Elements of War is a modern real-time strategy game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in the aftermath of a global catastrophe caused by the United States military's use of advanced natural force-based weapons, the game paints a grim picture of a destroyed Washington and a buried government.
The game's storyline revolves around the European coalition of military forces, who are tasked with investigating and neutralizing the source of this catastrophic event. As players navigate through the devastated landscapes, they must confront not only the devastation caused by the man-made disasters but also the remnants of the USA military.
One of the standout features of Elements of War is its ability to create a nostalgic feel for fans of classic strategy games. The gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of beloved RTS titles from the past, with base-building, resource management, and tactical combat at the forefront. This tribute to gaming's roots is sure to resonate with seasoned gamers who have a soft spot for retro gameplay.
However, despite its homage to traditional strategy games, Elements of War falls short in many respects, leading to a disappointing overall experience. The graphics, while serviceable, lack the polish and visual appeal that modern gamers have come to expect. The controls can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the gameplay.
Furthermore, the game's AI is often simplistic and predictable, making the battles feel repetitive and lacking in challenge. The campaign lacks depth and fails to provide a captivating narrative to drive the player's motivation. This lack of compelling storytelling ultimately hampers the game's ability to engage the player on a deeper level.
In terms of technical performance, Elements of War suffers from various bugs and glitches that detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. These issues range from inconsistent frame rates to crashes, and they significantly impact the stability and smoothness of gameplay.
Despite its attempts to capture the essence of classic strategy games, Elements of War ultimately falls short of delivering a truly satisfying gaming experience. While it may appeal to nostalgic gamers who long for the glory days of the genre, the lack of polish, depth, and technical performance issues hinder its potential as a standout title in the RTS genre. With a rating of 2.5 out of 10, Elements of War fails to live up to the expectations set forth by its premise and potential.