Info about Ukrainian Warfare: Gostomel Heroes:

Official game description:
 **The planet is full of wars—it’s a painful topic for everyone. After all, the world is structured in such a way that every day, we see the consequences of even distant conflicts. We see them on TV as news, we see them nearby as refugees.**
 **Modern games are not just entertainment—they are another form of media, another way to convey information, often even more effectively than the most detailed analytical articles or news segments. We want to use this medium to show what happened in Ukraine at the beginning of this war, when it was supposed to end in a matter of days but instead turned into a years-long slaughter.**
 **Ukraine has been covered in reports and documentary films. But we want to tell this story through the lens of a game. And don’t let the word 'game' mislead you. This is not a documentary, but it portrays the events of the first days of this war with full seriousness—from the moment of the brilliant Russian airborne assault on the outskirts of Kiev, to the time when the war seemed poised to end with the signing of a draft peace agreement in Istanbul in March 2022.**
**Gostomel Heroes is:**
·       A **real-time strategy game** with a high degree of realism.
·       The game does **not** use "health bars" for vehicles. Damage is calculated **module by module**, factoring in armor protection and the power of incoming fire. Damage affects the functionality of each module.
·       An **advanced cover system** that drastically improves infantry survivability on the battlefield, adding tactical depth to flanking maneuvers.
·       The game simulates **soldiers' physical and moral condition**—their behavior on the battlefield and combat effectiveness depend on these factors. Troops must be withdrawn for resupply and rest.
·       **Realistic war logistics**: Equipment and ammunition require replenishment. Units cut off from supply lines risk annihilation.
·       A **high-quality physics-based destruction system** for buildings and objects (beyond just visuals, this heavily impacts mission tactics, especially in urban combat).
·       **Persistent squads and vehicles** that carry over between missions.
·       **Experience progression**: Soldiers and crews gain experience, improving their effectiveness over time.
·       **Player choice in unit selection**: You decide which squads and vehicles advance to the next mission.
·       **Between-mission customization**: Equip and reward soldiers, change infantry weapons.
·       **Capture and use enemy equipment**.
·      **Diverse tactical options**: Smoke screens, airstrikes, artillery support, building assaults, reconnaissance drones, and large UAVs. The game realistically replicates military tactics from the first half of 2022
_Witness the Untold Story of 2022 Through the Eyes of Those Who Fought!_

Release date: Mar 31, 2026

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Tactical Combat, Unit Management, Character Progression, Resource Management, Realistic Simulation, Single-player Story

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The limited Linux-specific feedback presents a mixed picture. One user reports a consistent crash on difficulty selection, potentially tied to Linux, while another confirms the game runs well on Linux after following a pinned setup guide for Wine and Proton. The requirement for a dedicated setup guide indicates that tinkering is needed, but the game is not universally broken or unsupported.
- Steam Deck: score 85; verdict: Broken; summary: The game exhibits severe stability issues, including frequent crashes on save/load and new game start, save corruption, and performance problems like frame drops. Linux/Steam Deck compatibility is poor, requiring manual setup and still risking crashes. Overall, the experience is broken for many users.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance is largely negative across lower and mid-range VRAM cohorts due to optimization issues, crashes, and low FPS, while the highest VRAM cohort reports smooth performance.
  - Sample size: 373 (19% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (negative, 100 reports): Users report frequent crashes, long load times, and low FPS despite recommending the game, with optimization issues dominating.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (negative, 87 reports): Users report optimization problems and crashes after updates, leading to unstable performance.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 79 reports): Users report poor optimization, single-core CPU usage, and frequent frame drops below 30 FPS.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (negative, 76 reports): Users report serious optimization issues, single-core bottlenecks, and FPS drops, though a few find it playable.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 19 reports): Users report excellent performance with no crashes on high-end hardware.
