ICBM: Escalation

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Strategy, RTS, Cold War, co-op, grand strategy, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

89%

Steam

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A combination of an RTS and a grand strategy, presented in a similar form to the board game Risk. ICBM: Escalation was made by a Russian studio SoftWarWare. It covers warfrare from the Cold War times up to the near future, including the use of nuclear weapons.

Historical realities
Gameplay
Game modes
Graphics

ICBM: Escalation is a game from a Russian studio SoftWarWare. It is a sequel to 2020's ICBM. As before, we are dealing with a combination of an RTS and a grand strategy in a form similar to the board game Risk. We have weapons of mass destruction at our disposal and we issue orders to entire armies in order to ensure our global domination.

Historical realities

The timeline in the game spans from the early Cold War to the near future, taking advantage of multi-generational technology. We start with jets and weapons that still remember World War II, and we end with warships with reduced detectability and armed satellites. In ICBM: Escalation we can witness the conclusion of international agreements such as the Geneva Convention banning the use of certain weapons.

Gameplay

The gameplay in ICBM: Escalation is observed on an interactive globe. It revolves around combat, research and production. Defensive systems, stealth and detecting enemy units, as well as the range and lethality of weapons, change depending on the research conducted by us and our opponents.

In our military struggle, we balance conventional and nuclear forces, which include a triad of air-, sea-, and land-launched missiles. Ground combat relies on the army, as well as significantly weaker but faster covert special forces that can operate beyond war. Most of the battles are fought around air bases and naval task groups. The emphasis on conventional warfare allows for the annexation of enemy territories, providing additional strategic benefits.

In addition to military actions in ICBM: Escalation, we also engage in trade and diplomacy by negotiating the takeover of areas or ceasefires. Research and production share one "resource" that we manage using a percentage slider. Depending on our decision, we can develop faster, paying for it with a smaller number of structures and units.

Game modes

ICBM: Escalation includes many types of single-player campaigns, varying in terms of speed and complexity of the research tree. In addition, the game offers multiplayer for up to 10 players, including a team co-op mode. Good results in our games result in a higher position in the table based on the Elo chess ranking.

The game includes full support for mods.

Graphics

ICBM: Escalation takes place on a large, high-resolution, 3D map spanning the entire globe. The objects on the globe are monochrome low poly models.

Videos and Screens

[0:48] ICBM: Escalation Gameplay Trailer

89%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (729)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Improved Gameplay Mechanics: Many users praise the game for its enhanced stability, improved UI, and the addition of conventional warfare, which adds depth to the gameplay. The game is described as a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering more strategic options and varied tactics.
Expanded Features: Players appreciate the new game modes (Standoff, Conquest), a larger technology tree, and the incorporation of elements previously available only through mods. The campaign mode is also highlighted as a fun addition that enhances the single-player experience.
Engaging Multiplayer: The game is noted for being enjoyable with friends, allowing for alliances and strategic gameplay, which adds a layer of social interaction and competition.

The main cons of the game

Bugs and Stability Issues: Many users report encountering bugs, particularly in multiplayer and campaign modes, which can lead to crashes and gameplay interruptions. Some players feel that the game is not fully polished and may have been released prematurely.
AI Limitations: The AI is frequently criticized for being passive or ineffective in conventional warfare, making it easy for players to dominate. Users express a desire for more challenging and reactive AI behavior.
UI and Diplomacy Concerns: The user interface is described as needing improvement, with some players finding it confusing or lacking in necessary information. The diplomacy system is also seen as shallow, with suggestions for more interactive and meaningful diplomatic engagements.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Custom Difficulty Options: Players have expressed a desire for more in-depth difficulty settings, such as sliders for combat strength or custom research/production settings, to tailor the game experience to their preferences.
Enhanced Diplomacy: Users want a more complex and engaging diplomacy system, with AI that can form alliances and respond more dynamically to player actions.
Visual Feedback and Realism: Some players feel that the game lacks sufficient visual feedback regarding destruction and combat outcomes, as well as a more realistic portrayal of consequences following nuclear strikes (e.g., radiation effects).
Steam Workshop Support: Although some users noted that workshop support has been added, there is a desire for more modding capabilities to enhance replayability and customization options.

Summary

Overall, while ICBM: Escalation is celebrated for its improvements and depth, players are keenly aware of its current limitations and express hope for future updates and enhancements.

Summary generated on: December 16, 2024