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ICBM

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 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

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose research paths, build strategies, and customize strike plans, allowing significant control over gameplay decisions."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game requires strategic thinking, managing research and production, and adapting to AI tactics, providing skill challenges and feedback."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes multiplayer modes with alliances and betrayals, encouraging comparison and competition among players."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long play sessions and habitual engagement, supported by modding community and replayability."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Diplomacy and alliances exist, including shared research and radar data, but gameplay can also be solo or competitive."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players can customize strategies, research different technologies, create strike plans, and mod the game extensively."

  • Domination
    2

    "Game involves exerting superiority through nuclear strikes and strategic dominance, including backstabbing allies."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a distraction and stress relief, enjoying the dark humor and apocalyptic scenarios."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "The tech tree and multiple strategies encourage trying new approaches and experimenting with different tactics."

  • Exploration
    -2

    "The game uses a fixed map (Earth) with limited new area discovery, focusing more on strategic variation than geographic exploration."

  • Expression
    2

    "Customization of units, strike plans, and modding allows some degree of player expression."

  • Fantasy
    -1

    "The game simulates plausible Cold War nuclear conflict scenarios, with some futuristic tech but grounded in realism."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Multiplayer and alliances foster community feeling, though solo play is also common."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn complex mechanics, develop strategies, and improve skills over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "The game is a sedentary computer strategy game with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and active management, especially during combat phases."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Social interactions are mostly strategic and competitive with limited emotional sharing or close relationships."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead their faction’s research, production, and military actions, making strategic decisions and guiding alliances."

  • Progression
    4

    "Research and production systems emphasize accumulating technologies and units to gain power and advantages."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find the pacing and strategic planning relaxing, though nuclear war phases introduce tension."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visual and auditory effects of nuclear explosions and strategic gameplay provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

  • Status
    1

    "Multiplayer and leaderboards offer some recognition, but not a dominant focus."

  • Story
    -3

    "No narrative or lore; gameplay is context-free strategic simulation without story immersion."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic planning, research, resource management, and tactical decision making."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Tense moments arise from nuclear escalation and uncertain AI behavior, creating suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report good value for price due to depth, replayability, and modding support."

  • Violence
    5

    "The game centers on nuclear warfare, destruction of cities, and combat between military units."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must manage defenses and resources to avoid destruction and survive nuclear attacks."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026