Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Command H.Q. delivers a deep one-on-one real-time strategy experience that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Whether you’re looking to conquer the entire globe or engage in more focused skirmishes, the game offers flexible victory conditions and scalable battle sizes. Every decision—from unit production and resource allocation to strategic positioning—unfolds in real time, demanding both quick thinking and long-term planning.

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The choice of time period or scenario dramatically alters your toolkit. In the 1918 setting, you’ll rely solely on land and sea forces, perfecting classic trench and naval engagements. Jump ahead to 1942 and you unlock the air domain, leveraging fighters, bombers, and aircraft carriers for combined-arms operations. By 1986 and beyond, the introduction of nuclear weapons, satellite reconnaissance, oil logistics, and foreign aid layers in modern strategic complications that can shift the tide of war in an instant.

Custom scenario creation is a standout feature, empowering you to tailor maps, victory conditions, and starting forces to your exact specifications. Once a battle concludes—or if you simply want to review your brilliant maneuvers—you can save the game as a “film.” This playback system lets you watch every move unfold, rewind to a critical moment, and even jump in to change the course of history yourself. The ability to observe and then intervene creates a unique hybrid of simulation and interactivity.

Opponents range from five distinct levels of artificial intelligence to a human rival over modem or serial link. The AI scale accommodates everyone from newcomers learning the ropes to seasoned generals craving a stiff challenge. Two-player head-to-head matches feel tense and rewarding, transforming your living room or dorm into a Cold War–era command bunker. For pure single-player fans, the AI behaves intelligently enough to pose significant strategic puzzles without resorting to unfair advantages.

Graphics

Visually, Command H.Q. adopts a clean, top-down map interface that emphasizes clarity over flashy presentation. Terrain types, unit icons, and movement ranges are all clearly defined, allowing you to digest the battlefield at a glance. While polygonal graphics and high-resolution textures are absent by modern standards, the minimalist aesthetic ensures you never lose sight of the strategic picture.

As you progress through different eras, unit sprites subtly evolve to reflect technological advancements. Early warships and biplanes give way to sleek jet fighters and nuclear submarines, reinforcing the sense that you’re commanding increasingly sophisticated forces. Satellite overlays in later scenarios provide intel on hidden units, adding a layer of graphical feedback tied directly to your strategic capabilities.

The “film” feature doubles as a visual highlight reel. Watching your saved games plays back movements, combats, and map changes in real time, complete with smooth panning and zooming. This not only looks impressive but offers valuable insight into your tactical decisions and areas for improvement. While it’s not a cutting-edge 3D engine, the graphical design stays true to the game’s focus: delivering an unambiguous, data-rich command interface.

Story

Command H.Q. doesn’t follow a traditional narrative campaign—instead, it uses historical and hypothetical scenarios to create emergent stories driven by player choices. Each scenario presents its own context, from the trenches of World War I to a speculative near-future conflict in 2023. The lack of scripted cutscenes or fixed story beats invites you to author your own military history.

The historical authenticity of each scenario is grounded in genuine troop compositions, technology levels, and geographic layouts. Playing the 1942 theater, for example, you’ll recognize strategic chokepoints reminiscent of the Atlantic convoys and Pacific campaigns. In later periods, the introduction of oil as a resource mirrors real-world supply concerns, weaving geopolitical considerations into the framework of the game’s “story.”

Custom scenarios expand the narrative possibilities even further. Designers and players can create alternate history setups—imagine a 1918 Europe where amphibious assaults decide the war or a Cold War flashpoint in 1986 escalating into nuclear brinkmanship. These player-driven narratives often yield the most memorable campaigns, as unexpected alliances, surprise offensives, and logistical meltdowns give rise to tales you’ll recount long after the victory screen fades.

Overall Experience

Command H.Q. stands out as a deep, flexible strategy title that rewards careful planning and adaptability. Its era-spanning scenarios ensure replayability, while the custom map editor and film playback system give you tools to refine your tactics and relive your greatest triumphs. The AI’s multiple difficulty settings and the option for modem-based head-to-head play broaden its appeal, accommodating both solo strategists and competitive friends.

While the graphical presentation may feel dated compared to modern 3D war games, its straightforward interface and clear battle representations keep the focus firmly on strategic decision-making. Fans of military history and hardcore RTS enthusiasts will appreciate the game’s attention to period detail and its simulation of real-world logistical challenges, from oil supply lines to nuclear deterrence.

The learning curve can be steep, particularly in later-era scenarios where managing satellites, nukes, and foreign aid adds complexity. However, the ability to watch a battle play out in “film” mode before stepping in is an invaluable tutorial tool. Whether you’re crafting a perfect blitzkrieg in 1918 or navigating a precarious nuclear standoff in 2023, Command H.Q. provides a robust sandbox for every aspiring commander.

In summary, Command H.Q. is a richly detailed strategy experience that balances historical immersion with user-driven creativity. Its scenario variety, customizability, and dual single-/multiplayer focus make it a compelling purchase for anyone seeking a cerebral, replayable war game that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10