Info about Steel Division 2:

Official game description:
Check out our new real-time strategy World War III battle simulator
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Digital Deluxe Edition
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About the Game
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**COMMAND YOUR ARMY. FIGHT YOUR BATTLES.**
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Steel Division 2 pushes the limits of the WW2 RTS experience. Set on the Eastern Front in 1944, this sequel of the critically acclaimed Real-Time Tactical game puts you in charge of your entire army during Operation Bagration, the Soviet offensive against Nazi armies in Bielorussia.  
Play as a General in the 1:1-scale turn-based Dynamic Strategic Campaigns, as a Colonel in the epic Real-Time Tactical Battles, as an Weapon Expert in the brand-new Deck Building System.  
With more than 600 units, 25 maps, and multiple game modes, Steel Division 2 lets you play as you want and offers hundreds of hours of gameplay in solo, multiplayer and coop.  
Massive 1:1-Scale Dynamic Strategic Campaigns
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Relive history in the huge single player Dynamic Strategic Campaigns: lead thousands of men on up-to 150x100 km maps, plan your battalion' movements, manage supply and execute your strategy in week-long campaigns in this historically accurate turn-based game mode. Every battalion is the same as it was during the Operation Bagration.  
Pick your side and relive this massive offensive or rewrite the course of events. Decide which battalion will take part into battle, fight every one of them in real-time tactical combat, or use autoresolve for a pure Strategic experience.  
More than just another game mode, the Dynamic Strategic Campaigns are an entire new game within the game.  
Authentic Real-Time Tactical Battles
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Field over 600 extremely detailed units, including the iconic T-34 tank, the Katyusha multiple rocket launcher and the IL-2 ground-attack aircraft! Select your division, pick the units you will send to battle, and build the perfect battlegroups in the brand new deck system, allowing more tactical freedom than ever.  
Fight in the 25 new available battlefields, analyze the terrain and use your tactical skills to give the right order at the right time and dominate your enemy!  
Main features
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*   Brand new turn-based Dynamic Strategic Campaigns  
*   New setting, the Eastern Front, with the mighty Red Army and Axis powers  
*   Over 600 historically accurate units across 18 new divisions  
*   Realistic battlefields spread across 25 different maps  
*   Substantial changes to the Deck building mechanics  
*   New, realistic art direction to deliver a more immersive visual style  
*   Revamped combat offering a more refined tactical experience  
*   Tons of game modes, offline and online, including co-op and massive 10v10 multiplayer battles

Release date: Jun 20, 2019

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Turn-based Strategy, Historical Simulation, Tactical, Unit Management, Multiplayer, Cooperative Multiplayer, Dynamic Campaigns


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


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:
- Exceptional strategic gameplay (weight 0.71): Players consistently praise the game's deep and engaging strategic and tactical gameplay, highlighting its challenging scenarios and rewarding mastery. The blend of real-time and turn-based elements, along with historical accuracy, enhances its appeal to strategy enthusiasts.
- Strong multiplayer community (weight 0.41): The game features a well-designed multiplayer system with competitive and cooperative modes, fostering a dedicated community. Players enjoy the multiplayer experience, especially when playing with friends or in large-scale battles.
- Rewarding learning curve (weight 0.33): While the game has a steep learning curve, players find it rewarding and enjoyable once mastered. The initial effort to understand the mechanics and build divisions pays off in engaging and satisfying gameplay.
- Large-scale immersive battles (weight 0.28): The game excels in delivering large-scale, battalion-level battles with dynamic and evolving battle lines. Players appreciate the massive maps, unit variety, and tactical depth, which create a realistic and immersive warfare experience akin to chess.
- Extensive unit variety (weight 0.24): Players highlight the game's vast array of units, divisions, and customization options, which allow for creative strategies and replayability. The variety of historically accurate units from different nations is particularly praised.
- High historical accuracy (weight 0.2): The game is lauded for its detailed and accurate historical simulation, including authentic units, factions, and scenarios. This attention to detail appeals to history enthusiasts and adds depth to the single-player experience.
- Standout Army General mode (weight 0.17): The Army General mode is frequently highlighted as the best part of the game, offering deep and engaging campaigns with a steep but rewarding learning curve. Players enjoy the cooperative campaigns and strategic depth it provides.
- Flexible and customizable playstyles (weight 0.17): The game offers multiple playstyles, from casual to hardcore, with highly customizable divisions and units. This flexibility allows players to experiment with unconventional strategies and tailor their experience to their preferences.
- Generous DLC and content (weight 0.16): The game's DLCs are praised for adding significant value, including new divisions, units, and campaigns. Players appreciate the generous content updates and the fact that the base game is complete without requiring DLC purchases.
- Good value for money (weight 0.15): The game is frequently described as worth its price, especially when on sale. Players feel they receive a complete and enjoyable experience without unnecessary mechanics like resource farming or base-building.
- Realistic mechanics and depth (weight 0.11): Players appreciate the game's realistic mechanics, such as fog of war, line-of-sight, and direct fire range differences. These features add depth and realism to the gameplay, enhancing the strategic experience.

