Info about Earth 2160:

Official game description:
After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts. The Lunar Corporation is already on the Red Planet and has to fight to find a new base and home after the destruction of the Earth. LC buildings are built one on top of the other, similar to a skyscraper, but with one big difference - they have the ability to defy all the laws of gravity to move quickly to a new location.  
The UCS (United Civilized States) machines evolved from the UCS battle machines. During the long flight to Mars, the computer decided to kill all human survivors and then initiated a plan to conquer the solar system with its own mechanical army. The Aliens - alien renegades were imprisoned a long ago, deep in the unknown history of Mars.  
In 2160 the landing of the UCS ships awoke them from their long sleep...  
**
GAME FEATURES:
--------------
**  
*   4 playable parties with different basic technologies and abilities  
*   Each party consists of more than 13 basic buildings and more than 13 basic units  
*   4 single player campaigns, each with 7 missions  
*   Skirmish mode with 10 maps  
*   4 Multiplayer modes with 10 maps  
*   Realistic, formable and multi-textured terrain  
*   12 virtual agents with special abilities  
*   Multiplayer matches for up to 8 players per match  
*   EarthC (programming language) SDK for Mod teams  
*   Rich musical score consists of 29 dynamically varyied tracks  
*   Includes Superstorm, Platinum and Titanium Map Pack

Release date: Apr 1, 2006

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Base Building, Unit Customization, Resource Management, Faction-based Campaigns, Skirmish Mode, Map Editor

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Tier 4 - The Tourist (Technical Bug); summary: The reviews contain minor external-wiki references for lore and production background, plus one concrete technical input bug requiring an alt-tab workaround. There is no evidence of farming/drop-rate dependency, inventory/crafting planning, or quest/build/mechanic instructional dependency. Under the strict priority algorithm, no Tier 1, Tier 2, or specified Tier 3 trigger is present, so the default Tier 4 Tourist score applies.
- Proton/Linux: score 72; verdict: Barely Playable; summary: Linux feedback is mixed but clearly troubled. Some users report that the game runs well under Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Proton, including on Steam Deck, but multiple reviews explicitly describe the Linux version as a Wine-wrapped build that is broken, crashes, fails to launch, or has broken fullscreen. One user also reports Wine-specific activation friction tied to simulated hardware and OS identity. The evidence supports a rough Linux experience with some playable configurations rather than a universally broken game.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The review set is mixed. Steam Deck and Linux users report both successful Proton launches and serious Wine-port issues, including fullscreen failures and crashes. The most consistent Steam Deck-relevant friction is small UI text and awkward controls at Full HD, which users work around by lowering resolution. Because the game is playable for some Deck users but still requires tinkering or compromises for others, the friction sits in the Tinkering Required range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly use $5 as the normal fair price and describe the game as worth it at that level, while $6 is treated as marginal and only justified for bored RTS fans. Lower sale prices around $1-$2 are praised as good value, so the community's fair base-game range is best anchored between roughly $2 and $5.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 25.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 20-30 hour estimate supports a total game completion/engagement figure of about 25 hours, and the 'dozens of hours outside of Steam' comment corroborates long total playtime. Multiplayer match reports ranging from 10 minutes to 2 hours, with longer outliers up to 3-5 hours, support a typical session length of about 2 hours. No numeric campaign completion time or endgame duration is provided, so storyCompletion and endgame are left null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game often starts slowly and is weighed down by a steep research-tree learning curve, incomplete onboarding, and campaign or access problems; for some players it becomes fun after unlocking the tech tree and fielding giant mechs, or by moving straight to skirmish. Other players report that it never clicks for them.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Unlocking the tech tree and mass producing giant mechs
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Slow early game; Steep learning curve, especially the research tree; Incomplete tutorial and limited unit information; Boring or poorly paced campaign/tutorial missions; Multiplayer and DRM access failures; Dead official multiplayer servers
  - Unlock drivers: Unlocking the tech tree and mass producing giant mechs; Jumping into skirmish rather than campaign; Sticking with the steep learning curve; Playing all four factions to understand units; Using the helpful tutorial first
  - Conditions: Player has prior RTS experience or tolerates a steep learning curve; Player prefers skirmish over campaign; Player reaches the tech-tree and giant-mech stage; Player uses a working multiplayer route such as LAN, direct connect, or EarthNet; Player has a friend available for multiplayer; Player avoids DRM activation problems, such as by using a DVD copy; Player tolerates older graphics and interface; Player tries the tutorial first
- Player Archetypes:
  - Series Lore Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Continuing the Earth series story and revisiting a familiar classic.