  - Caveats: 373 of 1938 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment is mixed. Positive reviews highlight that the game offers good value at its current price, with some even describing it as cheap and worth more than the price. Negative reviews claim it is not worth the money, likely due to content limitations such as a linear campaign or being a re-skin. Considering the current base price of $14.99, a fair range appears to be between $10 and $15, as the game is generally seen as reasonably priced but not without criticism.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 15.0h
  - Story completion: 7.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Game completion is supported by multiple explicit reports: 16 hours on Hard, 26 hours on Ironman, and 8.6 hours (translated from Chinese), indicating a typical playthrough around 15 hours. Story completion is directly stated as a 7-hour campaign in one review, though this may represent a faster playthrough. Session length is supported by the 1-3 hour per mission estimate and the 3.4 hours spent on the first mission. No endgame content is mentioned, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts with a steep learning curve and lengthy tutorial/loading screens, but once players master the mechanics it becomes addictive and engaging.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Getting the hang of the mechanics
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: long loading screens; tutorial missions taking over an hour; steep learning curve; tedious planning due to unpredictable enemy spawns; overbearing propaganda
  - Unlock drivers: getting the hang of the mechanics; persisting through the early missions; learning the game's systems
  - Conditions: if you don't play on realistic or hard difficulties; if you can tolerate the propaganda; if you get past the tutorial; if you enjoy the pacing
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore Realistic RTS Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Realistic tactical challenge and persistent unit progression across missions.
    - Playstyle: Methodical, uses pause and careful micro, invests in veteran squads and custom loadouts.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Syrian Warfare Veteran; RTS enjoyers
    - Reference games: Syrian Warfare; Blitzkrieg; Sudden Strike
  - Frustrated Tactics Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Desire for genuine strategic depth and fair, counterable challenges rather than scripted difficulty.
    - Playstyle: Attempts to use tactical maneuvers but is blocked by rigid scripting, poor controls, and stat-heavy enemy compositions.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Content and Replayability Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Replayability through multiplayer, skirmish, modding, and additional missions.
    - Playstyle: Seeks to extend play beyond the campaign, wants PvP or co-op modes and community content.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Political and Ethical Objector (no buy)
    - Motivation: Ethical stance against perceived propaganda and desire for neutral, truthful war representation.
    - Playstyle: Engages with the game but ultimately rejects it on political/moral grounds, often seeking alternative titles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Terminator Dark Fate: Defiance


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:
- Game is enjoyable overall (weight 0.27): Players consistently describe the game as fun, engaging, and well-made, with positive emotions and addictive gameplay. The game is praised for being both challenging and satisfying.
- Excellent RTS gameplay (weight 0.12): The game is highly regarded as a top-tier real-time strategy title, with a solid formula and mechanics that appeal to both beginners and veterans. It is considered one of the best in its genre.
- High-quality graphics (weight 0.11): Reviewers frequently compliment the game's visual presentation, noting that the graphics are detailed, beautiful, and a significant improvement over previous titles. The visual quality enhances the overall experience.
- Improvement over previous title (weight 0.08): The game is seen as a clear improvement over its predecessor, with better gameplay, GUI, and reduced jankiness. Players appreciate the refinements made in this installment.
- Strong story and gameplay (weight 0.08): The game features a solid, engaging story that complements its good gameplay, keeping players invested throughout. The narrative is well-developed and interesting.
- Engaging and challenging missions (weight 0.07): The missions are described as interesting, fun, and offering a variety of challenges that remain engaging even on medium difficulty. Each mission presents unique situations that keep players invested.
- Great value for money (weight 0.07): Players feel the game is worth its price, with many calling it a masterpiece and a solid purchase. The overall quality and enjoyment justify the cost for most reviewers.
- Outstanding voice acting (weight 0.05): The voice acting is consistently praised for being excellent and bringing the game to life, with top-notch style and delivery. This contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere.
- Emotionally impactful ending (weight 0.05): The ending is described as touching and emotionally powerful, with several players reporting that it made them cry. The final scenes effectively evoke the intended emotions.
- Game is a masterpiece (weight 0.05): Some players describe the game as absolutely wonderful, epic, and a masterpiece, giving it a perfect 10/10 rating. This reflects an exceptionally high level of satisfaction.
