Info about Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations WOTY:

Official game description:
Scream over the runways of super-hardened Iraqi airbases as your squadron sprinkles bomblets on the pavement or blows up aircraft shelters using laser-guided bombs. Turn back the Russian tide in the Ukraine. Ride the Mediterranean waves in fast Israeli attack craft, trading barrages of anti-ship missiles with Syrian ships. Stand toe-to-toe against Iran in the Persian Gulf. Wrestle the Falklands under your control. Go “Down Town” around Hanoi and spar with the deadly NV air defences. Hunt down rogue nukes in Pakistan before they fall into terrorist hands. Face off with your carrier group against India or China – from either side. Square off against the Soviet Union in the cold war confrontation, and against resurgent Russia in the new multipolar world order. Lead nuclear-powered sharks of steel against the masters of antisubmarine ops. Exchange volleys of fire in close-quarters gun duels, or obliterate the enemy with sophisticated, heavy-hitting hypersonic missiles from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Survive massive, vicious air battles. Escort vital convoys to their destination, or make a last stand against all odds. When things escalate out of control, step up to unconventional or even nuclear weapons. Play the most dangerous game of hide and seek – at sea, on land and in the air - even in near-space. Command is the next generation of air/naval wargaming.  
**YOU ARE IN CONTROL**  
Surface fleets, submarine squadrons, air wings, land-based batteries and even satellite constellations are yours to direct as you see fit – from the lowliest pirate skiff to the mightiest aircraft carrier, from propeller biplanes to supersonic stealth fighters, and from WW2-era iron bombs, torpedoes & mines and the trusty "Mk1 Eyeball" to ultra-modern radars with imaging capability, multi-spectral recon satellites, "brilliant" self-guided stand-off weapons, 200-knot supercavitating torpedoes and hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles. Every sensor and weapon system is modeled in meticulous detail. You are given the hardware; but you have to use it well.  
**THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS**  
Throw your distorted flat maps away – Command uses a realistic 3D earth globe for each of its scenarios. Rotate and zoom in and out of the action, from satellite view down to the trenches and wavetops. Play scenarios or build your own on any place on earth – from classics like the Middle East, South Atlantic, North Cape and Europe to new and rising hotspots like the Arctic, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Use a powerful yet intuitive point-and-click mouse interface for controlling your forces and go advanced with a wide collection of hotkeys for quickly jumping around the action and issuing complex orders in the heat of the battle.  
**RELENTLESS REALISM**  
Sensors and weapons work just like in real life, with all their strengths and weaknesses. Units move, detect, fight and win or die based on what their systems can and cannot do. Electronic warfare and technological levels can tilt the balance of battle. The weather can be your best ally and your worst enemy. The terrain, both overland and undersea, can hide you from the enemy but also can block your weapons from firing. Your aircraft can choose different mission profiles and loadouts, each with its advantages and limitations, and can dash high (speed, range) or scream low (protection). Thermal layers, convergence zones, surface ducting, the deep sound channel and factors such as water temperature and terrain slope may decide the sub vs ship duel. Thick clouds or rain can render your fancy laser-guided bombs useless. Stealth may help you avoid detection, or a jamming barrage may tip the scales when you are out of options. Command’s battle environment is as unforgiving as the real thing – and as rewarding for those who understand and use it.  
**THE MEN AT THE CONTROLS**  
Your war machines are (almost always) not robots; they are crewed by humans. People trained with varied proficiency (from novice to ace), operating under custom doctrine and rules of engagement (when to do what, how to decide, how to react etc.), most of the time making the rational decision, and sometimes making a brilliant call or a mistake. These people often matter far more than the hardware. The very same surface-to-air missile battery that is a worthless toy when staffed by Iraqi or Libyan crews turns to a deadly weapon even against ultra-modern aircraft under the expert hand of Egyptian, Serbian or Russian operators. The deadliest combat units are only as sharp as their crews.  
**AIR/NAVAL WARFARE AROUND THE WORLD**  
Korea. Colonial wars. Vietnam. Middle East. Cuba. Falklands. Iran-Iraq. World War 3. Desert Storm. India & Pakistan. The Arctic circle. Past and future conflicts in the Pacific, Norwegian Sea, Russian periphery and more. Experience conflict from post-WW2 all the way to 2020+ and beyond. Test your mettle against lethal land-based missile batteries, air regiments, naval fleets or pirate groups. Face off against threats of the past, present and future. How do you measure up against the challenges of modern warfare?  
