DEFCON
- September 28, 2006
- Introversion Software
- 10h median play time
Get on SteamDEFCON is a intense 2-player real-time strategy warfare game, inspired by the film Wargames, that brilliantly captures the paranoia of the Cold War era. As a hidden General, you must strategically nuke the enemy's civilian population while protecting your own, carefully balancing offense and defense as both sides are heavily exposed. Forming fast, tactical alliances is key to survive the dense, highly emotional, and intense nuclear warfare.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- music264 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the sense of foreboding and emotional weight associated with nuclear warfare. Many reviewers highlight the chilling ambient soundtrack, which includes unsettling elements like soft sobs and distant cries, as a key component that immerses players in the game's grim narrative. While some feel the soundtrack could be improved, the overall consensus is that it powerfully complements the gameplay and evokes deep feelings of guilt and despair.
“The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack of Defcon further enhances the immersive experience.”
“The ambient music, composed by Alistair Lindsay, sets the tone and intensifies the atmosphere of impending doom, creating a sense of tension and gravity that perfectly complements the gameplay.”
“The soundtrack is, in my opinion, perfection and lends a staggering amount of gravitas and torment to the game.”
“The soundtrack is just depressing as well as the entire theme of the game.”
“The occasional woman crying in the background, and the ominous, and slightly creepy, soundtrack just makes you feel remorse, even dread, just for launching fake nukes at a fake country.”
“I bought into the hype from the other reviews here sadly... the only thing I can say about this game is that the idea is great, sure I want to play a nuclear warfare sim, but this is just bad, they added somber atmospheric music to make it seem like it was a deep and emotional game, when really it isn't, not even in the slightest.”
- graphics198 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a minimalist and retro aesthetic, often described as reminiscent of 1980s vector graphics and military command centers, which effectively convey the game's themes of global warfare and cold war paranoia. While some players appreciate the simplicity and atmospheric quality of the visuals, others find them bland and lacking in detail. Overall, the graphics serve the game's purpose well, enhancing immersion despite not being cutting-edge or flashy.
“Best graphics I have ever seen, spectacular.”
“The game's simple and stark graphics, reminiscent of military command centers, effectively convey the atmosphere of global warfare.”
“This minimalistic approach not only adds to the game's aesthetic appeal but also enhances the overall immersion and intensity of the experience.”
“The game is flat out bland and boring, let alone the terrible art style and gameplay, and it isn't realistic at all.”
“The graphics are bland, but what's worse is that the screen doesn't function well or fit my 17" laptop.”
“The graphics are obviously crude, but in this case, it works to intentionally only have colorful lines.”
- gameplay190 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Defcon is characterized by its minimalist design and simple mechanics, allowing for strategic depth despite a lack of complexity. Players engage in a tense, atmospheric experience that emphasizes quick decision-making and the moral implications of nuclear warfare. While some find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in depth, others appreciate its engaging multiplayer options and the unique blend of strategy and horror elements.
“With its minimalist design, intuitive mechanics, and immersive gameplay, Defcon offers a captivating and intellectually stimulating experience that explores the grim realities of nuclear conflict.”
“The gameplay mechanics of Defcon are elegantly simple yet strategically deep.”
“The ambient music, composed by Alistair Lindsay, sets the tone and intensifies the atmosphere of impending doom, creating a sense of tension and gravity that perfectly complements the gameplay.”
“The game is flat out bland and boring, let alone the terrible art style and gameplay, and slow pacing; it isn't realistic at all.”
“Playing only one game, I knew this game was bad. If you’re looking for any gameplay depth, variety, or tactics, the game will disappoint.”
“It is incredibly simplistic; the controls are very basic, and the gameplay doesn't change much.”
- atmosphere122 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its haunting and immersive qualities, effectively conveying the tension and despair associated with nuclear warfare. Players appreciate the minimalist graphics and ambient soundtrack, which together create a chilling sense of impending doom and emotional weight. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the strategic gameplay and leaving a lasting impression on players.
“The ambient music, composed by Alistair Lindsay, sets the tone and intensifies the atmosphere of impending doom, creating a sense of tension and gravity that perfectly complements the gameplay.”
“This game nails the atmosphere of cold-war-turned-hot, with neon heatmaps showing irradiated zones and nuclear launches punctuated by soulless electronic beeps.”
