First.
Freenations Union:
Phantom League:
That pretty much sums up both of the races/teams/reds/blues they have the same units but different graphics. That really adds to the strategy and balance of this game. When you think about it, it makes sense. That's how chess did it. Granted I never got to into chess, but I do hate the Protoss.
Most of my gaming experience in the turn based world comes from older fantasy games. The only hex-based game of those being Dark Wizard. So, if some other war sim does everything this game does and more, why don't you review that and we'll switch?
The real great thing about this game is visible but hard to appreciate from the very beginning. That being the method in which the bases are disclosed. It's sort of like Risk, you have your various countries, states, principalities, and what have you divided by various country lines, none of which form anything half as entertaining as Mimal. I suppose once a map editor comes out I'll be able to battle along the goatse guy's asshole and various cuts of meat from a steer, that is after making those maps, as I'll be the only guy to care. Well, when you start up a game you are assigned "secret allies" that you can disclose throughout the game. You have to start with two and then can chose to do what you want.
Unit placement is also a kick. Since it is hex based, it is like playing a board game. So you can't really rush someone without causing road rage, elated blood pressure, and a horrible traffic jam. Each based gets a number dollar bills or cash signs to spend on units. Your base starts with a few cash signs or dollar bills that allow you to buy units. You can drop these units anywhere inside your boarders. Then after that you receive revenue each round. Also if your boarders are invaded you get six dollars/cash signs to spend on guerrilla forces which you can throw out at the start of the round instead of the end, which is how all other units are dispersed. When your country is occupied you receive no more revenue.
Now the wonderful thing is there are tactical combat situations and strategic choices to be made on "which country" to attack level. Fighting the computer is really taxing, though the game is so wonderfully balanced and fast paced I can't wait until I can get beaten by real players online. I will be picking up the full version very soon.
Rating: FUN