- Well-developed game mechanics (weight 0.04): The main mechanics are well-designed and pleasing, contributing to a high-quality gaming experience. Players find the mechanics to be thoughtful and engaging.
- Excellent vehicle models (weight 0.04): The vehicle models are highly detailed and diverse, with players praising their quality and variety. This aspect adds to the game's visual and mechanical appeal.
- Tactical and complex gameplay (weight 0.04): The game is described as intense, tactical, and engaging, with thoughtful gameplay that appeals to strategy enthusiasts. The complexity is seen as a positive feature.
- Dynamic and varied battles (weight 0.04): Battles are dynamic and offer many options for conducting them, creating an engaging and immersive combat experience. Players appreciate the variety and intensity.
- Enjoyable squad customization (weight 0.04): The squad customization system is praised for being interesting, cool, and unobtrusive, allowing players to tailor their loadouts effectively. This feature enhances the pre-mission experience.
- Immersive sound design (weight 0.04): The sound design, including explosions, gunfire, and radio chatter, is immersive and engaging, significantly enhancing the game's atmosphere. Players find the audio to be of high quality.

Common complaints:
- Campaign too short (weight 0.23): Players consistently report the game is too short, with only 6 missions and a playtime of 7-10 hours. The lack of content and abrupt ending left many disappointed.
- Pathfinding and AI bugs (weight 0.15): Numerous reports describe poor AI pathfinding, with units getting stuck on fences, in buildings, or running in circles. Soldiers also get stuck in terrain objects, and allied AI behaves stupidly, missing shots at close range.
- Crashes and save issues (weight 0.1): The game frequently crashes, including blue screens, crashes on mission start, and crashes when loading saves. Save loading is unreliable, with only autosaves working after a crash, making the game practically unplayable for some.
- Heavy propaganda narrative (weight 0.09): Players criticize the story as blatant Russian propaganda, with preachy speeches about Russian superiority and revisionist history. The propaganda is present even in small details, detracting from the experience.
- Worse than Syrian Warfare (weight 0.07): Many players compare this game unfavorably to the previous title, Syrian Warfare, citing worse gameplay, story, perspective, and overall experience. The game also has more bugs and less variety than its predecessor.
- High difficulty frustration (weight 0.06): The game is considered difficult and frustratingly challenging in several places, especially at the start. The battlefield difficulty can be overwhelming, making progress feel unfair.
- Poor optimization (weight 0.06): The game suffers from poor optimization, with performance issues that affect gameplay. Players note that optimization is lacking and needs improvement.
- Stupid AI behavior (weight 0.06): Both allied and enemy AI are described as brain dead or idiotic, with soldiers missing at close range and making poor decisions. This undermines the tactical experience.
- No vehicle customization (weight 0.04): Players report a complete lack of vehicle customization options. This limits strategic depth and personalization, which was expected by the community.
- Captured vehicles not persistent (weight 0.04): Captured enemy vehicles and artillery cannot be used in subsequent missions, as they are not saved between missions. This removes a key reward for capturing enemy equipment.
- Long loading times (weight 0.04): Loading times are excessively long, especially at the start of missions and when returning to the main menu. This disrupts the flow of the game and adds unnecessary waiting.
- No multiplayer or co-op (weight 0.04): The game lacks any multiplayer or co-op mode, which is a significant omission for a strategy game. Players expected at least a basic multiplayer component.
- No aviation support (weight 0.03): Players cannot use helicopters or fixed-wing air support, which is a notable absence in a modern warfare setting. This limits tactical options and reduces variety.

Gameplay feedback:
- Real-time strategy genre (weight 0.19): The game is consistently described as a real-time strategy (RTS) title, often with tactical elements and a modern setting. It is compared to games like Sudden Strike and Warfare series.
- Vehicle capture mechanics (weight 0.12): The game allows capturing and repairing enemy vehicles, including tanks and BTRs. Captured vehicles can be used in subsequent missions, adding strategic depth.
