Info about Earth 2140:

Official game description:
The year is 2140. After numerous wars and several environmental disasters, only two world powers remain; the **United Civilized States** (»**UCS**«), covering the American continent, Western Europe and North Africa, and the **Eurasian Dynasty** (»**ED**«) covering the coherent landmasses of Eastern Europe and Asia. The damage caused by the long wars led both world powers to evacuate the population to recently built underground cities.  
Australia and most parts of Africa were sacrificed during the long wars, which lasted several decades. Highly toxic biological and chemical weapons were developed on these continents, leaving them so badly contaminated, that no human life can survive there. Not even the use of robots and machines is possible. The general opinion was that these continents would forever remain uninhabitable, and they were wiped from every map. Most of the world's population forgot that this land ever existed.  
Natural resources are becoming scarce and have to be extracted above ground. There have been a number of small conflicts between the UCS and the ED, the last of which escalated and became a fierce and bitter war - the final world war. Only one side can win. This final war will decide who will get the last of the available natural resources and ultimately rule the world.  
**EARTH 2140** is a real time strategy game involving the high tech warfare of the 22nd century. More than **_50 exciting missions_**, an _**unprecedented AI**_, **_more than 100 ground units_**, _mechs_, _flying units_ and _ships_, **_strategic orders_** like _formations_, _escorts_ and others make Earth 2140 a high class product.  
**_This version of Earth 2140 supports resolutions up to full HD and contains both Mission Packs (Mission Pack 1 and Mission Pack 2)._**

Release date: Nov 15, 2013

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Base Building, Resource Management, Campaign Mode, Classic RTS, Sci-fi

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 20; verdict: Isolated Proton Input Complaint, No Broad Compatibility Issues; summary: Only one Linux-relevant review is present. It reports that playing with a trackpad under Proton feels broken, which is an input/peripheral complaint rather than a launch, stability, performance, or anti-cheat blocker. No user reports failures to start the game, crashes, graphical glitches, or required Proton Experimental/GE workarounds, and no positive Linux evidence is available either. The available evidence therefore indicates low, isolated Linux/Proton friction rather than broad incompatibility.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The filtered reviews show mixed Steam Deck/Linux friction. Campaign play is generally praised, with one isolated crash reported. Trackpad input via Proton is described as broken by one reviewer, but another reports that trackpad mouse controls work fine. There is no evidence of anti-cheat errors, launcher problems, unreadable UI, or launch failure, so the experience is best classified as playable with some compatibility and input concerns.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $0.99 - $1.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews treat $5 as too high, repeatedly anchor acceptable value at $1 or $0.99, and recommend buying only on sale. Even positive comments describe about $1 as the right value, so the community fair base-game price is very low; the range is set near $1 to just under $2, allowing only a small nostalgia premium above the explicit $0.99/$1 anchors.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 4.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 4.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first quote directly supports an approximate game completion time of about 4 hours, because the reviewer says the game is short and can be finished after a few hours. The second quote explicitly reports a single mission taking 4 hours, supporting a long session length of about 4 hours. The third quote reports that the first mission took about 10 minutes, showing that session or mission length varies; it does not provide a separate story-only or endgame duration. No review gives a distinct story completion or endgame playtime, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reviews describe the RTS gameplay as boring or unplayable, with missing onboarding and broken AI. No later point is identified where enjoyment begins for these players.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: No tutorial or in-game explanation for new players; Unfamiliar controls and unclear menus; Tedious base and army construction; Broken AI that camps its base; No multiplayer available; Generic gameplay and boring mission presentation
  - Unlock drivers: A proper tutorial would improve onboarding; External Let's Plays and walkthroughs help players learn the game; Independent experimentation can reveal the basics quickly
  - Conditions: Availability of a proper tutorial or guide; Willingness to use external videos or walkthroughs; Tolerance for dated 1997-era presentation; Nostalgia or historical interest in old-school RTS games; Single-player-only play, since multiplayer is unavailable
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgia-Driven Veteran Collector (buy)
    - Motivation: Reliving childhood memories and preserving a formative PC gaming experience they grew up with.
