Deadlock: Planetary Conquest

About

Deadlock: 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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

44%

Audience ScoreBased on 140 reviews

graphics4 positive mentions

music3 negative mentions

The game brings back a lot of nostalgia and is still enjoyable for those who played it in the 90s.
With some file manipulation, the game can run on modern systems, allowing players to experience its unique charm.
The game offers a variety of alien species and customization options, making for a challenging and engaging turn-based strategy experience.

The game is largely unplayable on modern systems without significant workarounds, often crashing after the intro.
Many players report issues with sound effects and music not functioning, detracting from the overall experience.
There is a lack of official support or fixes from the developers, leading to frustration among players trying to enjoy the game.

music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
38%
38%
The music in the game is generally praised for being enjoyable, but many players have encountered issues with it not playing on modern systems since around 2010. While some have found temporary fixes, these often come at the cost of losing other sound effects, leading to a frustrating experience for those who value the game's audio. Overall, the music is a highlight when functional, but technical difficulties significantly detract from its presence.
- “No music, but the game runs.”
- “But that fix isn't guaranteed, and you also don't get all the game sounds or music.”
- “Do this and after the map loads up you must disable the sound effects (you may let the music on if you want to, but the sound effects are the real issue).”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
38%
38%
The gameplay is characterized by a relaxed start that evolves into a complex experience focused on resource management and strategic decision-making, appealing to fans of old-school mechanics. While the turn-based system offers depth, some players lament the absence of network gameplay, which could enhance the overall experience.
- “Old school game can be challenging, but old mechanics can hold up the game.”
- “Reading people 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.”
- “Reading people who are jaded by flashy effects and blood and guts in their gameplay won't change that.”
- “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.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.
- “This game is from 1996, so don't expect high graphics or super depth; your smartphone has higher capabilities than the computers of that era.”
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from significant stability issues, particularly freezing after the opening cutscene, which hampers the overall experience. While some players find it possible to enjoy the game despite these bugs, the consensus is that it is not currently recommended for purchase due to these persistent problems.
- “Unfortunately, I can't recommend buying it as it is now, since the game freezes as soon as the intro is finished.”
- “Most reviews are right about this release being bugged (freezes after the opening cutscene), but it is not completely impossible to play and enjoy.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game features a blend of 4X mechanics with a focus on geometric optimization, particularly in managing 3 to 10 cities amidst technological and military conflicts. Players will need to strategically optimize their city layouts to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in gameplay.
- “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.”