- Squad upgrade system (weight 0.11): Units can be upgraded and customized with equipment and weapons. This system allows players to tailor their squads to their preferred playstyle.
- Realistic difficulty settings (weight 0.11): Players mention multiple difficulty levels, including a realistic mode where the player is heavily outnumbered. The game is challenging even on medium difficulty, with a 'heavy' difficulty option.
- Campaign with long missions (weight 0.07): The game features a campaign mode consisting of six very long missions. The missions are diverse and form the core of the single-player experience.
- Unit progression and customization (weight 0.07): Players can customize units with various weapons and equipment, and there is a progression system for units. This allows for a personalized army composition.
- Complex tactical strategy (weight 0.06): The game is described as a complex, hardcore military tactical strategy that requires careful thinking. It emphasizes tactical decision-making over arcade action.
- Morale and suppression systems (weight 0.06): The game includes morale, fatigue, and suppression mechanics. Low morale can make units unable to act or even flee, adding a layer of realism to combat.
- Iron Man mode (weight 0.06): An Iron Man mode is available, which is very difficult and frustrating due to the lack of saves. This mode is designed for players seeking a hardcore challenge.
- Similar to Syrian Warfare (weight 0.06): The gameplay is very similar to Syrian Warfare, and the game is considered a sequel or optimization of that title. This comparison helps set player expectations.
- Cover system options (weight 0.05): The game features a cover system with more options than typical RTS games. Buildings and other structures provide cover, affecting tactical positioning.
- Infantry importance (weight 0.05): Infantry plays a crucial role, with mechanics like morale and active abilities. The game allows for army customization, emphasizing infantry development.
- Modern warfare setting (weight 0.05): The game is set in modern warfare, where the player commands a company-sized force. It focuses on tactical combat in a contemporary conflict.
- Squad mechanics (weight 0.04): The game features various squads with progression mechanics. Squad management is a key part of the gameplay.
- Based on real events (weight 0.04): The story is largely based on real historical events, adding authenticity to the narrative. This is a notable feature for players interested in historical accuracy.
- Modular vehicle damage (weight 0.04): Vehicles have a modular damage system where projectiles hit specific components. This adds realism and strategic depth to vehicle combat.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.18): Multiple players report the game crashing occasionally, frequently, or constantly, sometimes despite good hardware. Crashes occur during missions, between missions, after updates, and even at the main menu.
- Long loading times (weight 0.16): Loading times are frequently criticized as extremely long, even on fast SSDs and M.2 drives. This affects mission starts, quick loads, save loads, and returning to the main menu.
- Poor game optimization (weight 0.15): Many reviewers note that the game is poorly optimized, with weak technical performance, freezes, and low frame rates on various hardware. The engine seems to struggle with demanding scenes and high unit counts.
- Slow shader compilation (weight 0.06): Shader compilation on first launch and during gameplay is reported as slow and time-consuming, with some players noting it takes several minutes. This adds to the overall loading burden.
- Mixed performance reports (weight 0.05): While many complain about performance, some players report the game runs smoothly with no crashes or bugs. This suggests performance may vary significantly based on hardware and settings.
- Performance degrades over time (weight 0.04): Some players experience increasing lag and stuttering after playing for a while, eventually making the game unplayable. This suggests potential memory leaks or resource management issues.
- Freezes during loading (weight 0.04): The game can freeze during reloads, loads, and unpausing, sometimes leading to crashes or hangs. This disrupts gameplay and can force restarts.
- High system resource usage (weight 0.04): The game is very demanding on CPU, VRAM, and memory, with high usage even on low settings. This can cause overheating and system instability on some PCs.
- Graphics and visual bugs (weight 0.03): Players report various graphical issues, including shadow artifacts, lighting flicker, and texture artifacts on certain GPUs. These bugs detract from the visual experience.
- Frame rate drops in combat (weight 0.03): FPS drops to 30 or 20 during many effects and when many units are on screen, impacting gameplay fluidity in intense moments.
