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| | Title:
DEFCON
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System:
PC
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Genre:
Simulation
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Publisher:
Valve
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Developer:
Introversion Software
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Release:
September, 2006
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Online:
Yes
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ESRB:
Rating Pending (RP)
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The gameplay is fun but does have a very steep learning curve. It will take players an hour to understand how to play the game but probably a good two to three before they actually win a match against the computer. There are some hard lessons to be learned here. One thing that does hurt DEFCON is that micro managing is not really applicable here. Players are going to have to trust their units to do what they should. Throwing units into a bad situation and micromanaging your way to victory is a thing of the past. This may turn off some gamers who are used to the typical RTS style of gameplay. In another twist, once units die they are gone for good. No creating reinforcements to "try again." One mistake and they are gone as are the hopes for winning the match.
When it comes to graphics, DEFCON follows the saying, “less is more” to amazing results. This game is not flashy, not detailed, not anything graphic lovers look for when they think about the latest PC titles. Instead DEFCON employs a very simplistic style to the game, using simple yet stunning icons, which creates a mood and connection between the gamer and game that very few “flashy” titles can achieve. By making the graphics less personal DEFCON further advances the feeling being injected into the gameplay; the feeling of being removed from a battle, which is killing millions, while at the same time being in direct control of these people’s fate. If I were a general in the next era this is exactly the type of graphical display I would expect while I controlled my countries military might in a desperate fight for survival. Nuclear Silos, ships, bombers, fighters, subs, radars, and cities are all represented by simple glowing outlines as they sit on the dark background of the world. DEFCON is a perfect example of how next-gen graphics are nothing compared to someone who has a true sense of style and purpose when designing the look of a game. Game developers should take note on what has been done in DEFCON.
If the great graphic style wasn’t enough, the sound in DEFCON takes the package to the next level. I want this music to be on a CD, and I want it now. The music in DEFCON is some of the most moody yet beautiful stuff I’ve ever heard in a game. If it isn’t the faint cries of victims as they breath their last breath, it is the ominous moans of the score as the battles slowly wage on. Even better is how the music changes as victory or defeat is imminent.
Online DEFCON plays well, with no noticeable lag. Several players or computer controlled nations can battle it out, complete with diplomacy options. Online and offline play really don’t change since some of the human players are definitely as good if not better than the computer. But like I said before, there is a steep learning curve, so accept the fact that defeat is going to be a common outcome for many hours of play against seasoned gamers.
Overall, I’m happy to see games like DEFCON being made. It shows that a game doesn’t need next-gen flair in order to be fun. Yes, it is going to take a while to master the gameplay, but if gamers stick with it until the end, they will end of with one of the most ambient heavy games ever to be released on the PC. And with such a low price tag purchasing it, is a no brainer.
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| The Core Score |
Overall
8.9 |
| Fun |
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8.5 |
| Gameplay |
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8.0 |
| Graphics |
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9.0 |
| Audio |
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10 |
| Replay |
|
8.0 |
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| Kid Safe Score |
| 8 Great |
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There really isn't "violence" in this game, just the faint screams of people dying. |
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