    - Playstyle: Campaign-focused faction lore, nostalgia, and series continuity.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan of the series
    - Reference games: Earth 2140; Earth 2150
  - Hardcore RTS Systems Tinkerer (sale)
    - Motivation: Mastering asymmetric factions, base building, and unit customization.
    - Playstyle: Micro-heavy skirmish and campaign play, optimizing modular bases and researched unit variants.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: RTS junkies
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Multiplayer and Co-op Skirmisher (no buy)
    - Motivation: Playing competitive or cooperative matches with friends rather than the campaign.
    - Playstyle: Skirmish, PvP, and PvE through EarthNet or direct connection, often avoiding the campaign.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Curious Newcomer (no buy)
    - Motivation: Trying a classic RTS or entering the series for the first time.
    - Playstyle: Campaign and skirmish learning, but likely to struggle without a tutorial or prior series knowledge.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: casual RTS player; beginner
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Distinct asymmetric factions (weight 0.24): Players consistently highlight that the four factions offer completely different movement, weapon, and resource systems, forcing varied tactics. This strong asymmetry is a core strength of the game.
- Decent graphics and sound (weight 0.21): Graphics and audio are generally considered acceptable or nice, though not modern. The soundtrack, in particular, receives praise.
- Competent and underrated RTS (weight 0.2): Feedback describes it as a solid RTS that surpasses some newer games, often calling it underrated. It appeals strongly to fans of the genre.
- Extensive unit customization (weight 0.2): Players can customize units with various armor, weapons, and attributes, allowing tailored strategies. This feature is widely praised.
- Overall positive reception (weight 0.18): General feedback is that the game is good, fun, and still loved by reviewers today. It remains a classic that many enjoy.
- Excellent strategy gameplay (weight 0.16): Many reviewers praise the game as one of the best strategy titles, emphasizing its deep and creative strategic elements. It stands out as a unique and well-crafted RTS.
- Engaging campaign (weight 0.09): The campaign is frequently mentioned as good, pleasant, and engaging. It adds significant value to the overall experience.
- Unique RTS elements (weight 0.08): Reviewers note many cool features that make the game stand out from other RTS titles. Its high variability and originality are appreciated.
- Fun with friends (weight 0.08): The game is especially enjoyable when played with friends, adding to its replayability and social appeal.

Common complaints:
- General bugginess and flaws (weight 0.16): Many players note the game has numerous flaws and is buggy, though some specify issues are minor. Others report severe crashes and unplayable states.
- Outdated graphics and animations (weight 0.13): Graphics, textures, and animations show their age and feel outdated by today's standards. Some find them acceptable but old.
- Multiplayer connectivity broken (weight 0.12): Players consistently report that multiplayer does not work and cannot connect to games, preventing playing with friends. Servers also appear unsupported with no online players.
- Dated interface and controls (weight 0.11): The UI and control scheme feel outdated and inconvenient, requiring significant adjustment time. Many find the interface ugly and clunky.
- Pathfinding problems cause stuck units (weight 0.11): Units frequently get stuck due to erratic pathfinding, especially in narrow passages. This leads to frustrating gameplay and AI issues.
- Poor voice acting and dialogue (weight 0.11): Voice acting is frequently criticized as cheesy, maddening, and low quality, with cringeworthy dialogue. This detracts from the overall presentation.
