Broken Arrow Open Beta

Being away from my main rig means I’m not able to enjoy Broken Arrow’s new open beta the way I want to. Don’t let that stop you, however, and jump into its multiplayer 5v5 until the 16th of February.

Also: “Victory will be rewarded with the possibility of taking part in a special live round table with the developers: those who manage to get in the first five positions of each leaderboard will get the chance to take part in this live event with Steel Balalaika and they will be able to talk with the developers, offering them feedback and opinions and asking whatever they want about the game. We’ll make sure to update you daily on Discord on who is leading each leaderboard.”

Ultimate General American Revolution

Gamelabs’ newest title, Ultimate General: American Revolution is quickly being updated and shaped into form. The campaign was extended until June 15, 1777, 250 historical and speculative events were added and the combat was reworked. This new update expands the gameplay to 30 hours. 

Headquarters: World War 2 Demo Soon

The game that has been keeping me company during this lonely weekend away from home, Headquarters: World War 2 closely reassembles The Troop and Battle Academy more than I expected.

It’s shaping up to be a competent, good-looking, but fairly simple and light World War 2 turn-based-tactics. It doesn’t strike me as a genre-defining title, but it’s certainly fun and easy to just boot up and play a couple of turns when busy.

It’s demo will arrive shortly on steam, on February 6th.

Phantom Brigade Update

Phantom Brigade impressed me enough that it made its way into the best strategy games of the 2023 list. This favouritism might not go away during 2024, as Brace Yourself Games keep on toiling away at making it a bit better every couple of months.

Their most recent “Show ’em who’s boss” update adds a plethora of features that change nearly every aspect of the game.

The highlight of the free update is the introduction of massive new boss battles you need to beat to liberate a province. These are revealed once the enemy war score is depleted enough. There are also several new mission types like ambushes, assassinations and demolition. This is supplemented by the inclusion of new maps, some including bodies of water that will help you cool down your mechs.

To round things up, a new set of light armour called “Hakobu” and new weapons as rewards for the boss fights.

Workers and Resources: Soviet Republic

Here’s a city builder with the fame of being tough as nails. To help players decrypt the secrets of Soviet economics, Workers and Resources: Soviet Republic’s most recent update introduces the first two missions of what’s going to be a fully dedicated campaign. The first of these will act as the tutorial for the game. Two new maps, new vehicles, and decorations are also a part of this massive update. 

Stronghold: Definitive Edition New Expansion

Another game that made its way into the list of the best strategy games of 2023, Stronghold: Definitive Edition is getting bigger on February 13th, with the simultaneous launch of a free Winter Update and a paid DLC Campaign title Swine’s Bay.

Swine’s Bay Campaign DLC will retail for $2.99, £2.49 or €2.99, and will be composed of 7 military scenarios.

Arms Trade Tycoon: Tanks Release Date

Just a day away from its Early Access release, Arms Trade Tycoon has an interesting concept I don’t remember being done before, this being a tycoon management game with war machines. I’ve had early access to it and while I haven’t spent a lot of time with the title, it’s still too undercooked for my liking, and I would much rather spend the little time I’ve been having lately with other, more complete titles at this stage.

The game, however, shows promise. So I’ll be keeping a keen eye on its development.

Kingdom, Dungeon and Hero

Warplan developer’s new game, Kingdom, Dungeon and Hero has reached the public in the form of a demo. I haven’t played it, so I have no opinion on it, but Alvaro’s previous games are something to go by, this might be another competent, but conservative new entry to the wargaming space, this time things are set in medieval high fantasy. 

Sea Power: Naval Combat In The Missile Age

I just wanted an excuse to post some pretty screenshots of Sea Power, as the team reports they just started their internal beta testing phase. Will it be out this year? Who knows, right?