Wargame: European Escalation

 PC
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Eurogamer
    Apr 24, 2012
    90
    It's a scope and scale that can be daunting, but it allows for an unparalleled level of player agency within an RTS.
  2. PC PowerPlay
    Apr 5, 2012
    90
    Simple controls don't mean a simple game. A great game for those of you up for fiendishly complex battle. [Apr 2012, p.60]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Apr 17, 2012
    87
    Assaults the rough no man's land between wargaming and real time strategy. The host of cold war weapon systems modelled are abstracted mostly at the right places, while having the fastest mouse finger falls always second to commanding with the big picture in mind and mastering wargaming concepts like recon and use of reinforcements. UI could use more polish and tell the player a bit more, a bit clearer, but still the trip to this seldom seen cold war era is a blast. [Apr 2012]
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  5. XGN
    Mar 14, 2012
    85
    Fortunately, Wargame dares to take chances and succesfully follows a different path than other games in the genre. The way you control the battlefield over several levels, like R.U.S.E. did, gives a whole new dimension to real-time gaming. The incredible amount of unlockables you can earn, encourages you to keep playing and set up your own perfect army. Be aware of the chaotic battles that will commence on your screen, as some people's head may eventually explode. Just a friendly warning.
  6. GameSpot
    Mar 6, 2012
    85
    This excellent wargame/real-time strategy hybrid embodies the best of both worlds while destroying ours in a hypothetical Cold War-goes-hot setting.
  7. GRYOnline.pl
    Mar 2, 2012
    85
    Wargame: European Escalation seems to be a game wanting to merge RTS dynamics with the realism of games like Combat Mission. But the developers haven't tried to get to the biggest audience no matter what. They simply created something unique.
  8. Destructoid
    Mar 1, 2012
    85
    Wargame: European Escalation is the closest you'll get to a full-fledged military simulation of the Cold War era of modern warfare that is still fun to play.
  9. GameWatcher
    Feb 29, 2012
    85
    Looking forward we wouldn't mind seeing some kind of abilities worked back into the game, whether off-map or unit based (Engineers, for example, don't really do anything engineering). Regardless of the future though, this game is worth getting now, pure and simple.
  10. PC Gamer UK
    May 11, 2012
    84
    Eugen Systems put the "real" back into RTS. The result is spacious, subtle, deeply satisfying tactical gaming. [June 2012, p.84]
  11. Computer Games Online RO
    Apr 16, 2012
    84
    So Wargame: European Escalation isn't revolutionary, but it can hold its own against current strategy games and has a community with a passion for war that goes beyond history books and Discovery documentaries.
  12. NZGamer
    Apr 2, 2012
    83
    There is a lot for Wargamers to like about this game. It's not just challenging from a tactical sense, but it's ease of control and its scale also make it a fun game to play. If RTS games are where you get your kicks, you won't be disappointed with this one.
  13. PC Master (Greece)
    Mar 12, 2012
    83
    You will definitely need a time to adjust, especially if you are not experienced with wargames and this is your first time tackling the genre. But if you are interested in a slow, methodic pacing, then it's worth insisting! On the other side of the rough tutorial course, you will find a rich, profound experience, a strategy game that rewards intelligent planning and advanced tactics, instead of fast reflexes and agility in build order placing. [April 2012]
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  14. 3DJuegos
    Mar 2, 2012
    81
    Wargame: European Escalation is an excellent RTS that you will enjoy if you liked R.U.S.E. or World in Conflict.
  15. GameStar
    Feb 29, 2012
    81
    Quotation forthcoming.
  16. GameSpy
    Mar 21, 2012
    80
    It may end with a slog, but I'd already gotten dozens of hours of rewarding tactical play by that point. Especially with the impressive multiplayer mode, I can strongly recommending Wargame: European Escalation as an expert and innovative blend of the best of the wargame genre with the best of the RTS.
  17. Games.cz
    Mar 11, 2012
    80
    A hardcore strategy game for hardcore strategists; however, even relatively newcomers are going to be enthralled by it. Ignoring minor flaws such as the military unit price or the extensive military unit range - this is an unconventional and above all an entertaining title that will catch you and won't let you go.
  18. IGN
    Mar 7, 2012
    80
    It's fun, competitive, and features short sessions that normally last under a half-hour. If you're an RTS gamer looking for a new battlefield, you'll definitely want to give Wargame a try.
  19. Quarter to Three
    Mar 6, 2012
    80
    So it turns out that Wargame: European Escalation isn't just good. It's also unique.
  20. SpazioGames
    Feb 29, 2012
    80
    Wargame European Escalation is a good RTS that you will enjoy if you liked World in Confilct or R.U.S.E. The single player campaign is unsatisfying and the deep multiplayer feels a little unbalanced, especially for beginners.
  21. Everyeye.it
    Feb 28, 2012
    80
    Wargame: European Escalation is a good strategy game for all the modern warfare fans, with a dynamic and deep gameplay supported by a spectacular and realistic visual experience.
  22. Eurogamer Italy
    Feb 28, 2012
    80
    If you are part of the niche community that knows perfectly the meaning of terms like ATGM, SAM, APDS and all possible vehicles variants that can mount them, Wargame: European Escalation is definitely an RTS that will entertain you in the next months.
  23. Absolute Games
    Mar 31, 2012
    79
    Wargame is definitely not a masterpiece, but for is Eugen Systems it is the first game with such a high level of quality.
  24. CD-Action
    Apr 12, 2012
    75
    Wargame will appeal to those few who enjoyed playing early Combat Mission games more than World in Conflict. [May 2012, p.58]
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PC Game of 2012
61
#61 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 237 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 179 out of 237
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 237
  3. Negative: 18 out of 237
  1. WatchPlayReview
    Feb 24, 2012
    9
    Wargame is like a mix between World in Conflict and the Total War series; there's no basebuilding or resourcegathering. You deploy your unitsWargame is like a mix between World in Conflict and the Total War series; there's no basebuilding or resourcegathering. You deploy your units at the start of battle and collect deployment points by destroying enemies and holding sectors. The deployment points can then be used to call in more reinforcements, so fans of the Men of War series will feel right at home as well. The maps, while gigantic (150km2) all look the same and reminds me of Denmark in terms of flatness and fields. They're not bad, but I would've hoped for some diversity. A couple of farmfield maps are fine, but I'd also like battles in environments like snow and cityscape.