**LEAD, DON’T MICROMANAGE**  
Realistic modern combat with all its technicalities scaring you away? Your staff & tactical AI sweat the details so you don’t have to. Airbase crews shuffle aircraft around on land facilities to prepare them for the next mission. Aircraft position themselves to deliver their payloads optimally, and refuel on their own if they have to; Ships and subs maneuver on their own to reach out and touch the enemy (including winding their way around islands, landmasses and even known mines) – and everyone tries very hard to save his skin when bullets are flying. Manage the big decisions and let your virtual crews get to the details – and still intervene whenever you want.  
**MAKE YOUR OWN WAR**  
Think you can build a better conflict? Prove it! Command’s integrated scenario editor offers unparalleled functionality for making your own scenarios or editing existing ones. Create and share with other players detailed, exact-down-to-the-meter land installations from all over the world – from airbases to port complexes to ICBM fields. Customize unit icons, sound effects, even platform weapons and sensors (Aegis on the USS Iowa – click and done). Create multiple sides with variable, complex alliances and postures and different proficiency ratings. Assign forces to detailed missions with custom behaviors and inheritable doctrines. Script complex interactive events with the advanced event editor. Assign variable success thresholds – from triumph to utter defeat. From a gunboat duel all the way to global thermonuclear warfare – the possibilities are endless.  
**HUNDREDS OF SCENARIOS**  
Command MANO includes 42 scenarios (3 tutorials) and hundreds of community scenarios available
FEATURES
--------
*   Powerful, detailed 3D-globe (Google Earth-style) with multiple map layers  
*   Intuitive, point-and-click user interface for beginners backed up by a vast array of hotkeys for power users  
*   Aircraft, surface ships, submarines, land units, strategic & space forces and all their real-life sensors, weapons and other systems are at your disposal  
*   Extensive, detailed simulation databases modeling faithfully the capabilities & limitations of each unit  
*   More then 40 included scenarios covering multiple historic and hypothetical conflicts.  
*   Integrated scenario editor - make and share your own battles or modify existing scenarios  
*   Integrated database viewer - browse through the stats for every platform, sensor and weapon in the game  
*   Tremendous flexibility of scale: From counter-piracy skirmishes to strategic nuclear war  
*   Detailed modeling of air (including near-space) and naval operations, both surface and underwater, supported by high-quality physics, sensor/EW, terrain and weather, weapon and damage models  
*   Focused modeling of land-based forces relevant to air/naval/space operations  
*   Mine and mine-countermeasure operations  
*   Nuclear operations and other special-weapon categories  
*   Recorder & replay ability

Release date: Sep 26, 2014

Categories: Military Simulation, Naval Combat, Air Combat, Real-time Tactics, Scenario Editor, Strategic Planning, Simulation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: The user reviews focus on DLC policy, feature locking, and the accessibility of content. There is no evidence of microtransactions, gacha, loot boxes, pay-to-win mechanics, or currency obfuscation. Complaints about paywalls and locked databases are related to traditional DLC/expansion practices, which are not considered predatory under the scoring criteria. The game appears to offer optional DLC and a reasonable value proposition, with no real-money shop or in-game purchases beyond expansions.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Moderate Wiki Tax (Student-level Dependency); summary: The primary complaint is that the game forces players to frequently consult external wikis to understand its systems, which is a significant barrier to casual play. The user even recommends alternative games to avoid this 'wiki tax'.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $40.00 - $60.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews show a split: some players feel the full $80-90 price is justified for the depth and simulation quality, while many others consider it too steep and recommend waiting for a sale. Common sale prices mentioned are $40-54, and one reviewer revised their fair price to $45 after updates. The community consensus appears to place a fair base-game price between $40 and $60, where the game is seen as a good value without being overpriced.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 6.0h
  - Endgame: 1000.0h
  - Reasoning: The scenario length of 6-24 hours indicates a typical play session of about 6 hours. The tutorial time of 5-10 hours also supports a session length of around 5-6 hours. Long-term players report 500 to 2000 hours, suggesting an endgame playtime of around 1000 hours. No evidence supports game completion or story completion metrics.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations has a steep learning curve that frustrates early play, but players consistently report that once they learn the systems and think like a real commander, the game becomes deeply rewarding.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After getting past the learning curve and learning to think like a real commander
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: steep learning curve; poor UI and hard to distinguish units; overwhelming number of options and variables; tutorial described as an essay; takes hours to complete basic training; interface looks like Google Earth but doesn't work like it
  - Unlock drivers: community tutorial videos (e.g., Baloogan's YouTube series); naval tutorials to build confidence before Air Ops; learning to think like a real commander; comprehensive tutorial missions and player-made campaigns; realizing the depth and intensity of the simulation
  - Conditions: familiarity with modern military equipment reduces the curve; willingness to invest many hours in learning; using external tutorials and community resources; starting with naval tutorials instead of Air Ops; accepting the game's niche, simulation-focused nature; patience to fail and retry tutorials
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore Military Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To simulate real-world military operations with high fidelity and strategic depth, achieving mastery over complex systems.
