Deadlock: Planetary Conquest
- October 23, 2014
- Accolade, Inc.
Get on SteamDeadlock: Planetary Conquest is a turn-based strategy game that combines tactical combat and resource management. Players must build and maintain their space bases while engaging in battles against alien races and other players. The game features a variety of units and structures to customize and upgrade, allowing for unique strategies in multiplayer mode and skirmishes.
Mac OS
PC
Reviews
- The game brings back a lot of nostalgia for players who enjoyed it in the 90s.
- Once the necessary file is deleted, the game can run on modern systems like Windows 10 and 11, providing a fun turn-based strategy experience.
- The game offers a unique charm and engaging gameplay, allowing for various playstyles and strategies with different alien races.
- The game is plagued by technical issues, often crashing after the intro sequence, making it unplayable for many users.
- Players have reported that the game lacks sound effects and music on modern systems, diminishing the overall experience.
- There are numerous workarounds required to get the game running, which can be frustrating and may not guarantee success.
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been a significant issue for players, with many reporting that it fails to play on modern systems since around 2010. While some have found workarounds to enable the game to run, these often come at the cost of missing sound effects or inconsistent music playback. Overall, the enjoyment of the game's music is hampered by technical difficulties.
“But that fix isn't guaranteed, and you also don't get all the game sounds or music.”
“No music, but the game runs.”
“After the map loads, you must disable the sound effects; you may keep the music on if you want, but the sound effects are the real issue.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a relaxed start that evolves into a complex experience focused on resource management and strategic placement, appealing to fans of old-school mechanics. While it offers a challenging experience, some players may find the absence of network gameplay a drawback. Overall, it is highly recommended for those who appreciate thoughtful, turn-based strategies.
“Considering the turn-based mechanic, this game is relaxed in the beginning, but with increasing complexity in resource management, strategic placement, and even contacting the black market for all your necessities, I can't recommend this game enough.”
“Old school games can be challenging, but the classic mechanics still hold up the gameplay.”
“Reading comments from those who are jaded by flashy effects and excessive violence in their gameplay won't change that.”
“One of the things that I missed so much in this release is the lack of network gameplay.”
“Considering the turn-based mechanic, this game is relaxed in the beginning, but with increasing complexity on resource management, strategic placement, and even contacting the black market for all your necessities, I can’t recommend this game enough.”
“Reading folks who are jaded by flash-bang effects and blood and guts in their gameplay won't change that.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game, released in 1996, are considered dated and lack depth compared to modern standards, with players noting that even smartphones surpass the technology of that time. Despite this, the combat remains enjoyable, and players can complete the game without engaging in battles.
“The graphics may be dated, but they still have a certain charm that adds to the overall experience.”
“Considering this game is from 1996, the graphics are impressive for their time and evoke a sense of nostalgia.”
“While the graphics aren't cutting-edge, they effectively convey the game's atmosphere and style.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been widely criticized for stability issues, particularly freezing after the opening cutscene, which significantly hampers the experience. While some players find it possible to enjoy the game despite these bugs, many reviewers do not recommend purchasing it in its current state due to these persistent problems.
“Most reviews are right about this release being bugged (freezes after the opening cutscene), but it is not completely impossible to play and enjoy.”
“Unfortunately, I can't recommend buying it as it is now, since the game freezes as soon as the intro is finished.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is primarily focused on managing multiple cities within a 4X framework, requiring players to engage in geometric optimization as they navigate technological and military conflicts across 3 to 10 cities.
“Still in the 4X camp, since there are multiple cities in tech and military conflict, but there is a bit of geometric optimization in the 3 to 10 cities you are managing.”
“The game struggles with optimization, especially when managing multiple cities during tech and military conflicts.”
“There is a noticeable lack of geometric optimization when handling 3 to 10 cities, which can lead to frustrating gameplay.”
“Despite the 4X genre's potential, the optimization issues make it difficult to effectively manage resources and cities.”
