Well balanced and fun real time strategy in the Cold War

Wargame: European Escalation is a real time strategy. Set in the Cold War, between 1975 and ’85, it explores scenarios that might have happened if war had broken out.

This is a pretty serious RTS game – everything from the in game graphics to the interface style says ‘hardcore strategy’, but you shouldn’t let that put you off! The basics of Wargame: European Escalation are recognizable to anyone who’s played an RTS, but there are some nice differences. The maps are generally big, and you can zoom right in, and right out to get a very tactical view.

Wargame: European Escalation is not quite as intuitive as games like Starcraft, but it’s not hard to learn and has good tutorials. Units move quickly, which feels fresh compared to the slow movement you usually find in RTS games.

The interfaces in Wargame: European Escalation are a little dull, but the in game-presentation is really good. While detail isn’t incredible at close quarters, it’s certainly good enough and great to watch.

While war based real time strategy isn’t a new thing, it’s been a while since it’s been done anywhere near this well. Wargame: European Escalation is a refreshing change for the genre, and has a great mix of accessible and deep gameplay.