Cold War Conflicts is a real-time strategy game that takes players back to the historical period of the Cold War era, spanning from 1950 to 1973. With four campaigns available, players have the chance to take control of the military forces of eight different nations, including the USA, Israel, Egypt, North Korea, Great Britain/UNO, Syria, USSR, and China.
One notable feature of the game is the non-linear campaigns, which adds an intriguing element of unpredictability. The outcome of missions in certain campaigns will directly impact the starting point and strength of your military forces in subsequent missions. This adds a layer of strategic complexity and replayability, as success or failure in one mission can drastically alter the course of the campaign.
The Israeli campaign immerses players in the intense conflict of the Arab-Israeli war of 1956, with the primary factions being Israel and Egypt. The Egyptian campaign, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into the third Arab-Israeli war of 1973, featuring the involvement of Israel, Egypt, Syria, and the USSR. The North Korean campaign delves into the first part of the Korean War in the 1950s, with North Korea, USA, Great Britain (UNO), China, and the USSR as the key combatants. Lastly, the American campaign takes players through the second part of the Korean War, once again involving the same array of combatants as the North Korean campaign.
While Cold War Conflicts may have a historical appeal and attempts to provide players with the opportunity to engage in strategic decision-making during important moments in history, it falls short on several fronts. The gameplay lacks the depth and refinement seen in other real-time strategy games of its time, and the overall execution feels lackluster. The graphics and user interface are dated, with little to no improvements made to enhance the visual experience. The AI, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired, often making questionable decisions that undermine the game's strategic potential.
Despite these drawbacks, Cold War Conflicts does offer a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic real-time strategy games from the past. For dedicated retro gaming enthusiasts looking to explore the historical conflicts of the Cold War era, this game may scratch that itch. However, for players seeking a more polished and immersive gaming experience, it may be best to look elsewhere.
With a rating of 3.5/10, Cold War Conflicts falls short of its potential. As a retro gaming journalist, I appreciate the attempt to capture the essence of the Cold War period, but I can't help but feel that the execution falls flat. While the game may bring back fond memories for some, its lack of refinement and subpar gameplay make it difficult to recommend to a wider audience.
