ICBM similar games & best alternatives
ICBM
2020
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Quick resume
ICBM is a real-time strategy game of nuclear destruction. Research new technologies, build up your nuclear stockpile and use a combination of ships, planes and missiles to strike at the heart of your opponents’ cities while keeping your population safe from harm.
Global score
92/100
Genres
Strategy, Simulator, Real Time Strategy (RTS)
Pros
- Deep strategic gameplay
- Extensive research and customization
- Active modding community
- Engaging multiplayer with alliances and betrayals
- Good value for price
Cons
- Lackluster presentation and graphics
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited diplomacy and story elements
- Ai can be cautious or dumb at times
- Performance issues with many units
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players have freedom to choose research paths, build strategies, and customize strike plans, allowing significant control over gameplay decisions."
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Competence4
"The game requires strategic thinking, managing research and production, and adapting to AI tactics, providing skill challenges and feedback."
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Competition3
"Includes multiplayer modes with alliances and betrayals, encouraging comparison and competition among players."
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Continuation3
"Players report long play sessions and habitual engagement, supported by modding community and replayability."
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Cooperation2
"Diplomacy and alliances exist, including shared research and radar data, but gameplay can also be solo or competitive."
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Creativity3
"Players can customize strategies, research different technologies, create strike plans, and mod the game extensively."
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Domination2
"Game involves exerting superiority through nuclear strikes and strategic dominance, including backstabbing allies."
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Escapism3
"Players use the game as a distraction and stress relief, enjoying the dark humor and apocalyptic scenarios."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation, with no indication of obligation or pressure."
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Experimenting4
"The tech tree and multiple strategies encourage trying new approaches and experimenting with different tactics."
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Exploration-2
"The game uses a fixed map (Earth) with limited new area discovery, focusing more on strategic variation than geographic exploration."
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Expression2
"Customization of units, strike plans, and modding allows some degree of player expression."
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Fantasy-1
"The game simulates plausible Cold War nuclear conflict scenarios, with some futuristic tech but grounded in realism."
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Fellowship2
"Multiplayer and alliances foster community feeling, though solo play is also common."
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Growth3
"Players learn complex mechanics, develop strategies, and improve skills over time."
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Health-5
"The game is a sedentary computer strategy game with no physical activity involved."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention and active management, especially during combat phases."
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Intimacy-3
"Social interactions are mostly strategic and competitive with limited emotional sharing or close relationships."
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Leadership3
"Players lead their faction’s research, production, and military actions, making strategic decisions and guiding alliances."
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Progression4
"Research and production systems emphasize accumulating technologies and units to gain power and advantages."
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Relaxation1
"Some players find the pacing and strategic planning relaxing, though nuclear war phases introduce tension."
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Sensation2
"Visual and auditory effects of nuclear explosions and strategic gameplay provide sensory stimulation and excitement."
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Status1
"Multiplayer and leaderboards offer some recognition, but not a dominant focus."
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Story-3
"No narrative or lore; gameplay is context-free strategic simulation without story immersion."
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Strategy5
"Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic planning, research, resource management, and tactical decision making."
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Thrill3
"Tense moments arise from nuclear escalation and uncertain AI behavior, creating suspense and excitement."
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Value3
"Players report good value for price due to depth, replayability, and modding support."
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Violence5
"The game centers on nuclear warfare, destruction of cities, and combat between military units."
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Survival4
"Players must manage defenses and resources to avoid destruction and survive nuclear attacks."
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Last update: 06/03/2026