the perfect choice to create a set of evocative, propaganda-inspired oil paintings for Sudden Strike 4.

“Kalypso is well known for their attention to detail, and that’s something I’ve tried to achieve with my paintings,” says Robert, explaining the creative process behind Sudden Strike 4’s feature and cover art. “We started discussing techniques and ways to approach the whole thing, and the World War II propaganda topic came up – and this meant that initially, we started with these oil paintings and now, here we are!”

About Sudden Strike 4
Developed as a fully-fledged series entry and not a remake or reboot, Sudden Strike 4 sends you off on three extensive campaigns set amongst the battlefields of World War II. Commanding the British and American, German or Soviet troops, you will lead over 100 different units into battle, including the German bomber Heinkel He111, the Russian T-34 tank, the British Hawker Typhoon fighter plane and the notorious German Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger. In a first for the Sudden Strike series, you can now choose from one of nine individual commanders, such as George Patton or Bernard Montgomery, who will each allow for different approaches to combat and boast unique abilities.

Prove your tactical expertise in over 20 demanding single player scenarios, the challenge-focused skirmish mode, and the competitive multiplayer mode. A new reward system rewards clever and tactical play, awarding the player with skill points and bonus content, such as historical film footage of the era.

Sudden Strike 4 offers countless ways to vanquish your opponents. Exploit the weak spots of tanks, set up an ambush, occupy buildings with infantry, outmanoeuvre the enemy with clever positioning or unleash devastating air strikes – how you approach each mission is up to you!

Features of Sudden Strike 4:
Sudden Strike 4 offers realistic real-time strategy gameplay with tactical depth and a historical setting

Three campaigns with over 20 missions to test your tactical skills and determining the outcome of significant WWII battles

As one of nine commanders, lead your army on the battlegrounds of the biggest military conflict in history

Command more than 100 authentic units – including the Königstiger tank, the Katyusha rocket launcher and the Hawker Typhoon fighter plane

Pit yourself against other commanders in the competitive multiplayer mode

The PC version features modding support with Steam Workshop integration

Sudden Strike 4 will be available in Q2 2017 on PlayStation®4, Windows PC, Mac and Linux, and is available for pre-purchase now on  Steam. Along with a 15% discount, those who pre-purchase  Sudden Strike 4 will receive: an exclusive skirmish map, ‘The Battle for Kursk’ – one of the biggest tank battles of World War II, a digital copy of the official soundtrack recorded by the Hungarian Studio Orchestra, and the Official Digital Art Book, featuring the work of Robert Simon.