    - Playstyle: Revisits the original campaigns and collects physical or digital copies as keepsakes rather than playing competitively.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old players
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Classic RTS Genre Loyalist (buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking authentic old-school real-time strategy gameplay in the mold of the genre's founding titles.
    - Playstyle: Plays traditional base-building RTS campaigns and evaluates the game against classic benchmarks like Command & Conquer and Red Alert.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: classic rts games; RTS fans; fans of STR
    - Reference games: Command & Conquer; Red Alert; Starcraft 2
  - Modern Player Expecting Comfort (no buy)
    - Motivation: Curiosity about a historical classic, quickly frustrated by outdated controls, menus, and design.
    - Playstyle: Tries the game briefly expecting modern usability; gives up when confronted with clunky interfaces and dated mechanics.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Starcraft 2
  - Card Farmer / Bundle Collector (no buy)
    - Motivation: Acquiring cheap Steam trading cards or library filler rather than genuinely playing the game.
    - Playstyle: Idles the game for trading cards or adds it via bundles/key boxes and never engages with the actual gameplay.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - 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:
- Top-class classic RTS (weight 0.23): Reviewers widely praise the game as a top-tier RTS from its golden era, describing it as classic, satisfying, and all-around awesome for its time.
- Engaging and fun gameplay (weight 0.17): Reviewers find the game engaging, interesting, and fun to play, with many still enjoying occasional rounds.
- Great for its era (weight 0.16): The game is repeatedly called a fantastic classic back in the day, with graphics and setting nice for their time.
- Ages well, still playable (weight 0.16): Many note the gameplay holds up after many years, retaining its original charm and remaining a classic worth recommending.
- Excellent soundtrack (weight 0.15): The BGM and OST are consistently praised, with a mix of calm and energetic tracks; the intro music is also well done.
- Graphics hold up well (weight 0.15): Graphics are considered decent for 1997 and hold up nicely; the HD version supports much higher resolutions.
- Strong nostalgia factor (weight 0.14): Reviewers repeatedly mention childhood memories and a nostalgic feel, recommending the game to those seeking a nostalgia gem.
- Diverse units and factions (weight 0.13): The game offers a large variety of unit types, and its two factions are well differentiated beyond visuals, each with distinct units and weaponry.
- Solid Command & Conquer clone (weight 0.07): Reviewers describe it as a decent early Command & Conquer clone with its own setting and story.
- Includes two expansion packs (weight 0.07): The package includes both Mission Pack expansion sets, adding extra content.
- Original is a beloved gem (weight 0.07): The original game is fondly remembered as fun, amazing, and a wonderful classic.
- In-game encyclopedia adds atmosphere (weight 0.05): A detailed in-game encyclopedia about units and buildings enhances the game's atmosphere.
- Fully in Russian (weight 0.04): All text, including missions, is in Russian, which may limit accessibility for non-Russian speakers.
- Overall good game (weight 0.04): Multiple reviewers simply conclude the game is good overall.

Common complaints:
- Broken enemy AI throughout (weight 0.3): Players repeatedly report that the AI is broken, passive, or completely non-functional across the base game, HD, and Steam versions. Many note the AI never attacks, never builds structures, and only reacts through scripted events.
- Missing tutorial leaves players lost (weight 0.21): Multiple reviewers state there is no tutorial or that the tutorial explains nothing useful. Players are left unsure how to build units, complete objectives, or understand what the game expects of them.
- Outdated graphics and interface (weight 0.16): The interface and graphics are widely called dated and unattractive, even for the time of release. Some note the graphics are completely bad even for 2013 and leave much to be desired.
- Steam version compatibility failures (weight 0.16): The Steam release is described as not working properly on modern Windows, with fluidity problems and AI that does not function. Reviewers compare it unfavorably to other broken Windows releases.