Common complaints:
- Overpriced and excessive DLCs (weight 0.45): Players criticize the high cost of DLCs, which often contain minimal content and feel like a monetization strategy. The base game is perceived as incomplete without these expansions, leading to frustration over cumulative costs exceeding $200.
- Declining multiplayer population (weight 0.27): The multiplayer community is shrinking, with peak player counts often below 200. This results in long wait times, unbalanced matches, and difficulty finding opponents, making the multiplayer experience frustrating.
- Unrealistic tank mechanics (weight 0.27): Tank combat suffers from unrealistic penetration, armor, and crew behavior, such as 45mm cannons destroying medium tanks or tanks surviving direct hits. This undermines immersion and balance.
- Unpolished unit and combat mechanics (weight 0.26): Units suffer from poor pathfinding, unrealistic visibility, and broken combat mechanics (e.g., tanks targeting infantry instead of armor). This leads to chaotic and frustrating gameplay.
- Poor game balance and updates (weight 0.25): The game exhibits severe balance issues, such as overpowered Axis units or degenerate mechanics (e.g., artillery spam). Developers are accused of neglecting balance in favor of newer projects.
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.23): The game crashes frequently, suffers from poor optimization, and lacks options to adjust game speed. These technical issues disrupt gameplay and immersion.
- AI cheating and incompetence (weight 0.22): The AI in single-player mode is criticized for cheating (e.g., spawning excessive units, pinpoint artillery) and incompetence (e.g., poor pathfinding, babysitting friendly units). This creates an unfair and frustrating experience.
- Repetitive and limited maps (weight 0.22): Campaigns and multiplayer suffer from repetitive maps, often reused or lacking variety (e.g., no snow maps for Eastern Front). This leads to monotony and reduced replayability.
- Broken mods and DLC conflicts (weight 0.1): DLCs and updates frequently break mods, requiring players to own all DLCs to use mods. This frustrates modders and limits customization options.
- Limited historical scope (weight 0.07): The game is locked to late 1944, missing key historical scenarios (e.g., 1945 battles). This limits replayability and historical accuracy, disappointing history-focused players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Detailed Unit Customization and Roles (weight 0.35): Players manage 8 unit categories (e.g., infantry, tanks, artillery) with faction-specific strengths, deck-building mechanics, and historically accurate divisions. Unit interactions and combined arms tactics are critical for success.
- Hybrid RTS/Turn-Based Campaign (weight 0.33): The game blends real-time tactical battles with a turn-based strategic campaign map, similar to the *Total War* series. Players alternate between planning on a strategic layer and executing real-time battles, offering depth for both tactical and operational strategy.
- Multiplayer Skirmish and Co-Op Modes (weight 0.3): Multiplayer features include competitive PvP (1v1 to 10v10) and co-op vs. AI, with modes like skirmish and area control. However, map variety in some modes (e.g., General mode) is limited, impacting replayability.
- WW2 Historical Focus with Niche Appeal (weight 0.22): The game emphasizes historical accuracy in its WW2 setting, targeting strategy fans and wargame enthusiasts. It includes lesser-represented factions and tactical simulations, distinguishing it from mainstream RTS titles.
- Resource and Unit Management Depth (weight 0.19): Players must balance limited resources for unit deployment, deck-building, and division customization. Direct unit control is desired but missing, requiring reliance on tactical positioning and micro-management.
- Complex Artillery and Anti-Tank Mechanics (weight 0.18): Artillery and anti-tank units feature realistic mechanics (e.g., indirect fire, penetration systems) but risk friendly fire. Balancing these units is key to tactical dominance, especially in multiplayer.
- AI Behavior and Tactical Challenges (weight 0.11): AI units exhibit mixed behavior, with strengths in line-of-sight and targeting but weaknesses like cheating or predictable patterns. This affects single-player and skirmish modes, requiring players to adapt tactics.
- Comparisons to *Wargame* and *Total War* Franchises (weight 0.11): The game draws parallels to *Wargame* (tactical depth) and *Total War* (hybrid campaign structure), appealing to fans of those series. However, it carves its niche with WW2 historical focus and phase-based battles.