- Missing upscaling options (weight 0.02): The game lacks DLSS and FSR support, which could help improve performance on lower-end hardware. Players must rely on manual settings like Vsync or frame limits.
- Main menu performance (weight 0.02): The main menu can load longer than missions and heat the computer more, indicating inefficient resource usage even in non-gameplay areas.
- Game fails to launch (weight 0.01): A few players report the game does not launch on high-end PCs, which is a critical issue that prevents gameplay entirely.
- Large save files (weight 0.01): Save files can be up to 5 GB and are stored on the system drive, which can cause storage issues and slow down save/load operations.
- Camera control issues (weight 0.01): One player reports that camera control via mouse periodically stops working after alt-tab or shift-tab, requiring a restart to fix.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for strategy fans (weight 0.19): The game is highly recommended for lovers of strategy and tactical games, including both veterans and newcomers to the genre. It appeals to fans of real-time strategy and tactics.
- Game recommended overall (weight 0.15): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game, with some buying it without hesitation. The overall verdict is positive, encouraging purchase.
- Recommended for Syrian Warfare fans (weight 0.07): Reviewers who enjoyed the previous Syrian Warfare game recommend this title to similar audiences. It offers a comparable experience for fans of the developer's earlier work.
- Not recommended currently (weight 0.07): Some reviewers cannot recommend the game at this time due to bugs or unfinished state. They advise waiting for fixes or future updates before purchasing.
- Recommended for military history buffs (weight 0.06): The game is recommended for enthusiasts of modern military history, especially those interested in the events of 2022. It provides a firsthand look at contemporary conflicts.
- Difficulty modes recommended (weight 0.05): Reviewers recommend playing on specific difficulty settings, such as Ironman or realistic, for maximum immersion. They suggest medium difficulty for first-time players.
- Worth the price (weight 0.05): Several reviewers state the game is definitely worth the player's time and money. They consider it a good value for the experience provided.
- Alternative games suggested (weight 0.04): Some reviewers recommend playing other games like Syrian Warfare, Terminator, or Behind Enemy Lines instead. They suggest these as better alternatives in the same genre.
- Recommended for emotional experience (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for those seeking strong emotions and a serious challenge. It appeals to players who want an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
- Propaganda concerns (weight 0.04): Some reviewers criticize the game for its Russian-biased view of events, calling it propaganda. They do not recommend it to those who dislike such a perspective.
- Wait for fixes or discount (weight 0.03): Several reviewers advise waiting for the game to be fixed or discounted before purchasing. They recommend trying the demo or waiting for a sale.
- Mixed opinions on politics (weight 0.03): Some reviewers appreciate the game's honest portrayal of the Russian army, while others are put off by the political bias. This division affects recommendations.
- English translation needed (weight 0.02): Some reviewers mention the game is in English and suggest waiting for an upcoming update or using mods for better immersion. This indicates a language barrier for some players.
- AI needs fixing (weight 0.01): A reviewer suggests fixing the AI to improve gameplay. The current AI may have rough edges that detract from the experience.
- Optimization and DLSS needed (weight 0.01): One reviewer suggests adding DLSS and improving optimization to enhance performance. This could address technical issues players may encounter.
- Mission design unfair (weight 0.01): A reviewer suggests changing mission design to avoid unfair deaths from fog of war. This indicates a need for better balance in mission difficulty.
- Music quality criticized (weight 0.01): One reviewer suggests hiring a better composer, implying the current soundtrack is lacking. This is a minor but notable point of feedback.
- Co-op mode suggested (weight 0.01): A reviewer suggests the game would be well-suited for co-op play. This feature could enhance the multiplayer experience.

Other player notes:
- Frequent comparisons to Syrian Warfare (weight 0.25): Players frequently compare this game to the developer's previous title, Syrian Warfare, with many noting it as a modernized or improved version, while others feel the gameplay or story is worse. This comparison is the most common theme in the feedback.
- Improvement over previous titles (weight 0.09): Many reviewers note that the game is a significant step up from the developer's earlier games, with improvements in AI, physics, graphics, and controls. This is seen as a positive evolution of the series.
