Metascore
65 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Vast amounts of data flow through the complex management system in this world domination game. Can you can master the strategy and keep an eye on your subordinates? This is the ultimate challenge of epic proportions for people with entirely too much time on their hands. Or perpetually sleepless. [Aug 2008]
  2. 78
    Supreme Ruler 2020 is designed for a very specific kind of gamer. As it is, it will take hardcore fans a good couple of hours to finally start to feel like they're in control of what's happening to them in this game.
  3. Supreme Ruler 2020 is a big step on from what has gone before in the series. It doesn't stand head and shoulders above the pack, but it certainly rubs shoulders with the big boys and doesn't come off looking cheap and a little embarrassed. It makes the job of being a psychopathic dictator just that little bit more fun.
  4. All in all Supreme Ruler is a solid game.
  5. Personally for me, the learning curve is a bit steep and the commitment too large. But that's me – this is a great game, polished and well worked. If you have the time and the inclination the rewards on offer are great, and it's highly unlikely to become a repetitive experience.
  6. Supreme Ruler 2020 is as deep and complex as they come, albeit incredibly intimidating.
  7. With patience and perseverance there's plenty of reward. [Oct 2008, p.72]
  8. There is a game buried beneath all of the menus and statistics, but only the truly patient and dedicated will have the time or will to find it.
  9. 67
    With nothing in the encyclopedic manual or pithy tutorial that actually explains how to game this highfalutin data cube, Supreme Ruler 2020 tends to play like smashing into a wall: break something, fall back wincing, and repeat.
  10. Supreme Ruler 2020 is definitely one of the most complex games of its kind and due to that bound to repel most of the gaming community. Players who are able to master the complicated gameplay are, however, sure to be rewarded with an amazingly detailed and nerve wracking simulation like no other.
  11. Supreme Ruler 2020 - A unique, core gamers oriented strategy game with some huge AI problems and a structure that made It impossible to be played by the less skilled players.
  12. Not smart or sleek enough to shine. [Sept 2008, p.90]
  13. Too hardcore for casual gamers, but strategists should add two to the score. [Issue#9, p.56]
  14. You'll need a great deal of patience to have fun with this one, though. [Sept 2008, p.73]
  15. The biggest problem with this game is that there is simply way too much crap in it.
  16. As it stands Supreme Ruler 2020 is mostly a system in search of a game, with no sense of mission or urgency to push you from day to day. Whatever rewards it has are doled out too sparingly for most gamers, even serious strategy nerds.
  17. Supreme Ruler 2020's steep learning curve and micromanagement will turn off all but the most fanatical strategy gamers.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. KhimLo
    4
    Not as complex, or as fun, as they hype it up to be. You would find it impossible to replicate real life scenarios, with wars declared by AI for no reasons. It's an unfinished product, which becomes apparent when you load up a save game, with countries crumbling like dominoes.IE China ceasing to exist and is absorbed by Mongolia...what??????? Worst is India being absorbed by Nepal.And with the game all about waging war, you can;t purchase military units. ( you need to purchase research, and build them yourself) At least the first patch finishes some features.Conclusion : leave it until patch no. 5 Full Review »
  2. This game is horribly addicting! For me the strength of the game is the Shattered States campaign that results in a global free-for-all. Playing as a second or third tier nation results in vicious campaigns in the middle of nowhere and supply is just as important as the latest weapons. Oodles of fun! Peacetime is boring though, so play like it a really detailed game of Risk and just have fun with it. Full Review »