Cossacks: Back to War
- September 2, 2010
- GSC Game World
- 19h median play time
Get on Steam"Cossacks: Back to War" is a stand-alone real-time strategy game set in 16th-18th century Europe, featuring 3D landscapes and 20 nations to command. This add-on includes 100 single missions and introduces Switzerland and Hungary as new playable nations, with no requirement for owning other Cossacks games. Experience thrilling gameplay and influence the development of European military strategies.
Reviews
- Cossacks: Back to War offers massive battles with thousands of units, providing an epic and immersive experience.
- The game features a rich historical context with a variety of nations to choose from, each with unique units and buildings.
- Despite its age, the game retains a loyal fanbase and continues to be enjoyable for both nostalgic players and newcomers to the RTS genre.
- The game lacks a proper campaign mode, requiring players to purchase additional DLC for campaign content, which can be misleading.
- Many players experience technical issues, including crashes and compatibility problems with modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11.
- The AI can be frustratingly simplistic, leading to a less challenging experience in single-player modes.
- story39 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is primarily driven by over 100 single missions and the option to play previous campaigns as DLC, though it lacks unique campaigns of its own. While the missions offer historical scenarios and varying difficulty levels, many players find them to be predetermined skirmishes with minimal narrative depth, leading to a mixed reception regarding replayability and challenge. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy extensive single-player content but may frustrate players seeking a more structured and engaging storyline.
“The single-player campaigns in 'Back to War' provide additional historical scenarios, offering a mix of missions that challenge players both strategically and tactically.”
“There are no campaigns besides the tutorial, if you only buy 'Cossacks: Back to War'; however, there are 100 'single missions' with stories which you can enjoy and, of course, custom battles to repeat forever.”
“Some campaign missions are insanely hard, even on normal difficulty, unlike most 'modern' strategy games in which you can usually beat the entire campaign without real effort (which is rather boring; I like having hard missions!).”
“The armies you can make are massive, but there are no unique dialogue or mission objectives as it is basically a predetermined skirmish simulator.”
“Great game, and tugs at the old nostalgia strings, but considering it advertises 100 single-player missions, it should be a little clearer that you only get those missions after you pay the extra money for them.”
“Single missions are the only way to play against AI and have fun, but on high difficulties, you have to well-calculatedly exploit the AI's stupidity to beat some missions, which nullifies the fun.”
- gameplay38 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Cossacks is characterized by its deep strategic elements and large-scale battles set in the 16th to 18th centuries, offering a rewarding experience for players who invest time in mastering its mechanics. While some mechanics show their age, the game remains addictive and engaging, with a focus on resource management, base building, and tactical combat. The addition of new factions and campaigns enhances the experience, making it appealing to both veterans and newcomers, despite some minor drawbacks in balance and structure.
“The game retains the deep strategic gameplay that Cossacks is known for, set in the turbulent times of 16th to 18th-century Europe.”
“Balancing resource gathering, managing a growing economy, and strategically planning expansions remain crucial aspects of the gameplay.”
“The gameplay of Cossacks is unique from other RTS games since it is centered around building your base then fielding large armies (a single officer can lead 192 men) of 17th-18th century infantry, cavalry, and artillery against many different nations with their own unique buildings, soldiers, and playstyles.”
“The game has a mechanic where seemingly random units can capture buildings, but you can only randomly capture them back.”
“Happens like 3 crashes per 24 hours of gameplay.”
“It is almost an exact replica with very minor gameplay changes and different nations, other than that just higher terrain detail and graphics quality.”
- graphics35 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Cossacks: Back to War" are often described as charming and detailed, maintaining a classic isometric perspective that enhances the historical atmosphere of the game. While not cutting-edge by modern standards, many players appreciate the artistic presentation and find the visuals enjoyable, especially considering the game's age. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the immersive experience, even if they may not appeal to everyone.
