Strategic Command: World War I

About

"Strategic Command: World War I" is a turn-based strategy game that simulates World War I from 1914 to 1918. Players can choose to lead any of the major nations, controlling land, air, and sea forces in a bid for victory. The game features a variety of scenarios, mines, submarines, and other challenges of the Great War era, making for a deep and engaging experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

Strategic Command: World War I screenshot

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 357 reviews

gameplay14 positive mentions

optimization1 negative mentions

The game offers a rich historical experience with alternative history choices, allowing players to shape the outcome of WW1.
The AI is competent and provides a decent challenge, adapting its strategies and making the gameplay engaging.
The game captures the complexities of WW1 trench warfare and includes a variety of scenarios, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore strategy fans.

The graphics are dated and could use an update to enhance the visual experience.
Naval combat is poorly implemented, often leading to unrealistic engagements and frustrating gameplay.
The game can feel repetitive after completing a few campaigns, as the AI tends to react in similar ways across different scenarios.

gameplay
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
66%
6%
The gameplay of the game is praised for its historical accuracy and ability to capture the essence of WWI trench warfare, featuring complex mechanics such as a weather model, tech trees, and diplomatic options. Players appreciate the slow-paced, strategic nature of the game, which enhances the experience, especially in multiplayer settings where intense tactical decisions unfold. While some mechanics, like naval interactions, are criticized for being unrealistic, the overall gameplay is engaging and accessible, earning high ratings from users.
- “It has a lot of historical flavor, proposes interesting questions through its gameplay, and the AI is competent.”
- “The turn-by-turn intense gameplay is something I've grown quite addicted to; currently in a rematch against a good friend as we speak.”
- “I find the slow-paced, strategic gameplay complements the WW1 setting perfectly, and the map is beautifully illustrated.”
- “My only major criticism off the top of my head is the 'enemy contact!' mechanic at sea.”
- “Difficult to learn mechanics if you are unfamiliar with the Strategic Command series.”
- “Compared to e.g. 'Panzer Corps 2', the gameplay is by far slower, but more complex (including a weather model, a tech/research tree, a diplomatic menu, a production and buy menu, and historic events showing up as text bars and influencing the gameplay).”
graphics
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated and minimalistic, with some users noting a cartoonish style that may not appeal to everyone. However, many agree that the visuals effectively serve their purpose, and the addition of the "Blue Max" mod significantly enhances the graphical experience. Overall, while the graphics may not be stunning, they are functional and do not detract from the game's enjoyment.
- “Don't get turned off by the cartoonish graphics, this game is 100% worth your time and attention.”
- “The graphics actually look much better in-game than in the screenshots, too.”
- “Graphics are quite nice, and the Blue Max mod available on Matrix forums makes counters absolutely gorgeous.”
- “The graphics are frankly pretty dated though.”
- “I could handle the serious lack of graphics and UI, but without at least an attempt to teach me how to play, I couldn't pay $40.”
- “Yes, the graphics are not that beautiful, but they do their job and the soundtrack is just amazing if you ask me.”
replayability
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
36%
18%
Overall, the game's replayability is viewed positively, with many players appreciating the variety of scenarios, campaign options, and AI features that enhance the experience. While some users rate the replay value lower, citing a score of 3 or 4 out of 10, others highlight its engaging mechanics and the potential for strategic depth, making it a game that encourages repeated play. The combination of historical accuracy and nonlinear gameplay options further contributes to its appeal for those seeking a rich, replayable experience.
- “A good selection of scenarios, including a full campaign, the addition of the ‘blue max’ mods and numerous scripts together with an elegant engine and sensible AI makes the game replayable and challenging.”
- “Excellent replayability and you will find yourself musing about grand encirclements and defensive operations while you are at work!”
- “If you want historically accurate with nonlinear options and replayability, this is your game!”
- “Replay value is maybe at like a 3 or a 4 out of 10 though.”
- “Replay value is maybe at like a 3 or a 4 out of 10 though.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The game's optimization has seen some improvement through multiple patches addressing balance issues; however, overall performance remains subpar. Players may find it worth the investment if they have realistic expectations.
- “The balance issue has been better addressed by multiple patches, and while performance is still lackluster at best, if you know what you're getting, I'd guess it's worth the bucks.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with users reporting frequent crashes and numerous bugs that hinder gameplay.
- “However, it is buggy and crashes frequently.”
- “However, it is buggy and crashes frequently.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game to be incredibly enjoyable, but it also evokes strong emotions, particularly heartbreak during challenging moments. This duality enhances the overall experience, making it both entertaining and emotionally impactful.
- “Fun as hell, heartbreaking when it doesn't go that well.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The soundtrack of the game has received high praise from users, with many considering it to be amazing, despite the graphics being less impressive.
- “The soundtrack is just amazing if you ask me.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the grinding aspect for striking a balance between resource management and engagement, ensuring it remains impactful without becoming tedious.