Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Conflict: Middle East delivers an impressively detailed operational-level wargame experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the complexities of the Arab–Israeli Wars from 1973 through 1991. You can command either Israeli or Arab forces during the Yom Kippur conflict, meticulously managing brigade and division elements. Every infantry squad, armored vehicle, artillery battery, and aircraft sortie is under your direct control, giving you unprecedented depth in battlefield tactics and strategy.

Beyond the tactical engagements, the game weaves in critical operational considerations such as weather, supply lines, and political pressures. A sudden sandstorm can ground your air support, while a disrupted supply convoy leaves your front-line units vulnerable. These dynamic systems force you to think beyond pure combat maneuvers, prioritizing logistics and timing to gain the upper hand.

For players seeking a modern twist, the hypothetical 1990s scenario introduces contemporary weaponry and revised force compositions. You’ll balance cutting-edge anti-tank missiles, advanced air defense systems, and mechanized infantry doctrines—testing your adaptability in a near-future desert battlefield. This scenario highlights how dramatically tactics and force structures evolve over two decades.

Graphics

Visually, Conflict: Middle East opts for a functional, map-based interface rather than flashy 3D animations. Hex-grid terrain tiles represent deserts, hills, and urban areas with clear, color-coded overlays for unit zones of control and supply routes. Though the graphics may feel dated compared to modern war sims, the clarity of information presentation is a major asset for serious strategists.

Unit counters are crisply designed, displaying unit icons, strength bars, and status markers that let you assess the battlefield at a glance. Animated combat sequences play out with simple effects, underscoring attacks without bogging down performance. The UI windows for orders and intelligence updates strike a pragmatic balance between detail and usability, ensuring you never lose track of critical battle data.

Weather effects and day/night overlays are subtly rendered, reminding you of environmental factors without overwhelming the map. When a sandstorm rolls in, you’ll notice a faint haze across the terrain, signaling reduced visibility for air and ground units. These straightforward but functional visual cues help maintain immersion while keeping the focus squarely on strategic decision-making.

Story

Rather than a linear narrative, Conflict: Middle East offers scenario-driven campaigns that faithfully recreate—and imaginatively extend—the Arab–Israeli conflicts. The 1973 scenario guides you through the build-up, surprise attacks, and shifting front lines of the Yom Kippur War, highlighting pivotal battlegrounds like the Golan Heights and Suez Canal.

The hypothetical 1990s scenario presents an “alternative history” thread, inviting you to explore how emerging technologies and political shifts might reshape desert warfare. This “what-if” approach spices up replay value, encouraging multiple playthroughs as you test different force allocations, alliance structures, and strategic gambits.

Each scenario includes briefing documents, order-of-battle listings, and historical notes that ground your decisions in real-world contexts. While there’s no cinematic storyline, the combination of authentic data and scenario text creates a compelling backdrop for your operational choices, fostering a strong sense of historical immersion.

Overall Experience

Conflict: Middle East is a deep, methodical wargame tailor-made for players who relish operational-level strategy and historical authenticity. The steep learning curve may intimidate newcomers, but those willing to invest time will discover a rich tableau of tactical options, dynamic logistics, and finely tuned scenarios.

The game’s emphasis on supply, weather, and political factors elevates it above simpler hex-and-counter titles, rewarding careful planning and adaptability. While the graphics and user interface may feel utilitarian, they prioritize clarity and function—essential qualities for digesting the wealth of information at your fingertips.

In summary, Conflict: Middle East stands out as a comprehensive simulation of Arab–Israeli warfare, blending historical fidelity with hypothetical modern engagements. If you’re a hardcore war gamer seeking an in-depth operational challenge, this title offers countless hours of strategic gameplay and scenario experimentation.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10