    The unit pool is huge and historically accurate; there are over 350 units spread across 8 different nations: USA, France, UK and West Germany vs East Germany, Poland, Czech and the USSR. Each nation is specialised in a type of unit, so mixing them is a good idea. For multiplayer battles you create your own deck (either a Warsaw Pact or NATO deck) and choose which 25 units you want to be able to deploy in battles. This is a great system since it allows you to create your own unique playstyle. Units are unlocked by Command Stars which you earn from ranking up. Ranking up works like you'd expect in any multiplayer game - win enough battles.

    The unit types are infantry, vehicles, logistics, tanks, helis, recon and support. Unfortunately there are no planes in the game. Infantry are both the strongest and weakest unit in the game. They arrive and fight alongside fighting vehicles, are vulnerable to explosives and have very short range, though their numbers will easily overwhelm even the heaviest tanks.

    Logistics are your command vehicles which capture sectors, supply trucks and supply helicopters. Since units both run out of fuel and ammo in this game as well as requiring reparations, it's important to establish supply routes or your units will be cut off in no man's land. Tanks need no elaborate explanation - you can usually choose between massing an army of lighter tanks like the T-62 or keep fewer heavies such as the T-80. Helicopters have long range, excellent mobility and long range of vision which makes them ideal for scouting and quick support. Transport helicopters can move infantry units quickly around the field and attack helicopters can fly past enemy lines to take out artillery in their base. They are very vulnerable to both infantry and all kinds of anti-air, however. Scouting with recon in W:EE is just as important as scouting is in Starcraft 2. It allows you to find out where your enemies are coming from and improves the accuracy of your artillery. The recon vehicles come in pretty much all shapes: Jeeps, armoured vehicles, tanks, infantry and helicopters.

    The support group consists mainly of artillery and anti-air. A well-directed artillery strike is devastating and can turn the tide of battle, but batteries are expensive, eat through ammo very quickly and are vulnerable to ambushes.

    The graphics are great and the unit models historically accurate. You can zoom from satelite-view to following a tank with the camera on the ground. Infantry animations are stale and helicopters sometimes fly like they're drunk, but this is something you won't notice very well. There is however an ugly bloom/lens flare filter that sometimes makes foliage and explosions to look 2D. Overall it runs very well on max settings with a GTX 570/i5 2500k setup like you'd expect it to. It's clearly a well optimized PC game but the UI could use some work.

    There are some other flawed game mechanics that needs to be mentioned as well; anti-air missiles are way too accurate and anti-tank missiles way too inaccurate, an infantry can hurl a grenade over 200 meters (this is for balancing, but it still looks hilarious) and a 20mm autocannon can tear through any tank. Warsaw Pact is also way too overpowered at the moment in terms of artillery.

    As for the singleplayer, it's decent. Far below the level of World in Conflict but still worth a playthrough. It serves as a warmup and tutorial for the multiplayer, which is where the action's at.

    tl;dr: As an avid RTS gamer who has played everything from Blitzkrieg, Cossacks and Warcraft to Men of War, the Paradox series and Total War; I recommend this game.    … Full Review »
  2. pcgameology
    Mar 26, 2012
    8
    If you tend to prefer faster paced RTS games such as Starcraft or Warhammer 40:000, then you might become disappointed by the slow pace andIf you tend to prefer faster paced RTS games such as Starcraft or Warhammer 40:000, then you might become disappointed by the slow pace and large scale of the game. There is bit of micro involved, but this has more to do with unit positioning during battles rather than using special power ups or bonuses. Also keep in mind that units will not move and respond as fast as they do in games such as Starcraft or Warhammer. Units in this game take a while to do what you want them to do such as moving to a different position or setting up weapons in order to fire them. If however, you've ever enjoyed slower paced larger environment RTS games such as Supreme Commander/Supreme Commander Forged Alliance, R.U.S.E or World in Conflict, then this game is for you. You'll enjoy rummaging through the various units's statistics in the game and analysing their unique features while comparing them to other units to find the best combination for you to take into battle. You'll also enjoy testing out different strategies and watching battles evolve slowly over time and you'll marvel at watching the battles unfold in a fiery chaos that represents a more accurate version of what war is really like - when you're watching it from the perspective of a god. Full review at pcgameology.net.… Full Review »
  3. nirvycn
    Feb 24, 2012
    10
    Suprisingly fun game. Much slower paced than a game like starcraft, the game engine is awesome, i never get tired of the zooming levels. LotsSuprisingly fun game. Much slower paced than a game like starcraft, the game engine is awesome, i never get tired of the zooming levels. Lots of units, lots of strategy and the slow pace means an online game is more based on your tactics and choice of units, than how many clicks you can do per minute. Highly rated!… Full Review »
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