- Comparisons to other RTS games (weight 0.08): The game is often compared to other real-time strategy titles like Company of Heroes, with mixed opinions on whether it is better or worse. These comparisons help players contextualize the game's mechanics and quality.
- Anticipation for future DLC (weight 0.07): Many reviewers express excitement for upcoming DLC, hoping for new vehicles, maps, and additional missions. They indicate a willingness to purchase more content for the game.
- Developer identity noted (weight 0.07): Players identify the developer as 'Cats Who Play' or similar variations, and often reference the studio's previous work when discussing the game. This suggests the developer's reputation is a key point of discussion.
- Accusations of propaganda (weight 0.07): Some reviewers label the game's story as propaganda, while others defend it by noting that all countries produce propaganda and it fits the game's narrative. This is a controversial aspect of the game.
- Russian perspective and origin (weight 0.06): Reviewers highlight that the game is from a Russian developer and presents the story from the Russian perspective, focusing on Russian soldiers and events. This is a defining characteristic of the game's narrative.
- Desire for specific battle content (weight 0.05): Players express a wish for future content featuring large battles like Mariupol, Bakhmut, or Donbas militia campaigns. They want the series to continue with these historically significant events.
- Hopes for a sequel (weight 0.04): Several players express a strong desire for a sequel or continuation of the series, hoping for a new game at an even higher quality level. They want the story and gameplay to be expanded further.
- Praise for developers (weight 0.04): Some reviewers directly praise the developers, thanking them for their work and wishing them success. They hope for a continuation of the series and show appreciation for the game's creation.
- Unique subject matter (weight 0.04): The game is noted as the only good RTS game about the special military operation, making it a unique title in the genre. This gives it a special appeal to players interested in this topic.
- Short game length (weight 0.04): Players report that the game is shorter than expected, with some completing it in an evening or half a day. This is a common criticism of the game's content volume.
- Limited mission count (weight 0.04): The game features only 6 missions, with an average playtime of 7 to 12 hours. Reviewers note the small number of missions as a limitation of the game.
- Variable completion time (weight 0.03): Players report varying completion times, ranging from about 10 hours to 15-20 hours. This suggests the game's length can differ significantly depending on play style.
- Comparison to Broken Arrow (weight 0.03): Some reviewers compare the game to Broken Arrow, with opinions that it easily beats it in terms of mechanics and balance. This comparison highlights the game's strengths in the RTS genre.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.29): Players are frustrated by frequent crashes, broken saves, and poor optimization that interrupt progress and force reloads. The AI is widely criticized for pathfinding bugs, units getting stuck, and illogical behavior, while combat balance issues like inaccurate weapons, overpowered enemy ATGMs, and unfair mission design on realistic difficulty add to the frustration. The lack of reliable saving, long loading times, and technical instability compound the overall negative experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Players are disappointed by the short campaign with only six missions and limited content, which ends abruptly and offers little replay value. The game is seen as a step down from previous titles in terms of AI, customization, and tactical depth, and is criticized for its pro-Russian propaganda and lack of vehicle customization. Technical issues like crashes and poor optimization further diminish the experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.11): Players enjoy the dynamic infantry combat, engaging missions, and the authentic atmosphere of the 2022 battle for Kyiv. The game's mechanics, such as squad customization, morale system, and vehicle combat, are praised for being fun and challenging. The campaign is described as tense and well-paced, with a fresh perspective that appeals to strategy and military history enthusiasts.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players are satisfied with the improved squad control, well-developed mechanics, and the sense of achievement from completing challenging missions, especially on ironman mode. The game is praised for its realism, detailed vehicle models, and the progression system that makes players care about their soldiers. The overall experience is considered well-made, with good graphics, voice acting, and a compelling story that justifies the price.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players are excited about the game's intense and engaging battles, which keep them on edge and provide a dynamic experience. The fresh perspective on a current conflict and the anticipation for future DLCs and sequels contribute to the excitement. The game is seen as a significant evolution from previous titles, with improved AI and mechanics that players are eager to explore further.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's historical accuracy, good map design, and the effort put into cutscenes, voice acting, and graphics. The story is praised for being well-told and addressing modern problems, with a refreshing perspective that resonates with players. The game is seen as a solid and well-made title that respects its subject matter.