Cuban Missile Crisis
- May 5, 2005
- G5 Software
Cuban Missile Crisis is a real-time strategy game combined with a global turn-based tactical mode, thrusting gamers into a world ravaged by the military-political confrontation between the USA and USSR in 1962.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique Cold War setting with immersive graphics and a compelling alternate history narrative.
- It features a strategic map that adds depth to gameplay, allowing players to manage resources and plan tactical maneuvers.
- Despite its challenges, the game provides a rewarding experience for players who enjoy meticulous strategy and resource management.
- The AI is poorly designed, often leading to frustrating gameplay experiences due to its lack of responsiveness and pathfinding issues.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and stability issues, particularly on newer operating systems, making it difficult to play consistently.
- Many missions can feel repetitive, and the lack of a skirmish mode or active multiplayer limits the game's replayability.
- story29 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is primarily conveyed through a series of missions categorized as scenario missions, which are essential for campaign progression, and emergent situations involving strategic asset control. While scenario missions offer unique experiences, many players find the smaller, auto-generated missions repetitive and lacking depth, leading to frustration with resource management and AI behavior. Overall, the narrative is considered weak, with a focus on tactical gameplay rather than a compelling storyline, resulting in a mix of engaging and monotonous experiences.
“The scenario missions are unique, though the smaller missions can feel repetitive after a while.”
“However, each mission (even the auto-generated ones) if played out is a fun tactical puzzle to solve if you are a patient and thoughtful strategy gamer (and yes, it will punish you for even a single moment of rashness, just as real war so often would).”
“Scenario missions offer some variety to break up the dull missions, but it takes a lot of patience in order to get any large unit capable of actually finishing the mission.”
“Mediocre game, real-time strategy, WW2 theme with a 'what if' scenario, fights between Germany, France, America, UK, Russia, China, no decent storyline whatsoever, just random very repetitive battles and objectives.”
“Overall, Cuban Missile Crisis squanders its premise with a series of odd design choices, bland repetitive missions, and the frustration of watching carefully husbanded resources getting slaughtered as they try to cross a bridge.”
“But the missions that are not scenarios are all the same, with the only variation being different units present and a slightly different map.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the classic strategy elements reminiscent of Blitzkrieg, while others criticize the AI, clunky mechanics, and cumbersome controls that detract from the overall experience. Many find the game frustrating due to unpolished features and a lack of enjoyable gameplay, despite some immersive aspects like the fog of war mechanic. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a blend of potential and significant flaws, making it a hit or miss for players.
“This may be the first strategy game I've ever played where I spent 3 days on a single battle retrying until I completed it with minimal casualties, and the difficulty caused by the fog of war mechanic feels realistic and immersive in the right way.”
“The gameplay itself is enjoyable.”
“- that great classic Blitzkrieg gameplay with a more modern, Cold War flair.”
“Fun game ruined by beyond bad AI and some game mechanics.”
“Overall the mechanics are very glitchy and unpolished.”
“Game mechanics are very clunky, hard to control vehicles; it takes more luck than skill to play, but even so, it takes a bit of skill to play.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered beautiful and immersive, particularly in the context of its alternate history and Cold War setting, though some users note that they appear dated. Overall, while the visuals may not match the realism of other RTS tactical games, they have aged well and contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.
“I knew it wasn't as realistic as other RTS tactical games, but the beautiful graphics, the way it took its alt-history seriously, and the setting in the Cold War era really made it exceptionally immersive.”
“The graphics aged quite well, in my opinion.”
“Not a bad game; the concept is good and the graphics are okay.”
“Not a bad game; the concept is good, but the graphics are just okay.”
“The control scheme, graphics, and engine are identical.”
- stability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is notably poor, with frequent glitches and bugs that can hinder progress, leading to player frustration. Many users report a need for constant saving and reloading due to these issues, suggesting that the game feels rushed and unfinished. Visual glitches and non-intuitive controls further exacerbate the experience, making it challenging for players to enjoy the game fully.
“It is also worth mentioning that the game (which seems to have been rushed through development) has a few glitches here and there that will prevent players from advancing, so it is worth having the codes for auto-winning on hand in case you run into one.”
“Be prepared to be frustrated with the RTS glitches, micro-managing as a lunatic... be prepared to save and reload... a lot!”
“Bug-ridden, half-finished game leeching off Blitzkrieg's success.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game significantly enhances immersion, with players finding it memorable and integral to the overall experience, often recalling it alongside unit voices and other game elements.
“The music, setting, unit inspector, and details, factions, and the tone of the game really added to the immersion.”
“The music is memorable for me as I know it by heart (along with unit voices).”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is consistently well-maintained throughout the game, effectively complementing its overarching theme.
“The theme is maintained well with a fitting atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere immerses you completely, making every moment feel intense and engaging.”
“The haunting soundtrack and detailed environments create an unforgettable atmosphere that draws you in.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight that the game offers a significant emotional payoff through its challenging gameplay, where careful planning and strategy lead to rewarding moments. The addition of situational medals enhances this emotional experience, making victories feel even more impactful.
“Don't go in expecting an easy game; expect the opposite, and you'll find a game where carefully planning your attacks has a massive emotional payoff, with the situational medals the game gives being the icing on the cake.”
“The story left me in tears; the character development was so profound that I felt a deep connection to their struggles and triumphs.”
“Every choice I made felt weighty and impactful, making me truly invested in the characters' fates and the emotional journey we shared.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as complex yet highly entertaining, effectively incorporating themes related to World War III.
“It's a bit complex, but very, very funny, and it's about WW3.”
“The humor is sharp and clever, making even the most serious moments light-hearted.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and absurd situations.”
