Metascore
69 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. This game will find an audience...that could fit into a high-school gymnasium. [Sept 2005, p.70]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. sdb
    10
    Deepest-Strategy-Evarrr. Reviewers tend to score this game in proportion to the I.Q. they show in their writing. Part of that is the learning curve. Read the forums if you have trouble. Payoff is one of the best games you will ever play. Great for systems with decent CPU but mediocre graphics card. Or wait for 2020 in a couple weeks! Full Review »
  2. Daxon
    10
    This game is extremely engaging. It actually takes intelligence to play.
  3. AndyC.
    10
    There's a LOT in this game - wargame, politics, resource/production, diplomacy, and more. A very well done UI and design given the amount of things that can be adjusted and managed. A system of advisors to help and keep micromanagement under control. Great battles! Full Review »