ICBM Escalation

Ian C · November 23, 2024, 07:26:35 AM

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2647680/ICBM_Escalation/

Arcade-like strategy game. Reminds me of the Supremacy boardgame without the economic layer. The Tutorial is thorough and the attack planner is impressive.
Not a simulator, more a strategic game. Lots of tech to research and units. There's a heavy emphasis on real-world strategies, intel, detection, combined arms and conventional weapons, not just WMDs (of which there are many). There's a Conquest Mode that starts at with Cold-War tech and others (see pic below). There are also a selection of historical scenarios starting with the Korean War and going into the Cuban Missile Crisis and others. No scenario editor (assuming they might release DLC scenarios?).
Very positive reviews so far.

Scenarios:

Playlist:

Single Review:

Geezer · November 23, 2024, 10:44:37 AM

Is this related to ICBM from Matrix that came out many moons ago?

Edit - Never mind. I see it is a newer version of the original.

CaptainKoloth · November 23, 2024, 01:04:56 PM

I picked this up this week. I had been kind of excited for it, but I was disappointed. I was envisioning a more realistic simulator, but it's an arcade game, a lot like Defcon for those who have played that. It's a good arcade game to be fair, but not what I had been hoping for which was more of a game that took into account some kind of real or historical unit characteristics.

Father Ted · November 23, 2024, 01:51:25 PM

Pretty topical title...

Geezer · November 23, 2024, 02:15:35 PM

I have the original but never played it much. Will probably pass on this version, although my 50% off Matrix coupon will be coming soon...

Tanaka · November 23, 2024, 03:43:16 PM

Lol I thought this post was going to be about the recent Russian ICBM attack on Ukraine...

Old TImer · November 24, 2024, 03:19:23 PM

Quote from: Father Ted on November 23, 2024, 01:51:25 PMPretty topical title...

Did a search for ICBM Escalation and got a video clip of Russia firing an ICBM
so there's that.

Pete Dero · November 24, 2024, 04:39:42 PM

Quote from: Old TImer on November 24, 2024, 03:19:23 PM
Quote from: Father Ted on November 23, 2024, 01:51:25 PMPretty topical title...

Did a search for ICBM Escalation and got a video clip of Russia firing an ICBM
so there's that.

That's the multiplayer version we can all join, free of charge, willing or not.

CaptainKoloth · November 24, 2024, 05:52:49 PM

Quote from: Tanaka on November 23, 2024, 03:43:16 PMLol I thought this post was going to be about the recent Russian ICBM attack on Ukraine...

To be pedantic, it was a MIRV-ed SRBM, not an ICBM.

Jarhead0331 · November 24, 2024, 06:41:52 PM

Back on the topic of the game. It's pretty good so far. I'm playing the campaign, which starts with Korea 1950. I managed to push the Norks out of South Korea and I've captured Pyongyang and Chongjin. However, China has now invaded and I'm not sure I have enough divisions to withstand the onslaught. I need to capture a single Chinese territory in order to win the scenario decisively. Otherwise, I can still pull off a win if I hold Seoul and keep the communists out of South Korea.

Ian C · November 25, 2024, 08:35:32 AM

I'm actually really enjoying this. It is very customizable. You can disable all WMDs for a totally conventional campaign or edit the map regions for custom games. It's worth playing around with the game settings to change the starting units, tech and other parameters to get the game you want. It's like Risk or Axis & Allies on super-steroids.

CaptainKoloth · November 25, 2024, 10:23:45 AM

I just wish there were some historical units rather than "strategic bomber", "fighter", "army division" etc. It's a huge missed opportunity in my opinion that takes it from "possible unique wargame gem" to "glorified Missile Command".

Jarhead0331 · November 25, 2024, 10:46:05 AM

Quote from: CaptainKoloth on November 25, 2024, 10:23:45 AMI just wish there were some historical units rather than "strategic bomber", "fighter", "army division" etc. It's a huge missed opportunity in my opinion that takes it from "possible unique wargame gem" to "glorified Missile Command".

Personally, I think that would get a little to overly complicated given the scope and mechanic's of the game. Having to research and construct Shooting Stars, Sabres, Panthers, etc., for example, seems unnecessary here. I do like how the units on map reflect the era or level of technology, but anything more than this would be tough. I think the current system with respect to units is sufficient for this title.

bruce205 · November 25, 2024, 08:38:02 PM

We are all gonna die. May as well make fun of it. Yay !!

Ian C · November 26, 2024, 11:51:06 AM

Quote from: CaptainKoloth on November 25, 2024, 10:23:45 AMI just wish there were some historical units rather than "strategic bomber", "fighter", "army division" etc.

At least we can rename units and bases etc, it does give a bit more immersion.

STEAM Workshop is open for the game. Looking forward to see what mods come out...