- Phase-Based Battle Progression (weight 0.11): Battles unfold in phases (A, B, C), limiting initial forces and unlocking stronger units over time. This mechanic encourages strategic planning and adaptability, mirroring historical operational constraints.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.07): Players report consistent crashes, often within minutes of gameplay or during critical moments, leading to desktop returns. This severely disrupts the experience and may indicate stability issues in the game's codebase.
- Poor optimization across hardware (weight 0.06): General optimization problems are widely reported, including high CPU temperatures (90°C+) and inconsistent performance. While some low-end hardware runs well with adjustments, others struggle with rendering (e.g., grass) or thermal throttling.
- Server and connectivity problems (weight 0.06): Frequent issues include server connectivity errors, latency spikes, and desync (players appearing in different game states). These problems disrupt multiplayer experiences and may stem from backend or netcode flaws.
- Intel graphics compatibility issues (weight 0.04): Users with Intel graphics cards experience black screens or missing support, limiting accessibility for players with integrated or older hardware. This suggests a lack of optimization for non-dedicated GPUs.
- Excessive game file size (weight 0.04): The game's large installation size is a recurring complaint, which may deter players with limited storage or slower download speeds. This could reflect unoptimized assets or bloated content.
- Limited graphics customization (weight 0.03): Players express dissatisfaction with the lack of granular graphics settings, restricting their ability to balance visual quality and performance. This is particularly problematic for mid-range hardware users.
- VPN and regional accessibility issues (weight 0.03): Players using VPNs or in specific regions face poor performance or blocked access, suggesting inadequate regional server coverage or anti-VPN measures that hinder legitimate users.
- Underlying code functionality flaws (weight 0.02): Reports of code-related bugs affecting core gameplay mechanics (e.g., crashes, desync) suggest deeper technical debt or rushed development, impacting overall reliability.
- Start-up and loading bugs (weight 0.02): White loading screens and other start-up bugs delay or prevent players from entering the game, indicating unresolved issues in the initialization process or asset loading.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for WW2/RTS fans (weight 0.39): The game is frequently praised as a must-play for fans of WW2 history, realistic military strategy, and deep tactical gameplay. Many reviews highlight its immersive historical accuracy and long-term value for enthusiasts.
- Prefer competing WW2 RTS games (weight 0.18): Some players recommend alternatives like *Company of Heroes 2*, *Steel Division 2*, or *WARNO* due to perceived superior balance, mechanics, or developer support.
- Conditional or discounted purchase advised (weight 0.16): Several reviews recommend buying the game only during sales or with discounts due to its flaws, DLC practices, or balance issues. Some suggest avoiding full-price purchases altogether.
- Not recommended for new players (weight 0.14): The game is criticized for its steep learning curve, AI issues, and lack of accessibility for newcomers. Many advise researching or watching tutorials before purchasing.
- Better with friends or community (weight 0.1): The multiplayer experience is enhanced when playing with friends or coordinated groups. Solo play is often described as less enjoyable due to AI limitations or balance issues.
- DLC and monetization concerns (weight 0.1): Reviews express frustration with the game's DLC model, including high pricing, dead lobbies, and pressure to buy expansions. Some suggest using free unlocks or avoiding DLC entirely.
- Developer behavior concerns (weight 0.09): Some reviews criticize the developers for arbitrary design choices, balance issues, or monetization practices, leading to recommendations against supporting the game.
- Desire for expanded content (weight 0.08): Players request new campaigns (e.g., Western Front, Italy), larger maps, naval systems, and urban combat. Some suggest DLC packs or sequels to address these gaps.
- Criticism of AI and PVE experience (weight 0.06): The AI is frequently cited as cheating or poorly designed, making single-player or PVE modes frustrating. Reviews suggest improvements like sandbox modes or AI-controlled campaigns.
- Tactical depth over spawn-rushing (weight 0.02): The game is praised for rewarding strategic, methodical playstyles while discouraging exploitative tactics like spawn-rushing. This appeals to hardcore strategy fans.

