Arsenal of Democracy
- February 23, 2010
- BL-Logic
- 725h median play time
Get on Steam"Arsenal of Democracy" is a World War II simulation game that allows players to control any nation during the era of 1936-64. The game features detailed models for economics, diplomacy, research, and intelligence, as well as advanced combat mechanics for land, sea, and air warfare. With single-player and multi-player scenarios, players can use flexible production systems to master the challenges of this historical period. This game is the ultimate World War II simulation and builds on the experience and community input of the Hearts of Iron series.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- One of the best WWII strategy games with in-depth detail and a nostalgic feel that newer versions lack.
- Offers great political, commercial, and military freedom, allowing players to explore various scenarios and strategies.
- Highly replayable with a wealth of historical detail, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore strategy gamers.
- The game can be frustratingly imbalanced, particularly favoring Germany, leading to a lack of meaningful strategic decisions.
- The user interface is confusing and not very intuitive, making it difficult for new players to learn the mechanics.
- There are significant bugs and issues, such as AI inconsistencies and crashes, which can detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a balance between intuitiveness and complexity, appealing to both strategy veterans and newcomers, though it can be challenging to master. Players appreciate the depth of mechanics, such as unit merging and economic development, but some express a desire for clearer tutorials and a turn-based format instead of real-time. Overall, it is praised for its engaging strategic elements, particularly in military and diplomatic gameplay, despite some criticisms regarding graphics and certain gameplay distractions.
“If AOE and command ops are the two ends of the strategy game spectrum, HOI hits the perfect balance between intuitiveness and complexity (both in terms of visuals and gameplay).”
“558 hours of gameplay over 4 years; perhaps the best grand strategy game ever made—so simple yet engrossing.”
“All that being said, I recommend this to players wanting diplomatic and policy-heavy gameplay without losing military action.”
“A bit difficult to master, and the gameplay isn’t so easy for a rookie.”
“I looked online for the mechanics of merging units, and this is really something I shouldn't have to troll the internet to guess at.”
“I come from Empire Total War, so I get the idea of developing an economic base, researching units, etc. However, I think the mechanic for HOI would have a better feel if it was turn-based rather than the faster-than-real-time that the game uses.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Arsenal of Democracy" are generally considered outdated and basic, with some users noting a lack of visual appeal and occasional glitches. However, many players appreciate the game's intuitive design and depth of gameplay, suggesting that the simplistic graphics do not detract significantly from the overall experience. While not visually impressive, the game is still enjoyable for those who prioritize strategy over aesthetics.
“If Age of Empires and Command Ops are the two ends of the strategy game spectrum, Hearts of Iron hits the perfect balance between intuitiveness and complexity, both in terms of visuals and gameplay.”
“The game offers some pleasant graphics and really vibrant colors; although there are some ugly glitches here and there, it is pleasant all the same.”
“I guess this game is a little dated now and the graphics are a bit basic, but it suits my headspace and I keep coming back to it.”
“Don't play this game if you're hoping for any type of graphical appeal because there is zero; you need to like informational tabs and history. Anyway, so far I would give this a 5/10, minus for graphics (lack of), user unfriendlyness, and the pain of install. Other than that though, it's a WWII grand strategy game that can be as fast or slow-paced as you want it.”
“No fancy graphics; well, you may even say no graphics at all, as you will turn off the animated sprites after a few hours of gameplay and use counters to represent units/armies as they are much more informative at a glance.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The replayability of hoi2:aod is highly praised, with users highlighting its excellent value and detailed mechanics that contribute to an immersive and varied gameplay experience. Many consider it a standout title in the series, offering significant opportunities for repeated play.
“Replayability value is excellent.”
“Absolute champion in the series, HOI2: AOD goes so much in detail; it has immense replay value.”
“Now this is an awesome strategy game with huge replay value!”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express frustration over the lack of a dedicated reconnaissance mission in the game, highlighting that the absence of this critical element undermines the story's authenticity and the role of key aircraft like the PBY and B-17. The expectation for a more immersive narrative centered around reconnaissance is noted as a significant oversight.
“Another issue—where is the reconnaissance mission?”
“However, there is no mission available to actually allocate PBYs or B-17s to fly reconnaissance, and only reconnaissance—and that is a big deal.”
“The PBY's primary mission was to find the enemy and report back.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game experiences notable stability issues, including frequent glitches, screen distortions, and random crashes, which can detract from the overall experience. While the vibrant graphics are appreciated, the presence of these bugs and AI inconsistencies suggests that stability remains a significant concern.
“Weird glitches and in-game bugs.”
“As any game of this depth, there are random glitches and oddities that occur - screen glitches, random crashing, and AI using nonsensical tactics that ultimately cause their downfall.”
“The game offers some pleasant graphics and really vibrant colors, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally appreciated for its enjoyable listening experience, making it a good backdrop for gameplay. However, players have noted issues with the inability to adjust the music volume, leading to discomfort, and some have experienced lag during multiplayer sessions.
“It's a great game to listen to music to while clicking buttons.”
“You can't lower the music in the game, and my headphones exploded.”
“The music is still very loud, and the multiplayer is laggy.”
