Command: Modern Operations

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Command: Modern Operations is a single player open world real-time strategy game. It was developed by Command Development Team and was released on November 14, 2019. It received positive reviews from players.

Command: Modern Operations is the next generation in cross-domain modern wargaming. It enables you to simulate every military engagement from post World War II to the present day and beyond. The scale is primarily tactical/operational, although strategic scale operations are also possible.

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85%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,052 reviews

story19 positive mentions

stability24 negative mentions

Extremely detailed and realistic modern military simulation with a vast database of units and weapons from post-WWII to near future.
Offers immense strategic depth and flexibility, allowing players to create, customize, and play numerous historical and hypothetical scenarios.
Active developer support and engaged community providing frequent updates, tutorials, and a wealth of user-generated content.

Steep learning curve and complex, sometimes unintuitive user interface makes it difficult for new players to get started.
Performance issues and bugs, especially in large-scale scenarios and with certain game features, reducing stability and playability.
Additional content and key features like 3D view require expensive separate DLCs, increasing the overall cost significantly.

story
175 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
86%
3%
The game features an extensive mission editor and a vast library of both official and community-created scenarios, emphasizing strategic and operational command over air, naval, and land units. While mission variety and complexity are strengths, newcomers often find the steep learning curve, micromanagement demands, and occasional bugs challenging, with many praising the realism but noting limited narrative or story-driven content. Overall, the experience is more a sandbox for tactical simulation than a traditional story-driven game, appealing mainly to those who enjoy detailed mission planning and scenario creation.
- “In short, you act as a tactical/operational commander (perhaps responsible for the planes in a fighter squadron or a single submarine, or for an entire theater) and issue either specific orders to individual units or assign larger groups to missions you set up (patrol here, strike the SAM site there, etc.) in order to accomplish mission objectives.”
- “There is a huge group of very diverse missions included with the game, numerous campaigns available for purchase, and an even larger repository of free, player-generated missions with the community scenario pack here on Steam.”
- “The missions are well-designed, challenging players to think critically and make strategic decisions as they navigate various scenarios.”
- “Beyond that, those missions included with the game (as well as most of the community scenario pack) have not been updated to take advantage of any of the new features or updates that change the way things in the game work, and so many are in need of updating themselves to remain relevant and playable.”
- “Getting even straightforward things done like setting up a mission or an attack is constantly obstructed by some unwanted setting or factor which typically does not explain itself or even make sense - assuming the game hasn't just broken in the back which it does a lot.”
- “But that's not even the best bit as you will come to discover, after fighting to get the editor to eventually work, that strike mission you set up to bomb the enemy airbase/facility does not take off because when you click 'create flight plan' you will receive the message: flight "" is unable to take off - reason: no targets available.”
graphics
71 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
71%
8%
The game's graphics are generally described as basic, functional, and minimalist, prioritizing gameplay depth and simulation accuracy over visual flair. While some praise occasional stunning elements and appreciate the modest hardware requirements, many users express disappointment over the lack of graphical polish, limited 3D visuals, and missed opportunities for improvement compared to promotional materials or predecessors. Overall, the graphics serve the niche tactical strategy experience but may not satisfy players seeking modern, flashy visuals.
- “Graphics and sound: the game’s visuals are stunning, with meticulously designed aircraft and breathtaking landscapes that enhance the overall experience.”
- “With its stunning graphics, deep gameplay, and unparalleled level of realism, it's a game that you won't want to miss.”
- “The increased visuals clinched it for me - adding another layer of dynamic real-time action to the game.”
- “Needs a very big graphical update.”
- “The graphical pack is definitely not worth the price; several models are non-existent, no textures at all, very poorly integrated with the game. It is virtually useless as you can never get to an angle where you can actually see something useful.”
- “Given there are no graphics to speak of, the entire simulation is a Windows standard menu-driven application with pop-out boxes of menus, with drop downs, check boxes and radio buttons, and it makes me want to tear my eyes out.”
gameplay
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
75%
5%
The gameplay of this game is deeply complex and highly realistic, focusing on detailed simulation of air, naval, and ground operations with extensive mechanics and tactical depth. While the game offers a rich and immersive single-player experience with many scenarios and continuous updates, it has a steep learning curve and a slow, sometimes clunky interface, making it more suited for players who enjoy methodical, strategic planning rather than fast-paced action. Overall, the gameplay excels in authenticity and depth but may feel overwhelming or repetitive to newcomers or those seeking immediate engagement.
- “The level of realism is incredible just starting from radar systems and sensor mechanics to aircraft, ships, ground units, and their weaponry.”
- “The learning curve and the journey you go through to understand the systems, control mechanisms, operational factors, platforms and details, tactics and strategy, etc. are part of the gameplay.”
- “Fortunately, the game comes with an impressive array of tutorials that, while time consuming, do an excellent job at explaining the core mechanics, as well as how to interpret the performance data that comes with each unit and weapon.”
- “I have been playing CMO and CMANO for the last 4 years and it is insane to me how much the developers have managed to break the game with the missile mechanics (which are appropriately realistically modeled but they haven't managed to update the AI to reflect these changes a year out).”
- “However, it has a limited amount of gameplay because of limited scenarios (although there are plenty of scenarios and you can make one if you can) and the gameplay itself is more like a "problem-solving" strategy – which every attempt will be the same as the previous rather than a randomized strategy, like an RTS game where every attempt is different.”