- Story and characters bland (weight 0.08): The narrative is described as flat, vague, and generic, with uninteresting characters. This makes the single-player experience forgettable.
- Aged game mechanics (weight 0.06): Overall game mechanics have not aged well and feel dated. This contributes to a clunky experience.
- Phone activation number invalid (weight 0.06): The phone number for activation does not work, making registration impossible via that method. This is a major hurdle for legitimate owners.
- Lacks strategic depth (weight 0): Compared to Earth 2150, the game offers fewer tactical options and reduced strategic depth. This disappoints fans of the series.

Gameplay feedback:
- Real-time strategy core gameplay (weight 0.34): The game is fundamentally a real-time strategy title with classic base building and unit production. This defines the core experience.
- Unit customization from parts (weight 0.31): Players can design and customize units using researched parts and templates. This allows tailoring armies to specific strategies.
- Four distinct playable factions (weight 0.28): There are four factions, each with unique units, technologies, and playstyles. They provide significant replayability and strategic diversity.
- Faction-specific base building mechanics (weight 0.24): Each faction has its own base construction methods and technology trees. This adds depth and differentiation between factions.
- Skirmish and campaign modes (weight 0.23): Players can engage in skirmish battles against AI or follow a story-driven campaign. Both modes offer different experiences.
- Multiplayer with friends and AI (weight 0.18): The game offers multiplayer modes, including playing with friends against AI or other players. This enhances social and cooperative play.
- Resource management of water, metal, crystals (weight 0.18): The game involves managing multiple resources such as water, metal, and crystals. This adds economic strategy to the gameplay.
- Large-scale 3D battles (weight 0.17): Combat features large-scale battles in a 3D environment, with a physics engine influencing gameplay. This creates a dynamic battlefield.
- Map editor for custom maps (weight 0.07): An in-game map editor allows players to create and share custom maps. This extends the game's longevity through community content.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes (weight 0.11): Feedback describes frequent crashes, including during the tutorial, during resolution changes, and on first launch, sometimes requiring compatibility mode workarounds.
- Incompatible with modern Windows (weight 0.1): Multiple users report the game fails to launch on Windows 10 and 11, even with compatibility mode, and some experience instant crashes or closure on Windows 11.
- Good performance and optimization (weight 0.06): Some users report good optimization, playable performance on integrated graphics, and smooth operation on systems that struggle with other games.
- Lag and performance drops (weight 0.04): Lag is present, and FPS drops when armies are large, affecting gameplay smoothness.
- Resolution launch issues (weight 0.04): The game cannot be launched at 1920x1080 resolution, and running in windowed mode with a raised resolution close to 1080 works best.
- Linux display failure (weight 0.02): On Linux, the game starts but fails to display anything, making it unplayable.
- Antivirus conflict crashes (weight 0.02): The Steam version crashes due to conflicts with antivirus software.
- No multi-core support (weight 0.02): The game lacks multi-core/thread support, resulting in performance similar to old dual-core CPUs on modern hardware.
- Units stuck in textures (weight 0.02): Units can get stuck in textures, causing gameplay issues.
- Cursor lost at 4K (weight 0.02): At 3840x2160 resolution, the in-game cursor gets lost in special effects, hindering control.
- Visual glitches on new drivers (weight 0.02): With new graphics drivers, visual problems occur, such as shots not being visible.
- Blue screen on laptop (weight 0.02): On one user's laptop, the game caused a blue screen, indicating potential system instability.
- Laptop crash on exit (weight 0.02): A laptop crashes when trying to close the game, though this may be hardware-specific.
- Long loading times (weight 0.02): The game has stupendous loading times, slowing down the overall experience.
- Minor performance rough spots (weight 0.02): Performance is mostly fine with occasional minor rough spots, not significantly impacting gameplay.
- Works well via Wine (weight 0.02): The game works excellently under Wine on FreeBSD, showing compatibility in that environment.

Recommendations:
- General positive recommendation (weight 0.18): Reviewers broadly recommend the game, describing it as highly recommended, well worth the money, or worth trying overall.
