While I’ve enjoyed Total War games for years, their appeal has dimmed recently. I’m optimistic about Creative Assembly’s future plans, but for now, Master of Command offers a truly refreshing experience. Even with Europa Universalis 5 on the horizon, this 18th-century strategy game from Armchair History Interactive deserves your attention.
The Master of Command campaign immerses players in the Seven Years’ War, an era defined by scarce resources and difficult decisions. Every single loss carries weight, from individual soldiers to their crucial equipment. This grand strategy game focuses on the personal connection between your forces and their environment. As the developer highlights, ‘March too far and your men will starve. Rest too long and the enemy will reinforce.’ It’s a reminder that victory extends beyond mere battlefield prowess.
A video showcasing the game’s features and gameplay is available.
At its core, Master of Command perfectly balances deep strategic gameplay with accessibility. Featuring over 150 historically accurate 18th-century units, it offers extensive tactical possibilities. Battles are central to the experience, requiring players to analyze terrain, identify choke points, and exploit flanking opportunities. You’ll meticulously arrange formations, observe enemy movements, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and execute decisive maneuvers to secure victory.
However, decisions on the grand campaign map hold equal importance. Establishing settlements and outposts is crucial for providing rest points for your forces. You must also ensure your troops are adequately fed and supplied with necessary equipment. As your regiments achieve victories, they gain experience and can be promoted, emphasizing the critical need to protect your officers. Losing a highly trained commander after investing considerable time feels particularly frustrating, akin to the stakes in XCOM.
Players can also fully customize their army’s color schemes and flags, adding a personal touch to their forces. Master of Command successfully blends this sense of individual connection to your regiments with a scope large enough to deliver a truly grand and ambitious campaign. While it doesn’t aim for the massive scale of games like Total War Warhammer 3 or Europa Universalis 5, it offers precisely the invigorating take on the strategy genre that many players have been seeking.
An in-game screenshot shows various units and officers ready for battle.
For those who experienced the Master of Command demo, Armchair History Interactive confirms that the full release delivers a more streamlined campaign and enhanced battle AI. Enemy artillery has been rebalanced to be less relentlessly accurate, maps now feature increased verticality, and common exploits like ‘corner camping’ have been addressed. Additionally, customization options have been expanded. While the developers acknowledge that the new defensive posture for opponents might still require minor adjustments, they assure players of continuous balance refinements through frequent updates throughout the year.
Master of Command is currently available for purchase, priced at $29.99 / £24.99. A special 10% launch discount is active until Monday, November 3, reducing the price to $26.99 / £22.49. Prepare to lead your troops to victory!
Experience Master of Command’s grandest battles vividly. You can also hone your combat strategies with other top war games.
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