Nuclear Option
- October 15, 2023
- Shockfront Studios
- 48h median play time
Get on Steam"Nuclear Option" is a combat flight game set in a realistic near-future battlefield, where you can intercept bombers, engage in dogfights, and safely fly under radar. The game features advanced weapons, detailed aircraft physics, and cockpits with situational awareness HUDs. You can build your own missions and play solo or with friends in PVP or PVE multiplayer combat, with several flyable aircraft including the CI-22, F-20, and SU-35. Realistic flight dynamics, stalls, spins, and g-force effects are all fully implemented in this immersive game.
Reviews
- Great mix of arcade and simulation gameplay, making it accessible for both casual and hardcore players.
- Impressive damage models and destruction physics, enhancing the overall experience.
- Regular updates and active developer engagement, showing commitment to improving the game.
- Limited content currently available, with only a few aircraft and missions.
- Some control issues and bugs, particularly with targeting and missile evasion.
- AI can be overly powerful, making certain missions frustratingly difficult.
- story266 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely absent, with many users noting that there is no traditional narrative or campaign mode. Instead, players engage in a variety of missions, primarily sandbox-style scenarios, with a mission editor allowing for custom content creation. While the gameplay offers engaging challenges and a dynamic environment, the lack of a cohesive story or extensive mission variety has left some players feeling that the game is unfinished and repetitive.
“The missions are awesome, the only thing I wish was there was a way to control the production of other air and ground units.”
“Nuclear Option is a fantastic strategy game that blends complex tactics with a gripping story.”
“The mission editor and included missions are also very cool and allow for a lot of replayability due to how sandbox the game is.”
“☑ no story”
“There are no real missions, just about 4 half-baked scenarios worth playing a few times.”
“The game does have some flaws such as repeated crashes when going into keybind menu, as well as the lack of missions included at the moment.”
- gameplay168 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its balance between arcade accessibility and realistic flight mechanics, making it easy to pick up yet challenging to master. While some players enjoy the dynamic campaign and engaging combat, others criticize certain mechanics as janky or repetitive, indicating that the game still requires polish and additional content. Overall, the game shows promise with its immersive physics, solid controls, and a variety of aircraft, appealing to both casual and dedicated flight sim fans.
“Has the perfect mix of arcade and realism, and the sheer size of some of the missions allow for endless hours of unique gameplay even in singleplayer.”
“The dynamic campaign (escalation gamemode) is a work of genius, and keeps gameplay fun and unpredictable and full of surprises that don't let the game become very boring and repetitive.”
“The gameplay is great, it's very easy to pick up for a simulator and a ton of fun.”
“Weird janky mechanics that feel out of place.”
“I'm tired of this 'you lost a key position because you specifically weren't constantly defending an airbase from armored columns and missile strikes' nonsense, and single-track gameplay; it's far too repetitious, monotonous, unfun, and just a waste of my time.”
“They put way too much effort into the graphics, but the gameplay is pretty bad.”
- graphics109 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game receive high praise for their impressive visuals, particularly in lighting effects and destruction modeling, with many users noting the game's ability to deliver stunning graphics despite its small file size. While some reviews mention that the graphics can be simplistic or reminiscent of earlier gaming eras, the overall consensus is that they are visually appealing and well-optimized, providing a smooth experience even on lower-end systems. However, a few users point out the need for further polish and additional graphical options as the game continues to develop.
“The graphics are simple in some ways, but the lighting and effects are fantastic, especially when a nuke goes off and everything gets bathed in that ominous orange glow.”
“The graphics are amazing and the planes control pretty well.”
“The graphics, destruction physics, and sound effects are fantastic, especially for a team this small and a game in early access.”
“Graphics could be improved too.”
“The graphics are not super polished and night missions need more work so you don't get blinded selecting targets.”
“Graphics are mediocre at best.”
- music37 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's music has received widespread acclaim, with many users praising its "banging" soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. The dynamic score adapts to the action, and each plane features its own theme, contributing to an engaging atmosphere. However, some players noted that the music can become repetitive over time, yet overall, it remains a standout aspect of the game.
“The dynamic campaign features are awesome, as well as the soundtrack which is equally incredible.”
“Oh, the music is amazing too, seriously good, often kicking in just as you take off, it has no right being this awesome.”
“The game also features a dynamic musical score that adapts to the intensity of the action.”
“The music becomes very repetitive.”
“I was engulfed in text-to-speech of people talking about how femboy twink would fix them.”
“The sounds fit well with the game, but the music becomes very repetitive.”
- optimization28 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report excellent performance with high frame rates and minimal lag, especially on lower-end systems, there are notable issues during intense gameplay scenarios, particularly in the escalation mode. Some users have experienced occasional bugs and performance hiccups, suggesting that further optimization and dedicated servers could enhance the experience. Despite these concerns, the graphics are praised for their quality relative to performance, indicating a solid foundation that could improve with future updates.
“The optimization is excellent, ensuring a steady framerate at all times.”
“For 1GB, the graphics are really just amazing, so is the optimization; I get 90-130 FPS on high, which is very unexpected for me.”