“Brilliant atmosphere, you feel the tension of the impending nuclear war as the timer counts to the next defcon level, moving your units in to destroy as much of the opposing continent as you can.”
“The game features a rather depressing atmosphere to accompany the entirely depressing content of nuclear warfare.”
“The thought that we sit only days from such a disaster in the real world is not diminished by the simple graphics; if anything, the cold and distant atmosphere mirrors that of a man in an office, nothing but a button and some numbers on a page.”
“Its atmosphere is detached and haunting, and its promise of large death counts in nuclear warfare are delivered.”
- story42 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as dark and minimal, with some players noting a lack of depth and no significant plot beyond personal interpretation. While some appreciate the setting and backstory, particularly referencing a 1983 context and themes of destruction, others criticize the absence of a compelling narrative or alternate endings. Overall, the story aspect is polarizing, with some finding it engaging and others deeming it non-existent.
“This game is great, but also tells a dark story.”
“Also, I love the plot of the game, which is apparently set in 1983 where you are a general hidden away in an underground fallout shelter.”
“Simply put, the setting and the plot of Defcon remind me of the novel 'On the Beaches'.”
“No underlying plot, no story, no alternate endings.”
“As for anyone searching for a story underneath it all, there is none beyond what you make of it.”
“That's it, we kill ourselves as long as we do our missions!”
- replayability40 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Replayability in the game is highly variable, with some players praising it for its unique challenges and strategic depth, particularly in multiplayer modes, while others criticize it for limited options and a lack of engagement in single-player experiences. Many reviews highlight a mix of high replay value due to game variations and country-specific strategies, but also note that the experience can become repetitive over time, especially without a robust online community. Overall, opinions range from "exceptionally good" to "little to no replay value," indicating a divided reception on this aspect.
“Defcon's replayability is remarkable, as every match presents unique challenges and strategic possibilities.”
“A deceptively simple, yet infinitely replayable, game.”
“This is an exceptionally good casual game that has tonnes of replayability.”
“Boring and zero replayability.”
“But the $10 price is just way too much for such a simple game with not much replay value.”
“Little to no replay value.”
- humor26 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its dark and absurd take on nuclear warfare, with players finding hilarity in the chaos of causing a nuclear holocaust for fun. The multiplayer experience is particularly noted for its comedic elements, such as jumpscares and the ironic twist of Gandhi's character becoming a nuclear threat, which adds a layer of humor to the gameplay. Overall, players describe the game as both terrifying and terrifically funny, making it a great choice for a chaotic and humorous gaming session with friends.
“Playing with friends is a hilarious game of chicken.”
“It's both terrifying and terrifically funny (especially in multiplayer) and accomplishes its portrayal of worldwide genocide and destruction through a simple map-like interface.”
“I also could see this being a hilarious and hectic LAN party game.”
- emotional24 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from deep engagement and genuine emotional reactions during multiplayer encounters to feelings of guilt and reflection on themes of manipulation and abuse. While some players find the game profoundly moving, others criticize it for relying on somber music and superficial elements to create an emotional atmosphere without delivering true depth. Overall, the game's ability to provoke strong feelings is a notable point of discussion among reviewers.
“The tutorial made me cry.”
“This game is made to get an emotional response out of you.”
“This game made me feel things.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been reported to have significant stability issues, with users experiencing frequent bugs and glitches, particularly in the main menu that prevent starting games against NPCs. Despite these problems, some players still find the game enjoyable.
“I can't start a game against NPCs - the main menu seems to be buggy.”
“This game is buggy, but fun.”
“Annoying glitches.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be slow and tedious, often requiring a significant time investment. While some acknowledge it can be manageable, many feel it leans towards being overly grindy.
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Unfortunately, it's also just as slow and tedious.”
“It can be a bit grindy sometimes.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received criticism for its poor display, with small and difficult-to-read menus that detract from the overall experience. While the concept and artistic elements are praised, the gameplay lacks challenge, which may affect player engagement. Overall, the optimization issues hinder the game's potential despite its intriguing design.
“The design and art of the game, particularly the soundtrack, induces players to act in a paranoid and tenacious fashion.”
“The gameplay is engaging, but the display on the screen is not very well optimized; the menus are small and difficult to read.”