- Inconvenient and complicated controls (weight 0.13): Controls are described as inconvenient, complicated, mediocre, and poor. Multiple reviewers find the control scheme lousy and less convenient than expected.
- Game is unplayable and buggy (weight 0.12): Reviewers call the game unplayable, a buggy mess, and impossible to play in its current edition. Bugs are cited as a persistent problem in this version.
- Not fun and poorly aged (weight 0.12): Players report the game is not fun to play anymore and has not aged well. It is described as too outdated to be playable and lacking enjoyment.
- Terrible unit pathfinding (weight 0.09): Units reportedly stumble over terrain, get stuck behind buildings, split awkwardly when ordered to move, and move unpredictably. Pathfinding is described as horrible and frequently broken.
- No multiplayer or LAN mode (weight 0.09): Reviewers note the absence of any multiplayer mode, whether online or offline, and specifically the lack of a LAN mode. This is seen as a major missing feature for an RTS title.
- No skirmish mode available (weight 0.09): Players report that skirmish mode is entirely missing, leaving only the campaign. This limits replayability and is highlighted as a standard RTS feature that is absent.
- Missing Polish localization (weight 0.09): Despite being made by a Polish studio, the game lacks a Polish language version on Steam. Reviewers specifically call out that the Polish game is only available in English.
- Small illegible modern-screen interface (weight 0.07): The interface is described as very small, inconvenient, and illegible on modern screens, with everything appearing tiny. Players find it difficult to read and interact with.
- Lacks standard RTS features (weight 0.07): The game is said to lack standard features that modern RTS games have, missing newer RTS conventions. This contributes to the feeling that the release is incomplete.
- Mismatched soundtrack (weight 0.06): The music is described as an odd fit for the game, and the soundtrack does not really fit half the time. Reviewers find the audio direction inconsistent with the setting.

Gameplay feedback:
- Classic RTS core (weight 0.51): Reviewers consistently describe the game as a classic 90s-style real-time strategy experience. Core mechanics include resource gathering, base building, and commanding armies against AI opponents.
- Command & Conquer inspiration (weight 0.36): Many reviewers compare the game to Command & Conquer and Red Alert in style and mechanics. Some note it is harder than Red Alert, appealing to fans of the genre.
- Fast-paced RTS action (weight 0.27): The game is described as fast-paced, with large-scale unit clashes and quick decision-making. This appeals to players seeking energetic strategy gameplay.
- Base building and unit production (weight 0.19): Players construct bases, including power stations and refineries, to produce units and expand their armies. This traditional RTS mechanic is central to the gameplay loop.
- Extensive mission campaign (weight 0.17): The single-player campaign is a major highlight, featuring over 50 missions spread across factions and locations. Players note that difficulty scales as the campaign progresses.
- Two distinct factions (weight 0.16): The game features two playable sides, EA and UCS, that differ significantly in appearance, units, and tactics. This asymmetry adds strategic depth and replayability.
- Mine-based resource gathering (weight 0.14): Resources are collected uniquely through mines placed on yellow-marked ground, with trucks or conveyors transporting materials. This system differentiates the game from typical RTS harvesting.
- Varied mission objectives (weight 0.14): Missions range from eliminating all enemies and constructing specific buildings to capturing structures and stealth operations. This variety keeps the campaign engaging.
- Difficulty and speed settings (weight 0.11): The game offers difficulty settings, including a hard mode, and a game speed slider. These options let players adjust the challenge and pace to their preference.
- Large unit roster (weight 0.09): The game boasts over 100 ground units, mechs, aircraft, and ships, offering players a wide variety of tactical options. Reviewers highlight the extensive unit selection.
- Mission-based army command (weight 0.07): Gameplay centers on commanding armies across missions to complete objectives. Troop movement and mission completion are core activities.
- Terminator and Robocop theme (weight 0.07): The game's setting and units evoke a Terminator or Robocop-like sci-fi theme, contributing to its unique atmosphere. Reviewers note the old-school graphics and classic feel.
