Diplomacy is Not an Option Review: A Fresh RTS Take
Diplomacy is Not an Option offers a fresh perspective on real-time strategy (RTS) games, mixing city-building with wave defense and resource management, all wrapped in a medieval fantasy setting.
Developed by Door 407, this indie title has captivated players since its early access launch in 2022 and is preparing for its full release in October 2024. In this Diplomacy is Not an Option Review, we’ll explore the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal to fans of the RTS genre.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, Diplomacy is Not an Option is all about survival. Players take on the role of a minor medieval lord, tasked with defending their fortress from massive enemy hordes.
Unlike typical RTS games, where diplomacy might offer peaceful solutions, here the only path forward is relentless defense and combat. Waves of enemies grow stronger over time, with battles featuring tens of thousands of units on the screen, offering an exciting yet chaotic challenge.
The game introduces a unique active pause feature, allowing players to pause the action and issue commands without the pressure of real-time decision-making. This mechanic is crucial, as it lets players strategically plan their defenses and deploy troops during intense moments.
The combat system features various unit types, including archers, swordsmen, crossbowmen, and magical elements like summoning death knights, offering depth and tactical diversity.
Campaign and Endless Mode
One of the game’s standout features is its Endless Mode, where players must survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies for as long as possible. This mode is often seen as the heart of the game, giving players more freedom to build, expand, and defend over time without having to restart after every mission.
The campaign mode, while still enjoyable, resets progress after each mission, which can feel repetitive to some players. However, it adds a narrative layer to the game with its cutscenes and story-driven missions.
Both modes provide a lot of replayability, thanks to procedurally generated maps that ensure no two playthroughs are identical. This unpredictability keeps players engaged, as they must adapt to different terrains and resource layouts(.
Graphics and Art Style
The game’s low-poly art style may not impress those looking for high-end graphics, but its clean, cartoony visuals give the game a unique charm. The battles, featuring thousands of units on screen, are a spectacle to watch, with the visual simplicity allowing for smoother performance during massive engagements.
The sound design, while adequate, lacks variety, especially in the musical score, which can feel repetitive after long gameplay sessions.
Strengths
Massive Battles: The scale of combat in Diplomacy is Not an Option is one of its most appealing aspects. With thousands of enemies attacking your fortress at once, the game provides a sense of epic warfare rarely seen in other RTS titles.
Strategic Depth: The combination of resource management, city-building, and tactical combat requires careful planning. The active pause system further enhances the strategic elements, giving players more control over chaotic situations.
Replayability: Thanks to procedurally generated maps and varied difficulty levels, players can replay missions and endless mode with fresh challenges each time.
Weaknesses
Lack of Variety in Units: While the game offers a handful of unit types, some players may find the options limited, particularly when compared to larger RTS games. There is room for more variety in future updates, especially as the full release approaches.
Repetitive Soundtrack: Although the sound effects for battles are well-executed, the lack of variation in the music can detract from long gaming sessions.
Steep Learning Curve: For players new to the RTS genre, Diplomacy is Not an Option can be overwhelming, especially in endless mode where failure is common until strategies are perfected.
Conclusion to the Diplomacy is Not an Option Review
Diplomacy is Not an Option stands out as a compelling blend of city-building and survival, offering RTS fans something fresh and engaging. Its large-scale battles, strategic depth, and replayability make it a must-try for veteran players.
However, its simplicity in unit variety and repetitive soundtrack might not appeal to everyone. With the full release just around the corner, this game promises even more content and refinements, making it an exciting time for both existing players and newcomers to dive in.
If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding RTS experience, Diplomacy is Not an Option is well worth your time.
