Rosseau -> Two new games worth checking out (10/5/2009 8:13:43 AM)
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If you're like me and just can't get enough of good war and strategy games, I'd like to suggest a couple of diamonds in the rough: First, "Gratuitous Space Battles" over at Stardock. Ignore the name and the fact that it's published by Positech (Democracy, et al). There's some deep game play here and a lot of potential. With the Stardock "survey" discount, I got it for $16, and felt like sending the dev another $20. It's also easily modded. Check out the Positech forums for an in-depth look. Second, "War Leaders: Clash of Nations." Published in Europe last year, with version 1.3 available here. It's a grand strategic/tactical RTS hybrid that actually works--for me at least--and I hate click fest RTS games, which this is not if you use the options right. Graphically, the RTS portion looks somewhat like Battlefront's CM Shock Force, but in lower res and more traditional RTS interface. Hundreds of historically accurate units. No scenario editor, but you really don't need one with all the options they give you. If you can ignore the bad voice acting and the hokey graphic integration of the "leaders" on the campaign map, this game may surprise you with its depth. Sort of like HOI3 "light" without the bugs. And it's got a 161 page PDF manual to boot. You can pick up a new copy at Amazon for around $22 including shipping. I got a slightly used version delivered in two days (a record for an Amazon reseller) for $18. Two DVDs and 7.5 gigs of good stuff. Bottom line is the bang we get for our hard earned bucks: I paid $35 for Matrix's Op Barb, and would buy the game again if I had to. But for another $5, I get both of these? It's no contest! Also, in terms of replay/depth, comparing Op Barb to War Leaders is like comparing Risk to Empires in Arms, respectively. And I'm not knocking the Matrix game here. And to those who bought the latest Slitherine offering here at Matrix, I offer my condolences...
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