- Skirmish mode with AI (weight 0.05): A skirmish mode allows players to battle AI-controlled opponents outside the campaign. This adds replayability for those seeking standalone matches.
- Capturing enemy buildings (weight 0.05): Engineers can capture enemy buildings and vehicles, adding a tactical layer to missions. This mechanic is frequently mentioned as a key strategic element.
- Formation and escort orders (weight 0.05): Players can issue strategic orders such as formations and escorts to manage their armies effectively. These commands enhance control during large-scale battles.
- Mine-laying vehicles (weight 0.05): Enemy vehicles can lay mines on the map, and players can use mine layers to control territory. This mechanic adds a layer of area denial and tactics.
- Base destruction focus (weight 0.05): Many missions revolve around destroying enemy bases while defending your own. This objective drives the core combat loop.
- Mission pack inclusion (weight 0.04): The game includes additional mission packs, expanding the single-player content. This adds value for players wanting more scenarios.
- Large-scale unit control (weight 0.04): Players can control numerous units simultaneously in combat, managing large armies. This emphasizes macro-management skills.

Performance notes:
- Serious HD compatibility failures (weight 0.13): Multiple clusters report the HD version does not launch or run properly on modern systems. Issues span crashes, compatibility errors, and complete failure to start.
- Resolution and display scaling broken (weight 0.11): Numerous display issues occur at higher resolutions and DPI settings, such as shifted images, overscan, thin bars on widescreen monitors, and two-monitor zoom. These break the UI and make play impossible.
- Crashes and freezes (weight 0.09): The game frequently crashes or freezes, including mid-game crashes, launch failures under Windows 10, and complete hangs. This affects both original and HD versions.
- Unplayable on modern hardware (weight 0.09): Feedback indicates the game fails to run correctly on modern hardware, including high-end AMD systems and Windows 10. Compatibility issues make it unplayable for many.
- Buggy AI and gameplay (weight 0.07): The AI system is buggy, and a specific bug in the EA campaign causes crashes on a Scandinavia mission. General bugginess contributes to an unplayable experience.
- Launch and hang on resolution change (weight 0.05): The program stops responding and hangs when the resolution is changed, and the HD Steam version fails to launch entirely. These issues block access to the game.
- Fluidity and performance issues (weight 0.05): The Steam version has fluidity problems, and the DOS version has constant game speed issues. These performance inconsistencies detract from the experience.
- Proton and trackpad incompatibility (weight 0.05): Playing with a trackpad through Proton on Linux is a broken experience, with floaty and slow mouse input. This makes the game difficult to control.
- Stable on Windows 7 x64 (weight 0.03): One cluster reports the game runs stably on Windows 7 x64, indicating compatibility is better on older systems. This contrasts with widespread issues on modern platforms.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.02): A cluster notes low system requirements, suggesting the game is lightweight. However, this is overshadowed by compatibility problems.

Recommendations:
- Classic RTS appeal (weight 0.28): Many reviewers recommend the game to fans of classic real-time strategy and 90s nostalgia. It is considered a timeless genre classic worth trying even outside the hardcore RTS audience.
- Nostalgia-driven recommendation (weight 0.21): The game is repeatedly recommended primarily for players seeking nostalgia or replaying an old favorite. Several reviewers say it mainly appeals to those who know it from the past.
- Do not buy advice (weight 0.19): Several reviewers explicitly advise against buying the game or its series, calling it a waste of money. Some say it is not worth it even for free.
- Steam version discouraged (weight 0.14): Reviewers recommend avoiding the Steam/HD version and instead buying an old CD or playing the original release. The DOSbox versions are suggested as the better alternative.
- Broken AI blocks recommendation (weight 0.11): Multiple reviewers cannot recommend the game until the AI is fixed, citing broken AI bugs. This criticism specifically targets the Steam version as well.
- Play Command & Conquer instead (weight 0.07): Some reviewers tell players to skip this game and play Command & Conquer or its remaster instead. This is presented as a superior alternative for RTS fans.