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the game for its historical accuracy, attention to detail, and the way it conveys the reality of combat and the price of soldiers' lives. The game is considered a masterpiece from a trusted developer, with excellent graphics, thoughtful gameplay, and a non-clichéd, truthful story. The dedication to portraying heroic events without censorship is highly praised.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Players find amusement in the game's absurd bugs, such as chain reaction explosions and VDV squads lacking drivers, which lead to comical situations. The pervasive propaganda is so over-the-top that it becomes unintentional comedy, and the game's politically incorrect humor and entertaining voice lines add to the amusement. The irony of the boycott campaign increasing the game's popularity is also noted.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Players are anticipating future content, including DLCs, sequels, and multiplayer modes, and are excited about the potential for new locations and features. The official release of the story mode and the promise of future updates keep players looking forward to what the developers will deliver next. The anticipation is fueled by the game's strong foundation and the desire for more of the same experience.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Players are grateful to the developers for creating a game that tells the story of real events and provides a high-quality experience. The intermission videos, the ability to equip fighters, and the overall game quality are appreciated. Players thank the developers for their effort and for preserving the vision's integrity.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by the game's 'miracle fences' that cause units to get stuck, and by the poor AI that leads to inexplicable deaths and ineffective allies. The inability to rebind controls, lack of autosaves, and slow loading times add to the annoyance. Scripted deaths and turrets that take forever to aim and miss are also sources of frustration.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angered by the AI appearing to cheat, with enemies never missing while friendly units are ineffective, and by friendly fire incidents that wipe out squads. The game's balance issues and the motorized commander's inaction, which blames the player for failures, are also sources of anger. The refusal to play with war criminals and the game's propaganda angle further fuel negative emotions.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players feel sadness due to the game's tragic and realistic ending, which is emotionally impactful and can bring tears. The inability to evacuate wounded squads without losing them adds to the sadness, as does the destruction of the An-225 'Dream' aircraft. The game's story and events are generally sad, leaving a lasting emotional impression.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's quality and the fact that it is a pro-Russian patriotic game about the special military operation, which is a first in their experience. The trophy system and the strong range limitations on weapons are also unexpected. The abrupt and striking ending, as well as the developers' pleasant surprise, contribute to the overall surprise.
- Tension (weight 0.01): Players experience tension due to the game's constant pressure, especially in the last mission, where enemies come from every house with ATGMs and grenade launchers. The unforgiving nature of ATGMs and the dynamic, changing gameplay conditions keep players on edge. The soundtrack effectively builds tension, enhancing the overall stressful atmosphere.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game for its well-executed urban warfare mechanics and engaging gameplay that is enjoyable from the start. The game's theme and mechanics, including the inclusion of stories like journalists at Gostomel, are particularly loved. The overall experience is so positive that players plan to replay it.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Players approve of the game's quality, which successfully combines strategy, historical relevance, and variety. The selectable weapons and simplified cover selection are approved, and the upgrade mechanism is seen as creative and a major feature. The game is described as an excellent tactical strategy in the spirit of old games from the developers.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players hope that the crashes and optimization issues will be fixed, and that co-op will be added as in previous titles. The game's good idea and potential for more content give hope for future expansions and events regarding the war in Ukraine. Players also hope that the developers are working on something for the future.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Players are interested in the combination of RTS mechanics and the unique perspective, as well as the pre-mission videos and the ability to carry groups and call signs through the story. The game's story, based on historical events, sparks interest and keeps players engaged.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Players like the game because it resembles Terminator and offers customization options with realistic unit type limits. The modern-themed RTS setting, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, appeals to players who enjoy such games. The overall experience is enjoyable, reinforcing the liking.}