- Strong RTS fan recommendation (weight 0.16): Many reviewers highly recommend the game specifically for real-time strategy enthusiasts, calling it a must-have or must-play for RTS fans.
- Wait for sale (weight 0.15): Several reviewers advise buying the game only on discount or waiting for a sale, often citing better value at a lower price.
- Appeals to classic RTS fans (weight 0.12): The game is recommended for fans of old-school, base-building, retro, or classic science-fiction RTS titles, particularly those seeking a unique experience.
- Not recommended (weight 0.11): Some reviewers strongly advise against buying the game, with some calling it a waste of money or not worth purchasing.
- Underrated low-price RTS (weight 0.06): Reviewers describe the game as an underrated RTS that is worth trying at a low price, especially on sale.
- Strategy genre appeal (weight 0.06): The game is praised as an excellent choice for strategy fans and highly recommended for lovers of the strategy genre.
- Better with friends (weight 0.06): Reviewers highlight that the game is especially fun and worthwhile when played with friends, even for a small cost.
- Earth series nostalgia (weight 0.05): Fans of Earth 2140 and Earth 2150 specifically recommend the game to players who enjoyed those classic titles.
- Methodical campaign-driven design (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for players who enjoy methodical planning, layered systems, and campaign-driven RTS design.
- Only for series fans (weight 0.04): Some reviewers state the game is only recommended for existing fans of the series who are invested in the story, with little appeal for newcomers.
- Niche genre fans (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for players who generally enjoy this type of game or similar titles.

Other player notes:
- Mandatory registration required (weight 0.22): The game requires product registration or a serial key to play, including on first boot and for full version access. This registration often asks for personal details such as name, email, phone, and address.
- Part of Earth series (weight 0.18): The game is a direct sequel to Earth 2150 and the third entry in the Earth 21XX series. It follows survivors who settled on Mars after Earth's collapse in 2150.
- Old game from mid-2000s (weight 0.17): The game was released in 2005 or 2006 and is considered an older title. Its graphics are good for its time but dated by modern standards.
- Unfavorably compared to predecessors (weight 0.16): Many reviewers find the game weaker than earlier Earth series titles, especially Earth 2150 and Earth 2140. Some call it a disappointment compared to Earth 2150.
- Favorable StarCraft comparison (weight 0.15): Several reviewers compare the game favorably to StarCraft, with some calling it at least as good as the original. It is also compared positively to classic RTS games like Warcraft and Age of Empires.
- Very low price (weight 0.12): The game is sold very cheaply, often compared to the price of a can of soft drink, and frequently discounted in sales. This low price makes it an easy purchase.
- Online servers offline (weight 0.09): The official online servers are no longer maintained or working, leaving multiplayer servers empty. Players must use workarounds like Hamachi or LAN simulation for multiplayer.
- Russian localization hidden (weight 0.08): Despite Steam not listing Russian support, full Russian voice and text are available through the launcher settings. This includes interface and voice localization.
- Better than Earth 2150 (weight 0.08): Some reviewers consider this game better than Earth 2150, with one stating it is much better. Fans of Earth 2150 are also said to like this game.
- Nostalgic classic (weight 0.07): The game evokes childhood memories and is described as a classic that brings nostalgia. It is seen as a relic from an older era of RTS games with gameplay missing in modern titles.
- Steam trading cards included (weight 0.07): The game includes Steam trading cards that can be obtained. This is a notable feature for collectors.
- Good campaign length (weight 0.07): The game has four campaigns that take about 22-25 hours on medium difficulty or over 36 hours on easy mode. The campaign includes a standard storyline and is considered very good by some.
- Original compared to modern RTS (weight 0.06): The game is considered more original than many modern RTS games and is compared favorably to newer titles. It is also likened to classic Command & Conquer games like Tiberium Wars.
- Mac and Linux support (weight 0.06): The game has separate Windows and Mac versions and is also listed as supporting Linux, including Ubuntu.