- Not for modern RTS fans (weight 0.05): Reviewers warn that players who prefer modern RTS design, such as StarCraft 2, should avoid this game. It is not recommended even for some hardcore RTS fans.
- Enthusiasts-only recommendation (weight 0.05): The game is recommended only if you are a real fan or enthusiast of the RTS genre. Others should approach it with caution.
- Current state not recommended (weight 0.05): Some reviewers cannot recommend the game in its current state. The issues cited make it hard to endorse without reservations.
- Recommended to undecided players (weight 0.05): A few reviewers sincerely recommend the game to anyone who is undecided. This positive view contrasts with the more cautious feedback.

Other player notes:
- Comparison to Command & Conquer (weight 0.29): The game is frequently compared to Command & Conquer, often described as a clone or a harder cousin. Some reviewers judge it favorably against C&C, while others see it as a mediocre clone.
- HD version availability (weight 0.24): Multiple reviewers note that the release includes an HD version, often alongside the original game. The HD version is available on Steam and lets players choose between the Windows and HD versions.
- Includes expansion mission packs (weight 0.16): The release includes two mission packs (Mission Pack 1 and Mission Pack 2), adding extra campaigns and missions. This is highlighted as a content-rich package.
- Unfavorable comparison to Red Alert (weight 0.16): Several reviewers compare the game negatively to Red Alert, stating it resembles Red Alert 1 but is worse in every way. Red Alert 3 is cited as several times better.
- HD version only ups resolution (weight 0.1): The HD version mainly improves resolution and basic adaptation, supporting up to Full HD. It does not make other visual or technical changes.
- Developed by Reality Pump (weight 0.1): The game was developed by the Polish studio Reality Pump (also known as Topware Programy). This is noted in several reviews.
- Unfavorable comparison to StarCraft (weight 0.08): Reviewers compare the game to StarCraft and generally judge it as inferior or an imitator. It is seen as not better than StarCraft.
- Unfavorable comparison to original (weight 0.08): Some reviewers compare the HD version unfavorably to the original game, citing missing features or worse performance. The DOS version is considered harder and has more missions.
- Late 1990s release (weight 0.08): The game is from the late 1990s, with the original version dating from 1997 rather than 2013. It is now around 20 years old.
- Lacks Russian language support (weight 0.08): The HD version lacks Russian language support, although some reviewers note the game is fully in Russian. This inconsistency may confuse players.
- High nostalgia factor (weight 0.07): The game is described as appealing to nostalgia, with a high nostalgia factor. It is aimed at players who remember the original.
- Steam trading cards included (weight 0.06): The Steam version of the game includes trading cards, as mentioned by multiple reviewers.
- HD version more reliable (weight 0.05): The HD version works more reliably on modern systems and has much better graphics than the old DOS/Win95 version. This makes it the preferred way to play.
- Unofficial patch fixes bugs (weight 0.05): An unofficial patch is available that fixes many bugs, including AI, sound, and interface issues. This improves the game's stability and playability.
- Original DOS version details (weight 0.05): The original game was released under DOS, later ported to Windows with a broken AI. This historical context is mentioned by reviewers.
- Early RTS genre precursor (weight 0.05): The game is compared to early RTS titles like Warcraft and Age of Empires as a precursor. It is seen as part of the genre's early history.
- Unfavorable comparison to Earth series (weight 0.05): The game is compared unfavorably to Earth 2150 and Earth 2160, which the reviewer loved. It is seen as inferior to later entries in the series.
- No Steam achievements (weight 0.04): The game lacks achievements, including Steam achievements. This is noted as a drawback by some reviewers.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): The game falls far short of its potential, especially when compared to Command & Conquer and Red Alert. The HD re-release is criticized for broken enemy AI, missing multiplayer and skirmish modes, and a lack of meaningful improvements over the original. Many also find the outdated design, poor controls, and serious bugs make the game difficult or impossible to enjoy.
