Nations At War Digital
- April 25, 2020
- Lock 'n Load Publishing
Get on Steam"Nations At War Digital" is a platoon-level combat game based on the World War 2 era, offering two scenarios from the White Star Rising game. It features an impulse-based game mechanic for constant player involvement and a variety of manual formats, including an audio version, to ensure easy understanding. The objective is to "play the game, not the rules" with many examples provided for clear game mechanics.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a solid and easy-to-learn ruleset, making it accessible for both new and experienced players.
- Visually appealing graphics and a well-designed user interface enhance the overall gaming experience.
- The game runs smoothly with a competent single-player AI, providing a decent challenge when using real tactics.
- The AI is often criticized for making irrational moves, which can detract from the challenge and enjoyment of solo play.
- The game lacks sufficient scenarios and content, with many players feeling that the base game and DLCs are overpriced for the limited offerings.
- There are several bugs and issues, particularly with saved game functionality and the overall balance of gameplay mechanics.
- graphics12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently praised for their high quality and attention to detail, with many users highlighting the impressive visual presentation of units and environments, particularly in the context of the WWII setting. Overall, the visuals are described as beautiful and well-executed, contributing positively to the game's overall experience.
“The graphics look good and depict the platoon counters with great detail, as art and information.”
“Graphically it is impeccable.”
“Nice mechanics, nice scenarios, nice graphics, interfaces easy to use... so, why not a thumbs up?”
“The WWII time period military colors feel of the units and vehicle graphics aesthetics are there.”
“Graphically, it is impeccable.”
“Presentation, graphics, AI, and all the rest are very well done.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay is characterized by a mix of innovative mechanics and some frustrating elements, such as a time limit that can hinder player actions. While the game features nice graphics and user-friendly interfaces, opinions are divided on the effectiveness of its design, with some praising its replayability and combat mechanics, while others criticize the execution. Despite these mixed feelings, many players find the gameplay dynamic and engaging, prioritizing fun over strict historical accuracy.
“I still give a thumbs up because the game mechanics are sound, in my opinion.”
“Scenarios don't take too long to play, and the mechanics add just enough randomness to make them replayable.”
“This is a quite dynamic war game, with interesting mechanics, where historical accuracy comes second after gameplay.”
“The time limit is more of a threat than the AI, as the strange chit-pull mechanic can mean that you don't even get an action in the turn.”
“So much so that I doubt Gary had anything to do with its design or gameplay.”
“- Poor gameplay!”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of clarity and reliance on external resources, such as forums, to progress, which detracts from the overall experience. Players find the missions engaging but frustrating due to unclear objectives and the need for extensive planning. Additionally, the pricing structure for expansions and the absence of multiplayer options have left some players feeling disappointed.
“The story is engaging and keeps you invested in the characters and their journeys.”
“The narrative twists and turns make each mission feel unique and impactful.”
“The character development throughout the game adds depth to the overall experience.”
“Situations (one mission you'll have to literally go onto the discussion forums to figure out how to activate a game-winning device [I'm looking at you 'Rebecca, can you see me?']) killed 98.689% of my interest in that game (and boy, did I really want to love that game).”
“$5 for the base game seems reasonable, but White Star Rising is split into two $10 expansions to get all the missions and there's no multiplayer; you get some kind of 'it's broken, but we'll be fixing it soon' message.”
“So, two German missions I only managed to capture the town and exit the map just in time on turn 3.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game offers good replayability, particularly for solo players, due to its quick scenarios and mechanics that introduce enough randomness to keep each playthrough fresh and engaging.
“I'm an old-fashioned board wargamer, but I never had any opponents growing up with three sisters, so I had to find solitaire playable games.”
“I'm an old-fashioned board wargamer, but I never had any opponents growing up with three sisters, so I had to try to find solitaire playable games.”
“Scenarios don't take too long to play, and the mechanics add just enough randomness to make them replayable.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been reported to have several bugs, indicating issues with stability that may affect the overall gameplay experience.
“The game is also somewhat buggy.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that board game simulations streamline the gameplay by eliminating tedious and ambiguous rules, allowing for a more straightforward experience without the need for excessive grinding.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Nations at War" is highlighted by its concise and entertaining tutorial, which effectively engages players while providing essential information.
“The tutorial for Nations at War is concise and humorous.”
“The witty dialogue and clever puns kept me laughing throughout the game.”
“I love how the game uses humor to lighten the mood during intense moments.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game's optimization is questionable, with illogical enemy placements and unrealistic scenarios, such as air support effectively targeting friendly forces in adverse weather conditions. This raises concerns about the overall coherence and balance of gameplay.
“The optimization in this game allows for a seamless experience, making strategic decisions feel impactful and rewarding.”
“I love how the game balances performance and visuals, ensuring that even on lower-end systems, the gameplay remains smooth and enjoyable.”
“The attention to detail in the optimization process really enhances the overall immersion, allowing players to focus on tactics without worrying about lag or glitches.”
