Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator

Developer: JoySpark Games
Release: Feb 17th 2023
Platforms:
Casual
Indie
Simulation
Early Access
Addictive
Creative
Accessible
Repetitive
Limited
Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator Poster

" Accessible casual simulation with intuitive map editor and AI battles but limited strategic depth "

Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator Review

Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator is widely praised as a fun and engaging simulation game that offers players significant creative freedom through its map editor and scenario creation tools. Many players appreciate its simplicity and accessibility, making it a relaxing and addictive experience for history and strategy enthusiasts. The game's AI-driven world dynamics, including wars, alliances, and revolts, provide an entertaining spectacle that keeps players invested. Frequent updates and a supportive community workshop enhance the game's longevity and content variety.

However, some players note limitations such as the inability to attack non-neighboring countries, which restricts strategic options. The game's graphics are basic pixel art, which some find charming but others consider underwhelming. Repetitive gameplay patterns and occasional bugs slightly detract from the experience. Suggestions for improvement include deeper economic and political mechanics, more realistic battle and expansion logic, and enhanced features like ideologies and better nuclear warfare representation. Overall, the game is highly recommended for fans of worldbuilding and strategy simulation, especially at its price point.

Highlights

Players especially praise the game's intuitive map editor and creative freedom to build custom worlds and scenarios, which is considered highly addictive. The AI simulation of global conflicts and alliances is noted for being entertaining and sometimes surprising. The game runs well even on low-end PCs, making it accessible. The community workshop is a strong point, providing a wealth of user-generated maps and content. Updates from the developer are frequent and positively received, improving gameplay and adding features over time.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the restriction to attacking only neighboring countries, limiting strategic depth. The pixel art graphics are viewed as simplistic or boring by some players. The AI's decision-making and expansion logic are seen as unrealistic, with nations expanding irrationally without economic or political considerations. Some players find the gameplay repetitive after extended play. There are also occasional bugs and issues with peace mechanics during wars. Suggestions for more complex mechanics like ideologies, resource management, and improved nuclear warfare effects are frequently mentioned.

Pros

  • Intuitive and powerful map editor allows extensive creative freedom for players.
  • AI-driven global conflicts provide surprising and entertaining scenarios.
  • Runs smoothly on low-end PCs, accessible to a wide audience.
  • Active developer updates continuously improve and expand the game.
  • Large and supportive community workshop with many user-generated maps.
  • Simple mechanics make it easy to pick up without steep learning curve.
  • Addictive gameplay loop with relaxing yet engaging simulation.

Cons

  • Limited to attacking only neighboring countries, restricting strategic options.
  • Simplistic pixel art graphics may not appeal to all players.
  • AI expansion and decision-making lack realism and depth.
  • Gameplay can become repetitive after prolonged sessions.
  • Occasional bugs and issues with peace and war mechanics.
  • Lacks deeper economic, political, and ideological systems.
  • Nuclear warfare effects are minimal and could be more realistic.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Ages of Conflict is a versatile Map Simulation game where you create and observe custom AI nations battle it out across an infinite number of worlds. Paint beautiful maps and scenarios, and command nations to change history into your liking!

Release Date Feb 17th 2023
Publisher JoySpark Games
Developer JoySpark Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (4,335)
97% Positive 3% Negative