“Feels incredibly optimized.”
“Performance-wise, I have experienced some FPS drops and lag on certain servers when things get really hectic.”
“The game needs dedicated servers and could use some optimization.”
“There are some occasional bugs and performance hiccups.”
- grinding18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal and accessible compared to other titles like DCS and War Thunder. Many appreciate the lack of tedious unlocks and the ability to enjoy combat flying without extensive grinding, making it suitable for those with limited time. The game is praised for its balance of realism and fun, providing a satisfying experience without the burden of excessive grinding.
“Yet it's not that tedious to get going in each match like in DCS.”
“Cheap, not hardware or resource expensive, no grinding necessary, no in-game purchases, and with a pretty close-knit community!”
“This is an incredibly fun, non-bloated, not grindy, lite-flight-sim that combines some of the quick action of something like War Thunder, with somewhat more realistic flight modeling, and very advanced damage modeling.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“I highly recommend this to anyone looking for combat flying but isn't really up for DCS learning or is tired of War Thunder's grinding monotony.”
“Nuclear option is the perfect game for someone like me, who does not have enough time to learn all the intricate systems of an aircraft in games like DCS, who wants to have a great modern aerial combat experience without grinding unlocks like in War Thunder.”
- stability16 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 69 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and minimal crashes, some experience occasional freezes and bugs, particularly with specific peripherals like TrackIR and joysticks. Most users find it runs well on lower-end hardware, but graphical glitches and certain settings interactions can lead to crashes. Despite these issues, the game is generally considered playable and enjoyable, with a solid performance for a fully released title.
“It reminds me of all those sim-lite games of the late '90s and early '00s in the best way, runs on potatoes, is playable with mouse and keyboard, has tons of customization options, and is relatively bug free.”
“Game runs great, loads almost instantly and is straightforward, meaning it doesn't lose you in 20 different menus with PowerPoint transitions.”
“It also runs really well and seems very much bug free.”
“I rolled back my drivers for my GPU (Strix 1080ti) and the game is running a lot better (well, every game), but there are still some 500ms freezes every once in a while.”
“It supports TrackIR but is kind of buggy; it stops working mid-game.”
“Only issue so far is that a crash can occur when clicking the key binds button (I think) in settings, but it happens after the first load-in of any particular mission (load-in mission -> pause and go into settings -> press the key binds button -> game freezes).”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its chaotic physics and over-the-top scenarios, such as humorous aircraft malfunctions and exaggerated weaponry effects. Players find joy in the absurdity of situations, like dropping missiles or experiencing comical spins during flight, making it a delightful experience for fans of lighthearted, funny gameplay. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with its mechanics, creating memorable and entertaining moments.
“Incredible game with semi-accurate physics that make for a fun and very funny game!”
“This is an amazing must-have game for any fan of 'funny plane games'.”
“My aircraft was damaged and I went into a spin, stalled, and it was hilarious to be whirling about with pieces having flown off.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the reviews highlight a mixed perspective on replayability. While some users note a lack of replay value, many others praise the game for its branching paths, multiple outcomes, and sandbox features that enhance replayability. The inclusion of a mission editor and dynamic elements further contributes to the game's enjoyable and replayable nature.
“With its branching paths and multiple outcomes, no two playthroughs are the same.”
“The mission editor and included missions are also very cool and allow for a lot of replayability due to how sandbox the game is.”
“Not a lot of content but tons of replayability and a mission editor with more on the way.”
“No replay value.”
“It's like War Thunder on simulation mode, but instead of some nonsense grind through the tiers to give you replay value, there's actual depth to the gameplay itself.”
“I wish more flight sims would prioritize gameplay over fidelity; the AI in the game is leagues better than in DCS. Quick and easy action with a lot of replayability, but I would love to see a dynamic campaign or even a sort of random mission/dynamic campaign generator.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its immersive post-apocalyptic setting, enhanced by impressive visuals and sound design. Players appreciate the blend of military elements reminiscent of titles like Arma 3 and Ghost Recon Breakpoint, though some express a desire for a more dynamic battlefield experience. Overall, the atmosphere effectively captures a tense and engaging environment.
“The atmosphere: the post-apocalyptic setting is immersive, thanks to the solid visuals and sound design.”
“Love the atmosphere of Ace Combat but wish there was a dynamic battlefield without arbitrary time/score limits.”
“- **Atmosphere:** The post-apocalyptic setting is immersive, thanks to the solid visuals and sound design.”
“The atmosphere/setting and vehicles/aircraft kind remind me of Arma 3's 2035 setting mixed with Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and I'm loving it.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The monetization model is highly praised for being affordable and free of microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy the game without the need for grinding or additional purchases. Users appreciate the game's accessibility and community focus, highlighting its value as a fun, multiplayer experience.
“Cheap, not hardware or resource expensive, no grinding necessary, no in-game purchases, and with a pretty close-knit community!”
“Cheap, fun, can play with friends, like DCS but easier to learn, like Ace Combat but harder, like War Thunder but without grind or microtransactions, 10/10”