    - Playstyle: Invests significant time in learning real-world tactics and equipment, plays large scenarios, and appreciates manual control and detailed planning.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: army veteran; intelligence analyst
    - Reference games: Harpoon; Jane's Fleet Command
  - Curious Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: To explore a deeply detailed military simulation despite initial intimidation, seeking to learn and eventually master it.
    - Playstyle: Relies on tutorials and smaller scenarios, may use auto-missions initially, and often gets frustrated with the UI and micro-management.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: nerdy noob
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Scenario Creator (buy)
    - Motivation: To create, customize, and share original scenarios, leveraging the game's editor and community workshop.
    - Playstyle: Spends significant time in the editor, designs scenarios with specific tactical or historical themes, and uploads them for others to play.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Harpoon
  - Non-Western Military Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To engage with a high-fidelity military simulation while advocating for more accurate and respectful representation of non-Western military forces.
    - Playstyle: Plays the game for its strategic depth, but often focuses on scenarios involving their own country's forces and critiques the database's biases.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: military enthusiast
    - 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:
- Extensive military database (weight 0.47): A massive and detailed database covering weapons, aircraft, ships, sensors, and units from the Cold War to the present is a major positive. Players find it comprehensive, accurate, and enjoyable to browse, rivaling expensive reference books.
- Deep realistic military simulation (weight 0.47): The game is repeatedly described as a hardcore, detailed, and realistic simulator of modern naval and air warfare, with complex systems and high fidelity. It is considered the most realistic and precise simulation software available for Western military equipment and operations.
- Powerful scenario editor praised (weight 0.45): Players consistently highlight the mission and scenario editor as a standout feature, describing it as meticulous, powerful, and easy to use. It allows for creating custom scenarios, campaigns, and even Lua scripting, serving as an endless toolbox for player creativity.
- Regular updates and support (weight 0.28): The game receives frequent updates, new scenarios, and constant improvements from an active and responsive development team. Developers are dedicated to fixing bugs and adding functionality, ensuring the game evolves over time.
- Active community and scenarios (weight 0.23): A vibrant community creates and shares high-quality scenarios, with plentiful community-made content available through the Steam Workshop. The community is also active in answering questions and developing new scenarios.
- Immense gameplay depth (weight 0.16): The game offers significant depth and detail, providing a rewarding experience once learned. Players note that its complexity and interest can keep them engaged for years, making it a deep and satisfying sandbox.
- Highly enjoyable and fun (weight 0.12): Players find the game very fun and engaging, with many aspects contributing to an enjoyable experience. It has monopolized reviewers' game time and left them satisfied with the overall product.
- Best modern wargame available (weight 0.07): The game is considered the best air-sea wargame and modern air/naval warfare simulator on the market. Its realism and detail set it apart from competitors, making it a top choice for enthusiasts.
- Educational warfare tool (weight 0.07): The game serves as a model of modern military sandbox wargaming, teaching players about modern warfare and naval operations. It allows experimentation with principles of naval and air combat in a customizable environment.

Common complaints:
- Unintuitive user interface (weight 0.33): The UI is frequently described as unintuitive, poorly designed, and hard to navigate. Users find it frustrating and not user-friendly, impacting overall experience.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.27): Multiple reviews highlight a significant learning curve, requiring substantial time to understand game mechanics. The game demands patience and exploration, which may deter new players.
- High price point (weight 0.24): Many reviewers consider the game overpriced, with a steep entry cost. The price is seen as prohibitive, especially given other perceived shortcomings.
- Poor graphics quality (weight 0.19): Graphics are criticized as poor, blurry, and lacking 3D models, with only simple maps and icons. This visual deficiency detracts from immersion and modern gaming standards.
- Lack of multiplayer support (weight 0.13): The game currently lacks official multiplayer functionality, which is a significant drawback for players expecting cooperative or competitive play. This absence limits replayability and social interaction.
- Weak AI behavior (weight 0.12): AI is described as foolish, rigid, and requiring constant micromanagement. Both friendly and enemy AI fail to perform intelligently, reducing strategic depth and enjoyment.
