Atomic Combat

Version 2.0, which I somehow missed when it came out (the "Update" feature in version 1.01 didn't find it), is a whole new game from version 1.0. The somewhat random card game at the beginning that decides your weaponry, defense preparations, order of combat, etc. is quite different from the "use time to buy upgrades" and "start out with everyone even, or random" from version 1.0. The graphics have been changed from a stark, DEFCON terminal appearance to something cartoonish, complete with 8-bit-style sound effects. I'm not sure this is an improvement, but it does provide more detail. The basic gameplay has changed somewhat due to no more resource allocation past the initial card game, and something has been lost here. I just didn't find the card game as fun as building up weaponry and defenses over time, though it does offer new options like "First Strike", "Disperse Population", secret (hidden) airfields and launch sites, hardened silos, etc. I'd keep both versions around and play each depending on mood. Version 2.0 is a more elaborate game, but as with Apple iMovie (et al) upgrades, things have been lost with the version update. Perhaps there'll be a version 3.0 that incorporates in-game upgrades as well as the card game at the start. I also found the v2.0 cartoony graphics less appealling despite the increased detail. For a free game, this is a good time-waster ;-)

Version 2.0, which I somehow missed when it came out (the "Update" feature in version 1.01 didn't find it), is a whole new game from version 1.0. The somewhat random card game at the beginning that decides your weaponry, defense preparations, order of combat, etc. is quite different from the "use time to buy upgrades" and "start out with everyone even, or random" from version 1.0. The graphics have been changed from a stark, DEFCON terminal appearance to something cartoonish, complete with 8-bit-style sound effects. I'm not sure this is an improvement, but it does provide more detail. The basic gameplay has changed somewhat due to no more resource allocation past the initial card game, and something has been lost here. I just didn't find the card game as fun as building up weaponry and defenses over time, though it does offer new options like "First Strike", "Disperse Population", secret (hidden) airfields and launch sites, hardened silos, etc. I'd keep both versions around and play each depending on mood. Version 2.0 is a more elaborate game, but as with Apple iMovie (et al) upgrades, things have been lost with the version update. Perhaps there'll be a version 3.0 that incorporates in-game upgrades as well as the card game at the start. I also found the v2.0 cartoony graphics less appealling despite the increased detail. For a free game, this is a good time-waster ;-)