Command: Chains of War

Command: Chains of War for PC is a standalone expansion to a Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations (CMANO), complex real time strategy/military simulator offering a well-rounded simulation of modern warfare. The expansion introduces a hypothetical scenario of a clash between United States and China that sees the use of many modern and experimental types of weaponry.

In opposition to Command Live: Old Grudges Never Die, the described title is standalone, similarly to Command: Northern Inferno, the previous CMANO expansion released in 2015. As always, the title was developed by Warfare Sims, with publishing duties being taken over by Matrix Games/Slitherine.

Plot

The action of Command: Chains of War takes us to East Asia. The continuous tensions between both United States and China creates a boiling point on the Korean Peninsula that sees both superpowers clash in a conflict that will either put an end to China’s superpower ambitions or depose USA from its world leader status.

Mechanics

The add-on expands the already impressive set of means and features with futuristic and experimental weapons that are currently in development by the most powerful countries on Earth. As a result, both parties can disrupt means of communication through cyberattacks. Units severed from their leadership will be forced to operate on their own, using their own systems to monitor the battlefield. Even intelligence and data transmission satellites can be removed from the picture by employing newly introduced anti-satellite weaponry.

Encircled and incapacitated units are easily defeated using accurate and deadly types of weaponry that were introduced to the game straight from drawing boards and training grounds. We’ve received access to high-output lasers, accurate and long distance rail guns, as well as land to sea ballistic missiles that bypass the traditional immunity for aircraft carriers. Electronic devices that are in abundance in today’s battlefields are countered by electromagnetic pulses, generated by high-altitude nuclear explosions (HEMPs).

Air units received a complex damage model, with individual planes supplied with detailed statistics listing the durability of fuselage, engines, or cockpit. This feature makes the planes more resistible to anti-aircraft fire, as a successful hit doesn’t have to end with complete destruction of an air unit, which may be able to reach the base and return to full operational strength.

Finally, we’ve received access to new means of troop distribution and transportation. Planes and naval units (including submarines) are now able to transport other units, with their capacities depending on the transport capabilities of their real life counterparts.

Game Modes

Command: Chains of War for PC is a singleplayer only title consisting of sixteen scenarios. The campaign features 12 scenarios that depict a hypothetical conflict between USA and China taking place on Western Pacific. The remaining four are standalone bonus scenarios placed in the same universe.

Technical Aspects

The game reuses the same engine seen in Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations, offering a simulacrum view on the globe similar to the one used by Google Earth. The game is rather straightforward when it comes to graphics – the controlled units are represented by plain symbols. The interface shares some similarities with a UI of a utility program rather than a video game. On the other hand, the interface is clear-cut and serves its purpose well of delivering the large amounts of data which understanding is the key to victory.

Last updated on June 14, 2017