- Locked database and modding (weight 0.11): The game's database is locked and cannot be modified without paid DLC, frustrating players who expect modding capabilities. This restriction hampers customization and community-driven content.
- Limited interesting scenarios (weight 0.07): The game offers few engaging scenarios, including official ones, leading to repetitive and less compelling gameplay. This scarcity reduces long-term appeal.
- Missing Chinese language support (weight 0.07): The game lacks official Chinese language support, which is a significant barrier for Chinese-speaking players. This omission limits accessibility and market reach.
- Poor land combat simulation (weight 0.06): Land combat simulation is described as rough and not good, failing to provide satisfying tactical gameplay. This aspect detracts from the overall strategic experience.
- Basic sound design (weight 0.06): Sound is very basic and not worth using, lacking depth and polish. This audio deficiency reduces immersion and overall production quality.

Gameplay feedback:
- Military simulation game (weight 0.97): The game is consistently described as a military simulation, specifically focusing on modern air and naval warfare. It is often compared to a serious simulation tool rather than a casual game.
- No arcade elements (weight 0.09): The game lacks fancy animations, 3D graphics, and arcade elements, emphasizing its simulation nature. This is a point of appeal for players seeking a serious wargame.
- Detailed unit information (weight 0.08): The game provides detailed unit information screens and a breadth of unit capabilities, enhancing the simulation depth. This level of detail is appreciated by players seeking realism.
- Automation reduces micromanagement (weight 0.07): High levels of automation help reduce micromanagement, allowing players to focus on strategic decisions. This feature is seen as a positive aspect of the game's design.
- 3D globe interface (weight 0.07): The game uses a 3D globe instead of a flat map, providing a unique and immersive interface for plotting operations. This is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other wargames.
- NTDS symbology used (weight 0.07): The game employs NTDS symbols to plot unit positions on a map, adding to its authenticity and realism. This is a detail appreciated by military simulation enthusiasts.
- Covers post-WWII era (weight 0.07): The simulation covers a time period from post-WWII to the near future, allowing players to engage in historical and hypothetical scenarios. This broad timeframe is a notable feature.
- Includes land units (weight 0.06): While the focus is on air and naval operations, the game includes land units, though their gameplay is limited. This adds some variety to the simulation.
- ASW and submarine operations (weight 0.06): The game features anti-submarine warfare missions and submarine operations, adding depth to the naval simulation. This is a specific area of interest for some players.
- OPFOR simulator (weight 0.06): The game can simulate various types of military operations, including acting as an opposing force (OPFOR). This flexibility is valued by players for training and analysis.

Performance notes:
- Poor optimization and lag (weight 0.16): The game suffers from general optimization issues, leading to lag, stuttering, and artifacts, especially in large scenarios. Performance is inconsistent and often requires high-end hardware to run smoothly.
- Frequent freezes and lockups (weight 0.14): Players report random freezes and lockups that occur without clear triggers, affecting both small and large missions. These freezes are temporary but exasperating and can happen even on capable hardware.
- High hardware requirements (weight 0.11): The game demands a powerful CPU and gaming PC class specs, with larger scenarios needing quite a powerful computer. This is a barrier for players with lower-end or older systems.
- Inaccurate system requirements (weight 0.1): The stated system requirements are misleading, as the game can run on a 2012 Win7 i7+8GB machine but also struggles on upper-mid-level notebooks. This discrepancy confuses players about expected performance.
- Rare crashes and glitches (weight 0.06): Crashes are rare but do occur, and sound glitches have been reported. These issues are less frequent but still impact the overall stability of the game.
- Visual clutter degrades performance (weight 0.04): Default visual settings create clutter that negatively impacts game performance. Players may need to adjust settings to improve frame rates and reduce lag.
- Slow data loading (weight 0.04): The game is slow when loading data, which can be frustrating for players. This adds to the overall performance issues and affects the user experience.
- Performance improves with patches (weight 0.03): Some players note that performance has been improving with patches, indicating that the developers are addressing optimization issues over time. This is a positive sign for the game's future.

Recommendations:
- Targeted at military enthusiasts (weight 0.25): The game is repeatedly recommended for hardcore military fans, service members, and serious military geeks, indicating a niche audience with deep interest in military affairs. This suggests the game's complexity and realism are best appreciated by this group.
- Not for casual gamers (weight 0.25): Multiple reviews warn that the game is not suitable for casual players or those expecting action-oriented gameplay, emphasizing its steep learning curve and demanding nature. This is a common caveat for potential buyers.
