101: The 101st Airborne in Normandy is a turn-based World War II combat/strategy game, the object of which is to invade Normandy on D-Day and advance as far as possible into occupied France.

As a turn-based strategy game, the action and tactical aspects are considerably reduced and slowed down. Although this heightens the quality of strategic decisions made before trying to take a bridge or invade a town, the act of making a move and then having to wait for your opponent to do the same slows the game play down to an almost unbearable crawl. Additionally, having to cycle through each soldier under your command one by one and equipping, training, and moving them individually (although there is an "all at once" option) may cause some players to find this game painfully slow.

Most of the rest of the simulation is well put together. The introduction video sets the scene perfectly, full of uphill struggles, and the music and sound effects complement the feeling of battle. The graphics are smooth; they roll in a "rounded" fashion and are pleasingly not jerky whatsoever. The game interface is also relatively easy to pick up with commands readily accessible via a right click of the mouse to make your troops crawl, shoot, duck, or engage in hand-to-hand combat.

There are numerous multi-player options as well as single missions to attempt. Even though serious strategists will love those factors, overall, the design of the game hampers its playability. World War II just wasn't that "front row, FIRE!" type of warfare. ~ Nick Smith, All Game Guide

Interesting use of colors, impressive opening video. ~ Nick Smith, All Game Guide

Authentic battle effects and voices. ~ Nick Smith, All Game Guide

Can be slow, especially with characters having to be moved individually. ~ Nick Smith, All Game Guide

Too slow to want to replay immediately. ~ Nick Smith, All Game Guide