“The detailed graphics and sound design enhance this immersion, making each battle feel grand and intense.”
“The graphics in Back to War maintain the classic isometric perspective and detailed unit animations of the original game.”
“The game also looks pretty for its age; I'd say it has one of the best graphics of all 2D RTS games.”
“Graphics are not the best (you can play on weak computers), but come on, the game was made in 2002.”
“One of the best strategy games today, graphics are not the best but the game was made in 2002.”
“Some of you may be turned off by the graphics but believe me, this is one heck of a fun game to play.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and crashes that hinder gameplay, including freezing issues and difficulties in multiplayer modes. While some players still find enjoyment despite these flaws, many express frustration over the game's performance, leading to requests for refunds. Overall, the game is described as a mix of a brilliant experience marred by significant stability problems.
“This game starts then freezes and won't turn off unless I restart my computer.”
“I click to play multiplayer and sign in email and it freezes.”
“This game is so buggy I can't even play for more than 5 minutes before it crashes.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its charm and quality, with many players finding it captivating enough to listen to even before starting gameplay. However, some users noted the inability to adjust the music volume, which could detract from the overall experience.
“The graphics are actually quite good and the music is just awesome.”
“Entering the game, I couldn't start playing and just listened to the background music, thinking about the happy moments I had playing this game.”
“I couldn't start playing and just listened to the background music, reminiscing about the happy moments I had while playing this game.”
“Cannot adjust music volume.”
“The soundtrack is also charming.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews; while some users report smooth performance on low-end systems running Windows 10, many others criticize it for not being optimized for modern screens and resolutions, leading to crashes and other issues.
“The game runs smoothly even on low-end systems running on Windows 10; I don't even have to use compatibility mode.”
“Fix the optimization issues! It is not optimized for new screens and resolutions, and it crashes. Give me my money back!”
“The common cry among the negative reviews is that it is not optimized for modern computers, and that is true. It wasn't the case for me, but it's a common warning nevertheless.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing bugs, such as footmen crossing the sea and a giant ship appearing late in the game, which add a lighthearted touch to the experience. Players also enjoy sharing laughs over their in-game antics, creating memorable moments despite some frustrating technical issues.
“It also has its share of bugs - but they are quite rare and kind of funny (like footmen crossing the sea because you played for too long or extreme lag because of the same reason).”
“Also, a funny giant ship at the late game is included, and everyone is happy.”
“Met my friend for breakfast (he skipped work as well), spent two hours chatting and laughing about the mad stuff we had just gone through.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to the addition of over 100 new missions and two new nations, Switzerland and Hungary, which enhance variety. Engaging in multiplayer battles against human opponents further increases replay value, as the unpredictability of human strategies keeps the experience fresh and dynamic. Players have reported investing extensive hours into the game, highlighting its lasting appeal.
“The inclusion of over 100 new missions and two additional nations, Switzerland and Hungary, adds significant replay value and variety.”
“The ability to engage in epic battles with human opponents adds significant replayability, with the unpredictability of human strategies keeping the multiplayer experience dynamic and engaging.”
“I probably put over 1,000 hours into this game back in the day; that's how much replayability it has.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by charming visuals that evoke a historical setting, complemented by high-quality sound effects that include immersive cannon fire, nature sounds, and battlefield noises. While the graphics may not be state-of-the-art, they effectively contribute to the overall experience.
“Sound effects are top-notch in this game, ranging from atmospheric distant and close cannon fire to nature sounds, to soldiers dying on a battlefield.”
“While not cutting-edge by contemporary standards, the visuals remain charming and contribute to the overall historical atmosphere.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia, with some even reporting emotional reactions such as crying, highlighting its impactful storytelling and connection to personal memories.
“This game made me cry from nostalgia when I saw it on Steam. GG.”
“The emotional depth of the story left me speechless and deeply moved.”
“I felt a strong connection to the characters, and their struggles resonated with my own experiences.”