- Recommended for Harpoon fans (weight 0.24): Many reviewers explicitly recommend this game to fans of Harpoon, Fleet Command, and similar naval wargames, citing its detailed simulation and familiar gameplay. This is the most common recommendation theme.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.22): Several reviewers advise waiting for a sale due to the high price, suggesting the game is not worth the full price for many. This is a practical recommendation for budget-conscious players.
- Interest in naval/air warfare (weight 0.22): Reviewers recommend the game to anyone interested in naval or air warfare, highlighting its focus on modern combat operations. This is a clear indicator of the game's core subject matter.
- Consider alternative entry points (weight 0.17): Reviewers suggest starting with standalone DLCs like Chains of War or Northern Inferno, or trying other games like Fleet Command, to learn the mechanics or get a cheaper introduction. This is helpful for newcomers.
- Not recommended for some (weight 0.15): A few reviewers explicitly do not recommend the game, citing its punishing difficulty or lack of appeal for mainstream players. This indicates a polarizing experience.
- High realism and detail (weight 0.13): The game is praised for its ultra-realistic simulation and detailed warfare mechanics, appealing to those seeking the highest fidelity in military strategy. This is a key selling point for the target audience.
- Worth the price for enthusiasts (weight 0.13): Some reviewers state the game is worth its price, especially for those who love the genre, despite the high cost. This contrasts with the sale advice, showing a split opinion on value.
- Graphics are a concern (weight 0.13): Several reviews mention the lack of graphics as a drawback, suggesting that players expecting modern visuals may be disappointed. This is a common criticism for simulation games.
- Overall recommendation varies (weight 0.13): While many recommend the game, some are reluctant or suggest caution, reflecting a mixed reception based on individual preferences. This summarizes the overall sentiment.
- Requires significant time investment (weight 0.12): The game demands hours of practice and learning, making it unsuitable for those with limited time or patience. This is a key consideration for potential buyers.
- Useful learning resources (weight 0.12): Reviewers recommend specific tutorials, scenarios, and community add-ons to help new players learn the game, indicating a steep learning curve but available support. This is practical advice for beginners.
- Do research before buying (weight 0.09): Reviewers advise watching videos or doing research before purchasing to ensure the game matches expectations, given its niche appeal. This is a cautious recommendation for uncertain buyers.
- Not for action game fans (weight 0.07): The game is not recommended for those who prefer action games, platformers, or shoot-em-ups, as it focuses on strategic simulation rather than fast-paced gameplay. This clarifies the game's nature.
- Suitable for strategy game fans (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for fans of strategy games like Warcraft, Starcraft, Total War, and Civilization, suggesting it fits within the broader strategy genre. This helps position the game for potential players.
- Rewarding once learned (weight 0.04): Some reviewers note that the game is rewarding once the player overcomes the initial learning curve, implying a satisfying experience for dedicated players. This is a positive note for those willing to invest time.
- Not for those wanting manual flight (weight 0.04): The game is not for players who expect to manually fly aircraft in a first-person manner, as it is a high-level simulation. This clarifies the gameplay perspective.
- Not for those unfamiliar with military (weight 0.04): The game is not recommended for people with no military knowledge, as it assumes a certain level of understanding. This is a warning for casual players.
- Alternatives exist (weight 0.04): Some reviewers suggest alternative games like Wargame: Red Dragon or Supreme Commander, indicating that the game may not be the only option for the genre. This provides context for comparison.

Other player notes:
- Spiritual successor to Harpoon (weight 0.49): Players frequently compare the game to the classic Harpoon series, often calling it a spiritual successor or a modern take on the same naval warfare concept. This comparison appears in multiple clusters, indicating a strong consensus.
- Comparison to other strategy games (weight 0.23): Reviewers compare the game to titles like Fleet Command, Dangerous Waters, and Hearts of Iron, placing it within the broader strategy and simulation genre. These comparisons help set expectations for gameplay depth.
- Niche and complex product (weight 0.13): The game is described as a very narrow and specific product, appealing to a niche audience. Its complexity and focus on simulation may not suit casual gamers.
- English language barrier (weight 0.07): The game is entirely in English, which can be a significant hurdle for non-English speakers. This limits accessibility for a portion of the potential audience.
- Steam key registration issue (weight 0.07): Purchasing the game on Steam does not provide a key to register on the Matrix site, although some DLCs do. This causes confusion and inconvenience for players who want to manage their purchases across platforms.
