Solar War

About

Solar War is a single player strategy game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Snipefish Entertainment and was released on January 6, 2015. It received positive reviews from players.

"Solar War" is a real-time strategy game set in space where players build and manage their own fleets to fight for resources and territory. With a variety of ships, weapons, and upgrades, players must strategize and adapt to defeat their opponents in battle. Explore and conquer new systems, establish bases, and form alliances in this expansive and engaging game of interstellar warfare.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 32 reviews

gameplay3 positive mentions

music3 negative mentions

Unique gameplay that combines elements of officer and crew management with strategic ship design and combat.
Deep strategic elements that require careful planning and resource management, providing a satisfying experience for fans of the genre.
Offers a fresh take on the sci-fi wargame genre, reminiscent of classic titles like XCOM and Master of Orion.

Graphics and user interface are minimal and could use significant improvement, which may detract from the overall experience.
Lacks sound and music, making the game feel incomplete and less immersive.
The game can be overly complex and linear at times, with some mechanics feeling unbalanced or tedious.

graphics
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
62%
19%
The graphics in the game are generally described as minimalistic and basic, often likened to retro or low-fidelity designs, which some players find fitting for the strategic military theme. While the simplicity may detract from the visual experience for some, others appreciate the functional and thematic alignment, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall aesthetic without compromising gameplay. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose but leave room for more distinct visual elements, particularly in differentiating between factions and ship designs.
- “This game for me is a simple combination of Master of Orion II and XCOM Apocalypse. When I say simple, I am talking about how easy it is to use, how simple but still beautiful and functional the graphics are, and also how much extra work could (and maybe should) be put into this game.”
- “I personally think the graphics fit the theme really well (you're a general looking at a map). I don't mind the basic-ness of the display because it fits the game, but if you're going to have actual ships instead of representative radar dots, then there should be a bit of difference between how they look.”
- “If you can get past the lo-fi graphics, then you're in store for a game that amounts to XCOM in space.”
- “As everyone else has said, there aren't really any graphics, and there is no sound at present.”
- “Second, the graphics, while serviceable in quality, are minimal in quantity.”
- “-graphics and interface taken out like from commodore”
gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
50%
20%
The gameplay of the game is noted for its unique mechanics, particularly the incorporation of actual orbits, which adds a satisfying layer to the experience. However, it is considered niche and has room for improvement in various aspects, including aesthetics and additional mechanics. While there is a learning curve, players find it enjoyable once they grasp the game's systems.
- “It has a bit of a learning curve, but is really fun once you learn the mechanics of the game.”
- “One particular element that is unusual and highly satisfying to me is the mechanic of actual orbits.”
- “To conclude, Solar War has well-made and unique core gameplay mechanics.”
- “But it's very niche and could be improved in some aspects of gameplay, aesthetics, and new mechanics.”
- “Many modern space strategy games are designed around the principle of adding eye candy while removing mechanics.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game features no music or sound effects, which some players find acceptable as they often play with the audio off or prefer to listen to their own music. The minimalistic audio design allows for a customizable experience, but may leave those seeking an immersive soundtrack disappointed.
- “I didn't really mind the lack of sound either because I usually play with it off unless required anyway - it's not exactly a demanding game on your system, and you can always play music in the background if you need some.”
- “First off, there is no music whatsoever in the game.”
- “Game currently doesn't contain any music or sounds, though it's easy enough to put on something spacey.”
- “- No music & minimal graphics.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The optimization aspect of the game emphasizes the importance of strategic officer assignments and ship design, as each officer's performance directly influences ship handling. Players must carefully balance weapon placement, armor distribution, and thruster capabilities to achieve optimal performance while also managing diplomatic relations with Earth's nations.
- “Every single officer you assign to each of your ships matters, as their performance affects how their ship handles.”
- “You designed your ship with front arc weapons, armor concentrated at the front of the ship, and thrusters optimized for speed rather than maneuverability.”
- “You've also got to keep the nations of Earth happy with your performance.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Replayability is considered limited due to a lack of multiplayer options, less randomness compared to other games, and the presence of easily exploitable strategies that can diminish the challenge for players.
- “Replayability is limited compared to more heavily randomized games; there's no multiplayer, and there are some cheesy strategies that the opponent has a hard time dealing with.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play through it again, as the experience feels largely the same each time.”
- “The lack of diverse outcomes and branching paths makes replaying the game feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story centers on the player as the leader of Earth's defenses, tasked with continuing the legacy of the XCOM team. It is engaging enough to maintain player interest throughout the game.
- “You play as the leader of Earth's defenses, and your mission is to take over from where the XCOM team left off.”
- “It also has a decent story to keep you moving along in the game.”