- Sequel setup unresolved (weight 0.04): The campaign ends with a setup for a sequel or expansion that was never released, leaving the story unresolved.
- Missing Chinese localization (weight 0.04): An official Simplified Chinese localization exists but is not available on Steam, leaving the game without Chinese language support.
- Unit customization like Warzone 2100 (weight 0.04): Unit customization is compared to Warzone 2100, though with some limitations. This adds strategic depth.
- Falls short of StarCraft 2 (weight 0.03): Some reviewers feel the game is far from StarCraft 2 in quality and falls short compared to both StarCraft 1 and 2.
- Reviewer score 8/10 (weight 0.03): Individual reviewers give the game a personal score of 8/10 or 8.0/10, indicating a positive overall assessment.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Players are frustrated by severe technical issues including broken DRM, registration failures, and the inability to launch the game on modern systems. Clunky controls, poor unit AI, and pathfinding problems further hinder the experience, making it difficult to enjoy even when the game runs.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Disappointment stems from the game failing to meet expectations set by its predecessor, with an abrupt story ending, outdated graphics and controls, and a lack of innovation. Many features feel unpolished or missing, and the game's unplayable state on modern machines adds to the letdown.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Nostalgia is driven by fond memories of playing the game or its predecessors during childhood, with many recalling the series as a classic RTS. The game's music, atmosphere, and unique features evoke pleasant memories of earlier gaming days.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players enjoy the game's action-packed gameplay, faction variety, and unit customization, often citing the music and atmosphere as highlights. Despite flaws, many find the core RTS experience fun, especially in skirmish or multiplayer modes.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction comes from the game's deep customization, strategic depth, and the fulfilling experience of adapting to challenges. The sense of completing missions and building powerful units provides a strong sense of accomplishment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance is caused by persistent technical issues like units getting stuck, mandatory registration, and text size problems at high resolutions. Small bugs and the need for workarounds detract from the overall experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's complexity, strategic depth, and the ability to design custom units. The soundtrack, atmosphere, and detailed faction design are also praised, alongside the developers' efforts to support Linux.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement is found in the game's quirky elements, such as funny animations, quotable voice lines, and absurd dialogue. The unintentional humor from bugs and over-the-top voice acting adds a layer of entertainment.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's unique unit customization, varied factions, and engaging gameplay. Many consider it a classic RTS with strong AI and a good campaign, praising its tactical depth and multiplayer.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Admiration is directed at the game's innovative design, impressive graphics for its time, and rich faction variety. The depth of customization and the game's ambition as a world-class RTS are highly regarded.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom arises from repetitive missions, slow-paced gameplay, and a lack of challenge in the campaign. The alien faction's mechanics and long, tedious objectives contribute to a sense of monotony.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game is expressed through deep affection for its complexity, nostalgic mood, and the ability to customize units endlessly. Many have loved the series since childhood and continue to enjoy its unique mechanics.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is provoked by severe technical failures, especially with multiplayer connectivity and activation processes that demand personal information. The inability to play the game despite purchase leads to strong resentment.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion stems from unclear objectives, unusual controls, and overwhelming tech trees. The game's lack of guidance and cryptic requirements, such as asking for an address to play, leave players puzzled.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the game's unique unit building, faction variety, and epic battles. The ability to customize vehicles and engage in large-scale conflicts with friends is highly stimulating.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise is felt when the game exceeds low expectations, performing better than anticipated or offering unexpected depth. Positive surprises include the port working well and the game being more enjoyable than expected.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is linked to the lack of a sequel, the series being abandoned, and the closure of the development company. The story not continuing from 2140 also brings a sense of loss.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt because the game is not as widely celebrated as other RTS titles and the series never found popularity. Some also regret purchasing the game due to functionality issues.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Liking is driven by the game's story, unit constructor, and the building aspects. Despite some flaws, the campaign and construction mechanics are enjoyable.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is expressed for the strategy gameplay itself and specific design choices like the inability to harvest water. Some players finish the game but still do not enjoy it.}