Reviewed: July 14, 2010
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Publisher
Clickgamer

Developer
Gaijin Entertainment

Released: July 9, 2010
Genre: Strategy
Players: 1

8
8
8
8
8.6

Game Info:

The game has very specific rules that are incredibly simple to learn as you progress through the lengthy and informative tutorial. Modern Conflict is all about numbers and overpowering your enemy with greater units than he is defending with. Units are either tanks that can only attack other bases connected by roads, or helicopters that can attack anywhere on the map. You can tap to send half your units or double-tap to attack with all units. There are simple math equations to calculate losses and determine winners based on base defenses and the type of units attacking each other.

Fresh units continuously spawn at each of your bases so it gets a bit frantic, as you are repositioning units from the rear to the advancing front lines, not only to hold those bases against incoming attacks, but also advance into neutral and enemy-controlled bases. The first side to control all the bases wins the mission in this energetic game of Red vs. Blue.

That’s Modern Conflict at its core, but then you have the gameplay modes such as Campaign, Survival, and Special ops. Campaign delivers three 11-mission sets of missions for USA, Russia, and China, while Survival is a linear progression of increasingly difficult missions that allow you to upgrade your units with special skills during the game. Spec Ops is a cool variation of the Campaign mode that combines the traditional domination-style gameplay with specific challenges and takes the fight from the desert to the jungle.

Most missions can be completed in 5-10 minutes making this a perfect mobile game for spontaneous moments of gaming. The level of difficulty can get extremely challenging on the harder skill levels but it’s a smooth progression and you will easily adapt if you don’t try to get ahead of yourself. For a game with limited units and simple mathematical gameplay, I was amazed at just how deep and strategic Modern Conflict can get.

The presentation level is surprisingly slick for what is little more than an electronic version of one of those hex-map strategy games from a few decades ago. There is nothing too complicated going on here - just simple animated units trekking across simple maps with some fun combat animation going on. The menus and interface screens are clean, simple and pleasing to the eye. What really stood out for me was the music, which is a cool mix of 16-bit shooter music and some thumping trance and techno that really sets the high-energy vibe coming off this game.

While there is no multiplayer the game does support Crystal Leaderboards that will track and compare your stats and achievements with other mobile generals. You are also ranked at the end of each mission based on your win/loss ratio and other variables so you always have that quest to best your previous efforts. The replay value is fantastic, especially for a $2 game.

Modern Conflict HD is an energetic and addictive game that redefines the RTS label by eliminating the mundane tasks of resource management and thrusting you into the heat of battle. Easy to learn and nearly impossible to master, if you are good at math, strategy, and have great reflexes then this is one conflict that is worth your time.