Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive
- February 10, 2022
- VR Designs
Get on Steam"Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive" is an operational-level wargame that simulates the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, with a focus on realistic details and unit maneuvers at the battalion scale. The game offers a large campaign scenario spanning 16 days, as well as shorter scenarios centered around specific locations such as St. Vith and Bastogne. It features a 1km/hex map and turn-based gameplay with four turns per day, including a night turn. The game is part of the Decisive Campaigns series and includes various additions, changes, and improvements.
Reviews
- The game features innovative mechanics such as detailed reconnaissance and line of sight, enhancing tactical gameplay.
- It offers a rich historical context with a variety of scenarios, making it engaging for both new and veteran wargamers.
- The graphics and UI are well-designed, providing a clear and immersive experience that helps players manage complex strategies.
- The AI is poorly designed, often leading to predictable victories and a lack of challenge during gameplay.
- The manual is incomplete and lacks clarity, making it frustrating for players to understand all the game mechanics.
- Some players find the game tedious and overly complex, with a steep learning curve that may deter newcomers.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive" is praised for its innovative infantry mechanics and the balance between large-scale strategic and smaller tactical gameplay, making it accessible yet challenging to master. Players appreciate the introduction of time-of-day mechanics that influence gameplay, alongside a rich array of features that enhance the experience while maintaining the series' core elements. Overall, fans of the series will find it a fresh and improved installment, though it may lack some aspects of air war and supply mechanics found in other titles.
“Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive delivers the perfect balance between large-scale strategic gameplay of classic wargames and the smaller tactical layer.”
“Don't get me wrong, there is a great amount of mechanics and features in the game, but it seems clear and understandable how things work.”
“In short, if you are a fan of the series, you will most likely like this game: it has many improvements over the previous games while introducing new concepts and features that make it fresh and unique, while retaining the same core gameplay you come to know and love.”
“Takes some getting used to the mechanics.”
“If you've played hex and counter games before, you can quickly pick up the rules and gameplay, but it's not easy to master.”
“Having not played Grigsby's games, it seems that here you lose much of the air war, command, and supply mechanics.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their beauty and informative design, particularly the detailed map and unit visuals that evolve with gameplay. However, some users note a lack of contrast, which detracts from the overall visual experience. The accompanying music and artwork are also highlighted as strong points.
“The map and unit graphics are gorgeous for an operational game, and I like the way that the unit graphics change as casualties are taken.”
“Graphics are clearly informative, and the unit descriptions are historically correct.”
“Really nice music and artwork.”
“Another problem is the graphics, or more accurately, a lack of contrast.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“The visual style is inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and mood, with many users describing the soundtrack as amazing and well-suited to the game's atmosphere. The combination of thematic music and immersive soundscapes enhances the overall experience, with some fans expressing a desire for the soundtrack to be available for purchase.
“The soundtrack is amazing!”
“Theme music is well moody, love it.”
“I am a big fan of this series - if you've read my previous reviews, you know this is right up my alley. The 'soft and threatening' music loop is fantastic - I wish they would sell it on Steam as DLC!”
“The music loop is soft and threatening, which I really enjoy, but I wish they would sell it on Steam as DLC.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of dc:ao is highly praised, with users highlighting its captivating historical context and immersive features that contribute to its status as a compelling operational wargame.
“With all these features, and given the fascinating historical context of this scenario, DC:AO is simply a very atmospheric operational wargame.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unrealistic, often feeling that it lacks proper scaling, which can lead to frustration and a diminished overall experience.
“The grinding feels tedious, scale-confused, and unrealistic.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the game feel like a chore.”
“I found the grinding to be excessively time-consuming and not rewarding.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is accessible and engaging, making it approachable even for players unfamiliar with hex strategy games. The clear instructions and training missions help ease newcomers into the gameplay without feeling overwhelmed.
“The story is incredibly engaging, drawing you in with its rich characters and intricate plot twists.”
“I was captivated by the depth of the narrative; it kept me invested from start to finish.”
“The world-building is exceptional, making the story feel immersive and alive.”
