WarPlan
- March 26, 2020
- Kraken Studios
- 30h median play time
Get on SteamWarPlan is a World War II strategy game that offers both single-player and multi-player options, providing around 30 hours of playtime. The game is a detailed simulation of the war, featuring a massive scale covering 70 countries with a map of 30 miles/50km per hex. WarPlan's combat system allows for multi-hex attacks and tactical approaches on land, air, and sea, aiming for a balance of realism and playability.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- WarPlan offers a balanced mix of diplomatic, economic, and game mechanics, making it a solid choice for fans of classic board games.
- The game is easy to learn for beginners while still providing enough depth and complexity to engage experienced players.
- The developer is responsive and actively updates the game, improving gameplay and addressing bugs over time.
- The AI is often criticized for being weak and predictable, making it easy for experienced players to win without much challenge.
- Some players find the interface and documentation lacking, leading to confusion about game mechanics and unit management.
- There are reports of bugs, such as disappearing units and unclear combat results, which can detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a blend of diplomatic, economic, and combat mechanics that effectively simulates World War II in Europe, though it can be daunting for newcomers due to its complexity. While the mechanics are generally well-balanced and engaging, players note that the AI lacks challenge, which can detract from the overall experience. The game successfully differentiates between land and naval mechanics, enhancing the realism of engagements, but some players find the gameplay confusing at times.
“It does a good job of balancing diplomatic, economic, and game mechanics to fight out WW2 in Europe.”
“I think it makes a lot of sense to apply different mechanics for land and naval, and it works really well in Warplan, the goal being to try to simulate as best as possible the look and feel of actual engagement. Supply is another element that is very important and I think is working very well.”
“I think if you can get a stronger grasp of how the combat mechanics work than I do, then this is one of the nicer modern hex-based wargames out there.”
“Gameplay is confusing.”
“Have to admit this one was a little daunting at first in regards to the game mechanics; production and resource management, etc.”
“I think if you can get a stronger grasp of how the combat mechanics work than I do then this is one of the nicer modern hex-based wargames out there.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the variety of strategic directions that enhance replay value, others find it limited due to a lack of modding support and community content. Overall, the experience against AI is enjoyable, but many feel it lacks long-term replayability.
“Many different directions that strategy can take means great replayability.”
“It has little replayability.”
“Very little replayability due to no workshop and modding community.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly when it comes to repeatedly checking unclear event descriptions and managing large-scale battles. While some reviewers appreciate the strategic depth of Warplan compared to other WWII games, they still note that the complexity can lead to a frustrating experience. Overall, the balance between strategic engagement and tediousness remains a point of contention among players.
“Reconsulting the 'game notes' screen over and over again to figure out when certain events, like the surrender of France, would happen was tedious, and the description was unclear.”
“When fighting gets large, like in the USSR, the game becomes very tedious.”
“Warplan is the best WWII strategic game I have played so far... I enjoy it more than games like HOI IV or War in the East which are too tedious and complicated, and Strategic Command WWII which is too simple and not realistic to my taste.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of clarity and intuitive design, with players struggling to understand mechanics without thorough rulebook guidance. The incomplete tutorial videos further exacerbate the confusion, leaving players frustrated with basic gameplay elements. Despite these issues, some users believe the game's intricate details and fast-paced nature could lead to a compelling and challenging experience as they become more familiar with it.
“Although this game has a simplistic old school feel to it, the intimate details and rapid turns create what I think is going to evolve into an amazing and challenging mission.”
“The tutorial provided with the game was only about half done and was terrible for explaining basics like HQ control. If you don't read the rule book, you will have a hard time understanding why your air does nothing or why you can't invade.”
“There are a lot of non-intuitive elements in the game, such as setting air to mission/auto. The modeling of oil seems way off; synthetic oil isn't considered, and Italy can barely support a couple of air units and can't really move its fleet at all.”
“Naval combat is limited by missions from port on timers due to ship supply, which adds to the frustration of the gameplay.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently highlight the game's atmosphere as one of its strongest features, noting it as pleasant and immersive, which enhances the overall gaming experience.
“The best part of the game is the intuitive UI and pleasant atmosphere.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics have been described as subpar, though many users consider this a minor issue if the gameplay is engaging.
“Graphics are subpar, which is a minor issue if the game is good.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by unexpected and absurd moments that elicit laughter, often leaving players with a mix of amusement and confusion. Many find these instances to be funny in retrospect, highlighting the game's ability to create memorable and surprising experiences.
“I owned everything I wanted, and you tell me it's minor... lol, funny in hindsight but still a wtf moment.”