Other player notes:
- Desire for sequel (SD3) grows (weight 0.04): Many players express a strong desire for a new game in the series (Steel Division 3), citing the game's aging content and lack of major updates as reasons for anticipation.
- High playtime commitment (weight 0.02): A notable number of players report extensive playtime (e.g., 4,000+ hours), reflecting deep engagement and long-term investment in the game.
- Tactical advice for beginners (weight 0.02): Experienced players share tactical tips, such as leveraging unit voice lines and movement mechanics, to help newcomers improve their gameplay.
- Community behavior criticized (weight 0.02): Some players mention negative community behavior, particularly referencing 'Wehraboos' (overly nationalistic or historically revisionist players) as a detractor from the experience.
- Pirated game initially (weight 0.02): A subset of players admitted to pirating the game before purchasing it, suggesting initial hesitation about its value or accessibility.
- Game received as gift (weight 0.02): Some players mention receiving the game as a gift, which may indicate word-of-mouth popularity or marketing strategies targeting gift-givers.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.35): Players experience frustration primarily due to technical and gameplay issues, including AI cheating, repetitive maps, and broken multiplayer functionality. Performance problems like crashes, login errors, and unbalanced DLC mechanics (e.g., pay-to-win) exacerbate the negative experience, making the game feel unplayable or unfair.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Disappointment stems from unmet expectations regarding gameplay depth, content variety, and value for money. Players criticize the lack of single-player content, poor AI performance, and excessive DLC pricing, which locks essential features behind paywalls. The game's stagnation, lack of updates, and historical inaccuracies further contribute to this sentiment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players express satisfaction with the game's strategic depth, unit variety, and immersive solo/PvE experiences. The tactical gameplay, rewarding learning curve, and improvements over previous titles (e.g., UI, unit design) are frequently praised, especially when the game meets personal preferences for pace and style.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is driven by the game's engaging combat scenarios, historical depth, and innovative mechanics like the card deck system and Army General mode. Players highlight the addictive gameplay, unit variety, and the thrill of mastering strategic planning, which offers a high skill ceiling and replayability.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Enjoyment arises from the game's historical accuracy, dynamic campaigns, and satisfying multiplayer experiences. Players appreciate the tactical depth, cooperative gameplay with friends, and the freedom to customize armies, which creates a fun and immersive experience despite initial learning curves.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's long-term replayability, unique WW2 setting, and strategic complexity. Players praise its depth, realistic mechanics, and multiplayer modes, often describing it as an 'incredible experience' for strategy lovers and a standout in the RTS genre.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is directed at perceived developer greed, such as reselling cut content as DLC, poor PvE experiences, and unfair balance changes. Players feel cheated by enforced historical outcomes in campaigns and the prioritization of PvP over core gameplay, leading to frustration with the game's direction.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is expressed for the game's attention to detail, historical fidelity, and overall quality. Players regard it as the best in its genre, praising its depth, realistic mechanics, and the developer's effort in creating a definitive WW2 strategy experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's depth, historical accuracy, and community support. Constant updates, unit customization, and the game's ability to fill a unique niche in the RTS market are frequently highlighted as reasons for gratitude.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by comparisons to classic WW2 strategy games (e.g., PanzerGeneral) and personal histories with the developer's previous titles. Players reflect on past experiences, such as board games or long hours spent enjoying the franchise, creating a sentimental connection.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from quirky or unintended gameplay moments, such as using mortar squads as frontline infantry or humorous AI behavior. Players also find humor in unrealistic mechanics, like Soviet tanks outperforming German ones, or the game's default soundtrack.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is tied to anticipation for future content, such as new campaigns, divisions, or a sequel. Players express optimism for continued developer support, community-driven learning resources, and the potential for the game to evolve over time.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is directed toward ongoing developer support, responsiveness to community feedback, and the game's overall quality. Players appreciate updates, the gift of the game, and the effort put into maintaining its depth and variety.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game stems from its strategic depth, customization options, and personal connection to its gameplay. Despite flaws, players describe it as one of their favorites, praising its ability to deliver a unique and engaging experience.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is driven by excitement for upcoming content, such as new divisions or campaigns, and the expectation of mastering the game over time. Players look forward to long-term engagement and the potential for future updates.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness arises from the decline of the game's online community, lack of developer support, and missed opportunities to experience the game earlier. Players lament the game's stagnation and the loss of its once-thriving multiplayer scene.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Approval is given for the game's strategic depth, unit variety, and lack of reflex-based mechanics. Players trust the developers and enjoy the gameplay, often recommending it to others who appreciate thoughtful strategy experiences.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the scale and intensity of battles, realistic dynamic battlefields, and the visual quality of units. Players are impressed by the game's ability to simulate large-scale warfare with attention to detail and immersion.
- Recommendation (weight 0.01): Recommendations are based on the game's enjoyable strategic depth, unit variety, and overall quality. Players suggest specific DLCs or highlight the game's potential to deliver a rewarding experience after overcoming its initial difficulty.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the game's unique focus on lesser-explored aspects of WW2, such as the roles of Hungary, Romania, and Italy. Players are drawn to its historical depth, asymmetrical warfare, and the promise of a fresh perspective on the genre.}