- Historical scenario simulation (weight 0.07): The game can recreate historical naval battles and simulate conflicts from 1945 to the near future, offering a wide range of scenarios. This is a key selling point for history enthusiasts.
- Removed from Steam store (weight 0.06): The game is no longer sold on Steam, having been removed from the store. This affects availability and may force players to seek alternative purchasing options.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.25): Players are frustrated by a combination of poor UI design, performance issues, and AI problems. The interface is described as cluttered, unintuitive, and difficult to use, while frequent freezes, lag, and units disobeying orders compound the difficulty. The game's complexity and steep learning curve, along with a lack of support and missing features, further contribute to this frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.08): Disappointment stems from the game being obsolete and no longer supported, with a high price that doesn't match the experience. Players are let down by inaccurate data, a closed database, and a lack of promised realism, especially regarding aircraft and strategic depth. The absence of basic features and official Chinese language support also contributes to this feeling.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction arises from the game's realistic and detailed simulation of modern air and naval warfare, which is considered the best on the market. Players find the experience rewarding once learned, with a comprehensive database and scenario editor providing hours of engagement. The game is seen as well worth the cost, especially when on sale.
- Admiration (weight 0.08): Admiration is driven by the game's reputation as the most hardcore, powerful, and realistic simulation software available. Players praise its accuracy, depth, and control, which are considered beyond anything else in the genre. The game is frequently described as the best military simulator ever, offering detailed and precise modeling of modern operations.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement comes from the game's intense and detailed simulation of modern warfare, creating realistic tension during combat. The ability to recreate historical events and the immersive side briefings add to the thrill. Players are excited by the depth and complexity, which allow for creating and playing intricate scenarios.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Enjoyment is found in the game's sandbox nature, allowing players to explore a vast database and create what-if scenarios. The game is described as fun and atmospheric, providing hours of entertainment. The complexity and depth of data are seen as engaging rather than off-putting.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation is expressed for the game's realistic and comprehensive database, which is considered worth the price. Players value the developer team's continuous support, regular updates, and bug fixes. The professional development and dedication to improvement are highly regarded.
- Love (weight 0.03): Love for the game is driven by its role as an OPFOR simulator for evaluating Cold War doctrines and order of battle. The ability to play out simulated real-world scenarios of any size is a key factor. The extreme detail and the fun found in every aspect of the game contribute to this strong positive emotion.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is generated by the game being the most detailed simulation since Harpoon, appealing to grognards. It is described as a must-buy for interested players, with the Chains of War DLC being particularly phenomenal. The game's depth and quality inspire strong positive recommendations.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by the repetitive music and the slow pace of the game, which becomes irritating over time. The music is specifically noted as getting on players' nerves quickly. These elements detract from the overall experience.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is directed at the developer for delisting the game when a new one was released, and for pushing paid content, including ads on the campaign button. The high price combined with limitations and performance issues also fuels this anger.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): This frustration is specifically tied to technical and AI issues, such as game freezes when editing ammunition magazines. AI warships' behavior of maintaining formation instead of engaging or evading is also a source of frustration. Random freezes and lockups add to the problem.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement is derived from the game's complexity, which the reviewer affectionately associates with 'freaks' who enjoy it. The feeling of doing academic work is found amusing, as is the story of accidentally killing a blue whale. These elements provide a lighter perspective on the game.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the game being described as interesting and gratifying, offering a deep understanding of modern warfare. The game's educational value and engaging gameplay keep players interested. It provides a unique learning experience.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is derived from the entertainment value of looking through databases and the engaging gameplay that has monopolized the reviewer's time. The game is seen as a source of enjoyment and a good use of leisure time. The depth of content provides lasting fun.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the game being the most hardcore the reviewer has played, with an incredible database and mathematical detail. The sheer depth of the simulation is impressive. This level of detail creates a sense of wonder.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from inconsistencies in the database, such as the Turkish SOM missile having data while the Chinese GB6 does not. The game is also confusing for non-military experts due to convoluted loadouts. These factors make the game difficult to understand.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for the program's potential and future improvement, particularly regarding Chinese localization. Players see promise in the game and wish for enhancements. This forward-looking perspective is positive.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement is triggered by the game's incredible information and possibilities, along with its depth and detail. The sheer amount of content and the level of simulation are amazing. This creates a strong sense of wonder.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom sets in due to the game's slow pace, which makes it boring quickly. The constant mouse-work required in the click-fest gameplay is not fun. These factors lead to a lack of engagement.}