- Frustration (weight 0.18): Players are frustrated by broken enemy AI, severe compatibility issues on modern systems, and an interface that makes basic actions difficult. Crashes, unreadable fonts, poor pathfinding, missing tutorials, and unclear mission objectives compound the problems. Many missions are nearly impossible or unwinnable due to bugs and erratic AI behavior.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.14): Reviewers fondly remember playing this classic 90s RTS as children or in their early PC gaming days, often citing it as their first PC game. The old-school soundtrack, retro-futuristic style, and classic strategy gameplay evoke strong memories of their youth and the golden age of RTS games.
- Confusion (weight 0.04): The game provides no tutorial or clear explanation of missions, menus, and base-building, leaving players unsure what to do. Objectives can fail without any stated reason, and the interface lacks guidance on controls or how to proceed. Missing language support and unresponsive menus add to the confusion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players enjoy deep resource management, faction variety, and the rewarding feeling of building up a base and army. Coordinated assaults, using chokepoints, and long campaigns provide a strong sense of accomplishment, especially when overcoming challenging missions.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Despite its age, the game remains engaging with its strategic depth, real-time pressure, and gritty post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The fast-paced RTS gameplay, excellent music and sound design, and a substantial campaign keep players coming back for more.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Repetitive unit voice lines, a clunky interface, and non-standard hotkeys irritate players. Occasional freezes, failed saves, poor pathfinding, and unintuitive menu controls add to the annoyance. Some also find the soundtrack forced and missions artificially padded.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Once a winning tactic is found, the game becomes repetitive and dull across empty maps. Missions feel tedious and monotonous, with little variety in objectives and no dynamic pacing or meaningful story. The absence of enemy AI and strategic depth makes the experience a slog.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Fans appreciate the classic gameplay loop, deep strategic options, and compelling storylines. The visual contrast between factions, crisp HD sprites, and a solid soundtrack add to the experience. The game is seen as a memorable and beginner-friendly RTS classic.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players are angered by unpatched broken AI, game-breaking bugs, and the release of a version missing core features. Steam support refusing refunds and developers abandoning the game fuel the anger. Tedious missions with unfair failure conditions and the lack of Polish language support in a Polish-made game also provoke strong negative reactions.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): The quirky Hawaiian guitar and smooth jazz soundtrack, along with odd map editor experiments, provide lighthearted entertainment. Jokes about masochistic play and figuring out controls without a tutorial add to the fun.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Reviewers admire how well the game has aged in graphics and gameplay, with high unit variety and impressive visual effects. The advanced AI, atmospheric weather effects, and detailed animations are praised as cornerstones of old-school gaming.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Fans are enthusiastic about the classic RTS gameplay, describing it as a must-play from the 90s. The HD version's fixed AI and high-resolution support allow players to relive a masterpiece with great graphics, sound, and a lengthy campaign.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): The game's mediocre controls, broken AI, and non-functional difficulty settings leave players dissatisfied. The interface is small and hard to read, and the game lacks the functionality of the original. Stiff controls and poor screen movement add to the disappointment.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Seeing a huge army march across the map is thrilling, and discovering an HD version with fixed AI makes players eager to return. The engaging gameplay and scale of battles generate excitement.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Reviewers hold the game in high affection as part of their favorite trilogy, loving the old-world feel and memorable units like the Shadow. It remains one of their favorite strategy games.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players regret buying a version with worse AI than the original and unresolved bugs that prevent enjoying the nostalgia. The lost challenge and ruined childhood memories make them wish they had not purchased it.
- Irritation (weight 0.01): Bugs and enemy AI that forgets its orders are irritating, as is tediously hunting for hidden units. Having to read a manual to learn how to close the game adds to the annoyance.
- Delight (weight 0.01): The deep storyline, atmospheric graphics, and fantastic 90s-style soundtrack delight players. Replaying the game again brings joy and appreciation for its design.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Some reviewers dislike the bad graphics, unlistenable music, and poor controls, considering all three games in the series equally bad. The lousy controls make the game feel like trash today.}