- “The engine is also and the UI is very mechanical and slow so I spend more time understanding the UI than actually enjoying the game.”
optimization
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
75%
7%
Optimization in the game has improved significantly compared to its predecessor, with better utilization of multi-core CPUs and smoother performance overall. However, heavy scenarios with numerous units still cause lag and reduced frame rates, and certain features like the database or overlay maps can impact performance. Ongoing updates continue to enhance stability and responsiveness, though some optimization issues remain in complex or large-scale engagements.
- “The game continues to be optimized and runs much better today than ever.”
- “Performance has been improved massively.”
- “Most surprisingly, CMO actually (at least for me) runs smoother than its predecessor; for someone like me who uses a less powerful computer and is accustomed to dreading the increased performance requirements often present in sequels, this point was an especially positive surprise.”
- “The performance/optimization is bad.”
- “Terrible performance, unstable with modern audio systems, ugly UI, and dreadful UX.”
- “4) Optimization: if I try a big scenario, the game becomes slower and slower.”
stability
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from numerous stability issues, including frequent bugs, glitches, lag, and crashes that significantly impact gameplay and user experience. While it shows potential and receives regular updates, its current state is often described as frustrating and unreliable.
- “The fog of war implementation is buggy, causing destroyed units to remain and clutter the view.”
- “This will often be nullified by glitches that cause unpredictable changes to unit orders.”
- “Constant game-breaking bugs and horrendous UI glitches take what would otherwise be an enjoyable game into an expensive disappointment.”
music
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
62%
The music in the game is generally praised for being atmospheric and fitting the theme, though it lacks variety and offers only a limited selection of tracks. Sound effects are minimal by design, emphasizing realism and immersion for players acting as commanders. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated, some users wish for more musical diversity.
- “The graphics and soundtrack are superb.”
- “I couldn't ever really get into CMO but this has a far slicker interface and just nicer looking and better audio with music tracks that actually are good and atmospheric.”
- “Detailed, elaborate screens, information, networking and decision making - combined with 3D displays now, music, and a theme that delivers in our modern era, CMO has done it.”
replayability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The game offers extensive and nearly infinite replayability, thanks to a wide range of unlockable and customizable aircraft, diverse mission approaches, and a wealth of community-created scenarios. Its significant depth and complexity provide flexible gameplay that continually engages players beyond the initial learning curve. Overall, replay value in this game is considered exceptional and unmatched.
- “Replayability: with a range of aircraft to unlock and customize, as well as different approaches to completing missions, Command: Modern Operations offers significant replayability.”
- “Once you figure it out, and it has an extensive learning curve, you'll love the flexibility and endless replayability this game offers.”
- “Unlimited replayability with virtually unlimited real-world scenarios to play around with or create yourself.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
Grinding in the game is described as tedious and lengthy, often requiring significant time and effort, which some players find uncomfortable rather than just a typical challenge. While some accept a certain level of grinding as inevitable, others feel it unnecessarily slows progress and diminishes enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Now be warned the game is tedious and the scenarios can be very, very long.”
- “Some say such 'quality of life' improvements are minor, but some level of grinding is inevitable.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is noted for its enjoyable and realistic elements, with some aspects, like the Meteor missile, being humorously ineffective. However, opinions on the game's comedic value vary among players.
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization is widely criticized as a cash grab, making it difficult to access quality campaigns due to a complex and poorly implemented system. Additionally, users feel misled by advertised features that are absent, undermining the game's professional claims.
- “Waste of money cash grab.”
- “The monetization scheme is disappointing, making it hard to find good campaigns or missions, likely due to the insanely complex mission-making process.”
- “Why are they advertising features that aren't actually in the game, despite promoting it as a professional product?”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere is praised for its immersive sound design, including realistic engine roars and atmospheric audio that enhance engagement. Players appreciate the thoughtful audio elements, such as submarine sound loops, which add depth to the experience. Compared to similar games, the interface is slicker and the music tracks are noted as truly atmospheric and enjoyable.
- “Coupled with an immersive sound design—complete with engine roars and atmospheric audio—air operations creates a truly engaging environment.”
- “I quite like the idea of playing submarine audio loops whilst trying submarine campaigns; it gives added atmosphere and I would like more of this in the game.”
- “This has a far slicker interface and just nicer looking and better audio with music tracks that actually are good and atmospheric.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users find the game lacks emotional depth, noting the absence of heartfelt writing or immersive storytelling. Instead, it offers a straightforward, no-frills experience focused on advanced combat mechanics without emotional engagement.

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95h Median play time

529h Average play time

67-500h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Command: Modern Operations is a open world real-time strategy game.

Command: Modern Operations is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 529 hours playing Command: Modern Operations.

Command: Modern Operations was released on November 14, 2019.

Command: Modern Operations was developed by Command Development Team.

Command: Modern Operations has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked Command: Modern Operations for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Command: Modern Operations is a single player game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations WOTY, Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age, Cold Waters, Carrier Command 2, NEBULOUS: Fleet Command and others.

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