Armored Brigade
- October 31, 2019
- Veitikka Studios
- 4h median play time
Armored Brigade is a tactical wargame set in the mid-Cold War era. Players command a brigade-sized force of either NATO or Warsaw Pact troops in intense, turn-based combat. With a focus on realism and historical accuracy, the game features a vast array of units, detailed environments, and advanced physics simulations. Lead your forces to victory in large-scale, dynamic battles across diverse landscapes.
Reviews
- The game features a high level of realism with detailed mechanics that simulate various battlefield conditions, including terrain, visibility, and command delays.
- Armored Brigade offers a vast array of units and scenarios, allowing for extensive customization and replayability through its mission and campaign generator.
- The controls are user-friendly, making it accessible for newcomers to the wargaming genre while still providing depth for experienced players.
- The game lacks a comprehensive tutorial, making it difficult for beginners to grasp the mechanics without external resources.
- There are significant issues with the AI, particularly in terms of pathfinding and tactical decision-making, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- The absence of multiplayer options limits the game's replayability and social interaction, which many players find disappointing.
- story38 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is primarily driven by its extensive mission and campaign generator, allowing players to create a wide variety of battles, enhancing replayability. While some players find the initial learning curve steep due to the lack of structured tutorials, the dynamic AI and customizable missions provide a rich tactical experience reminiscent of classic wargames. Overall, the game offers a blend of accessibility and depth, appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
“The game comes with missions, campaigns, and a level generator that allows the player to create massive battles as well as small infantry-only missions, which is pretty much a recipe for endless replayability.”
“As the cherry on top of this wonderful wargaming cake, Armored Brigade's AI is both competent and dynamic, presenting a challenge while ensuring that no two missions play out exactly the same way.”
“Finally, a worthy successor to the Steel Panthers, Combat Mission, and Close Combat series, with its own unique twist (the delayed order system that simulates communication difficulties between units in actual battles) that adds realism and offers interesting strategic and tactical decisions not found in other strategy games.”
“As I try to start my first mission, I quickly get lost in the full screen of text not knowing what to do.”
“As it stands though, the extremely short time-to-kill, combined with the significant lag time of giving orders, the lack of granular control in giving those orders, and the lack of any sort of individual AI initiative just makes this game a frustrating experience coming from something like Combat Mission.”
“I'll keep returning to it to play more to figure out if there's just something I'm missing, but until and unless I figure out what I'm doing wrong, I'll stick to Combat Mission and other tactical strategy games.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are primarily 2D and described as clean, simple, and stylized, effectively supporting the gameplay without being flashy. While some users find the graphics basic or reminiscent of older flash or mobile games, they appreciate the clarity in depicting geographical features and the tactical depth it offers. Overall, the graphics serve the game's strategic focus well, appealing to both seasoned wargamers and newcomers who prioritize gameplay over visual aesthetics.
“The 2D graphics are actually very well done, and the unit and map detail is stylized nicely.”
“A game whose relatively simple graphics are used to stylish effect, whilst its interface puts even more mainstream RTS games to shame.”
“The 2D graphic is simple and practical, and clearly shows geographical features on the map.”
“First, the graphics... they look like some flash-based or mobile game, but I don't see this as a crucial flaw.”
“Graphics are really bad; maybe if they had some mods, I could recommend it.”
“I firmly state though that the graphics are crude, but this isn't about flashy 3D representations of the models; it's about tactics, strategy, and the will to endure a wave of infantry crashing into your battle lines prepared for death or glory!”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a pause-and-play mechanic reminiscent of classic tactical games, allowing for strategic planning and unit management. While it offers a deep and realistic simulation of combined arms warfare with intricate mechanics, some players find it limiting and ergonomically challenging, particularly for beginners. Overall, it is praised for its detailed mechanics and modding potential, making it appealing to both veterans and newcomers interested in tactical wargaming.
“It also has a bunch of prebuilt missions that help to introduce the various mechanics.”
“Gameplay-wise similar to the Close Combat series, but you can zoom out to space with a mouse scroll (and different other UI and quality of life improvements in place).”
“Lastly, I want to reiterate that this is an outstanding real-time tactics game, and it simulates many mechanics of combined arms warfare that no other game has attempted so far.”
“In overall good realistic mechanics but boring to play due to poor ergonomics.”
“They do have a manual to explain lots of things, but that manual won’t guide you through your first gameplay, so that manual isn’t very helpful to beginners.”
“Currently, the only options the commander has to direct rotary-wing combat and recon units is to select 2 navigation points before the battle for his helo units; there is no mechanic for commanding helos during combat.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability due to its varied scenarios, customizable skirmishes, and a robust campaign generator that allows for endless mission creation. Players can engage in both massive battles and smaller infantry missions, ensuring a fresh experience each time. Overall, the dynamic campaigns and AI contribute to a highly engaging and replayable gameplay experience.
“Its AI is devious, its scenarios are varied, and its campaign generator makes it infinitely replayable.”
“The game comes with missions, campaigns, and a level generator that allows the player to create massive battles as well as small infantry-only missions, which is pretty much a recipe for endless replayability.”
“Not only due to my personal bias from the Cold War setting, but also because in theory, it has endless replayability.”
“The skirmish mode is quite customizable according to the player's tastes, and this actually brings replayability to a higher level.”
“This game is without a doubt the best in its genre, if only for the dynamic campaigns which offer unending replay value.”
- music3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is notably sparse, which some players view as a minor flaw; however, this absence allows for greater focus on tactical gameplay without distractions. Overall, while the music department is lacking, it may enhance the strategic experience for some players.
“Also, a minor flaw is the lack of music when you play the game.”
“1 - Very lacking in the music department.”
“This is actually not a big flaw or con, because there's an opportunity for more focus on tactics, and you are not distracted by any kind of music here.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of "Armored Brigade" to be rewarding, as successfully executing strategies evokes a sense of genius and accomplishment, despite facing challenges.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its playful and absurd elements, particularly highlighted by the amusing interactions with artillery, which adds a lighthearted and entertaining touch to the gameplay experience.
“The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious!”
“I can't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and funny situations.”
“The comedic timing of the characters is spot on and adds so much to the experience.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment or multiple attempts to progress effectively.
“Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is satisfying and offers a real sense of progression.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I was getting nowhere.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy relies heavily on advertising that showcases action-packed first-person scenes, effectively drawing players in with visually engaging content.
“The monetization system feels overly aggressive, pushing players to spend money just to enjoy basic features.”
“I was disappointed to find that many of the game's best items are locked behind a paywall, making it hard to progress without spending real money.”
“The constant prompts to purchase in-game currency disrupt the gameplay experience and make it feel more like a cash grab than a fun game.”