The New Rise of RTS?
While RTS games aren’t the current “hot topic” of the video game market, Nuke Them All rekindled my passion for the genre and makes a strong case for a resurgence of these strategic battles.
You headfirst into a whirlwind of strategic action. Forget the slow burn of base building and resource management – this indie RTS is all about conquering territory and obliterating your foes in a gloriously chaotic rush. While it lacks depth in some areas, Nuke Them All makes up for it with its frantic gameplay, quirky charm, and focus on pure strategic warfare.
Simple With a Little Twist
Nuke Them All wastes no time. You’re dropped onto a map, given a handful of units, and tasked with wiping your enemy off the face of the planet. The core gameplay loop involves capturing strategic points, building your army, and launching a devastating nuclear assault. This streamlined approach makes for incredibly fast-paced matches.
You’ll be constantly on the move, scouting for opportunities, and adapting your tactics on the fly. While the lack of base building simplifies the experience, strategic thinking remains crucial. Capturing flags grants resources for unit production, and strategically controlling chokepoints can give you a significant advantage. Different unit types have strengths and weaknesses, requiring you to adapt your army composition based on the enemy’s forces and the map layout.
Navigating the Unpredictable World of Nukes, Zombies, and Aliens
The game throws curveballs your way too. Zombie outbreaks can erupt, forcing you to contend with the undead alongside your human opponents. In some scenarios, alien invaders add another layer of chaos to the battlefield. These unexpected events keep matches fresh and force you to think outside the box.
The titular nukes are the ultimate weapon, capable of wiping out entire armies and instantly securing victory. However, launching a nuke comes at a cost. You need to build a launch silo and charge it up, leaving you vulnerable during this time. A well-timed attack can disrupt the launch, turning the tables on the would-be nuclear warlord. This creates a tense risk-reward dynamic, deciding to launch a nuke is a strategic gamble.
Nuke Them All embraces a retro, pixelated art style that evokes classic sci-fi strategy games.
The visuals are simple but functional, and the explosions from those nukes are undeniably satisfying.
The soundtrack is a campy mix of electronic music and synthesized war drums, perfectly complementing the game’s over-the-top tone.
While Nuke Them All excels in frantic action, it needs more depth in some areas. The single-player campaign is short and repetitive, offering little beyond a basic tutorial for the core mechanics. The AI, while competent, can need help with adapting to player strategies. Additionally, the lack of online multiplayer at launch feels like a missed opportunity, but one that can be added in time.
Conclusion
Nuke Them All is a very good game. It’s a fast-paced, strategic brawl that thrives on chaos. However, if you’re looking for an RTS that prioritizes action over base building, “Nuke Them All” delivers a frantic and engaging experience. The streamlined mechanics make it easy to jump into, and the strategic depth, coupled with the unexpected events, keeps matches exciting. While the single-player and lack of online multiplayer are shortcomings, “Nuke Them All” earns its place on your RTS shelf with its frantic action, strategic core, and quirky charm.
