DEFCON: Everybody Dies

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 215 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 169 out of 215
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 215
  3. Negative: 14 out of 215

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  1. Babutto
    Jul 28, 2023
    8
    All-time classic.

    Pros.:
    - Simplicity.
    - Introduction into DEFCON idea.
    - Multiplayer.
    - Teaches that everything has its cost, especially in human life.

    Cons.:
    - Low replayability. Almost no new features, etc.
  2. Izoeros
    May 30, 2022
    5
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  3. LetMePickThat
    Aug 7, 2018
    7
    DEFCON is a great way to teach people the futility of nuclear war. The game's visuals, as well as the thrilling soundtrack, provide for a very credible 80s experience, in direct line with movies like War Game. The game is incredibly simple, yet challenging enough so that replayability is great.

    However, the simplicity of the game is also its main weakness, in that you will not be able    DEFCON is a great way to teach people the futility of nuclear war. The game's visuals, as well as the thrilling soundtrack, provide for a very credible 80s experience, in direct line with movies like War Game. The game is incredibly simple, yet challenging enough so that replayability is great.

    However, the simplicity of the game is also its main weakness, in that you will not be able to develop either complex strategy or advanced tactics. The small number of units available (less than a dozen) do not provide enough flexibility to make DEFCON a real strategy game.    … Expand
  4. NZAnimeManga
    Apr 13, 2017
    9
    A chilling and haunting depiction of global nuclear war from the perspective of the war room. It has a very "war games" feel and the minimalistic soundtrack of people crying after the apocalypse will leave you feeling cold, even after "winning", or should I say, losing less than your unfortunate opponent. Brilliant. Masterpiece.
  5. RIOP3L
    Jan 2, 2016
    9
    A real masterpiece. Simple and satisfying, with an amazing soundtrack to put you in the right ambience. Can be boring at your first few games, but as you progress and learn new techniques, this former is used to fuel you through hundreds of hours of incoming gameplay. Unfortunately, the online/multiplayer base of players is pretty low, finding a game of 6 players will be hard. I stronglyA real masterpiece. Simple and satisfying, with an amazing soundtrack to put you in the right ambience. Can be boring at your first few games, but as you progress and learn new techniques, this former is used to fuel you through hundreds of hours of incoming gameplay. Unfortunately, the online/multiplayer base of players is pretty low, finding a game of 6 players will be hard. I strongly recommend playing this game.… Expand
  6. TenchuuKhan
    Aug 5, 2015
    5
    The main issue I have with this game is that it lacks immersion and therefore gets tiring pretty fast.

    While the graphics would work great, the soundtrack and the weird game pace destroy it really. Even when I fast forward I constantly feel like: omg, move forward already... this takes forever. And quite unnecessarily so. While there's some micromanagement possible and necessary    The main issue I have with this game is that it lacks immersion and therefore gets tiring pretty fast.

    While the graphics would work great, the soundtrack and the weird game pace destroy it really.

    Even when I fast forward I constantly feel like: omg, move forward already... this takes forever. And quite unnecessarily so.
    While there's some micromanagement possible and necessary there's simply long parts in a match which don't need much attention and feel like they take forever.

    The whole concept just seems unpolished even though it's a simple game really.    … Expand
  7. SiAScORCH
    Nov 6, 2014
    5
    I found it to be an okay game, though I didn't like a few aspects of the game. I mean they clearly show you what the game is so you know what you're getting, but the movements were quite slow and even using 20x real time I found the game to be a little long. It's a good game, but just wasn't the type of game for me, so don't let my ratings affect your possibility of getting the game.
  8. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    8
    Es un videojuego que te hace reflexionar, bajo mi punto de vista se podría considerar inclusive un videojuego serio. Pese a su simplicidad, tanto de uso como gráfica, es muy efectivo y profundo. Buena compra.
  9. Scottyv2
    Feb 13, 2014
    9
    I would give this a 10/10 but after all the nukes are launched it just gets boring, but other than that it has a great atmosphere, mechanics (even though I was a seasoned player and my friend beat me on first time), however don't buy the full game as bad as that sounds you can still get the full experience from the demo version, it still has LAN and internet and you can play against botsI would give this a 10/10 but after all the nukes are launched it just gets boring, but other than that it has a great atmosphere, mechanics (even though I was a seasoned player and my friend beat me on first time), however don't buy the full game as bad as that sounds you can still get the full experience from the demo version, it still has LAN and internet and you can play against bots (which aren't stupid, thank god).… Expand
  10. keefbaker
    Oct 31, 2013
    8
    This game wears it's debt to War Games on its sleeve, and rightly so. It's an impressive tactical game that manages to have the most utterly depressing atmosphere I've come across. But is it a really good game? The jurys out on that I'm afraid.
  11. lukemacu
    Aug 21, 2013
    7
    Defcon is fun. To be honest, that's all you need to know but I'm going to go in depth anyway. Defcon revolves around nuking the other players. That's it; it's a good idea and it's executed pretty well. You can send bombers with mini nukes, have nuclear submarines launch bigger nukes or just use ICBMs because you have stuff to do. It's simple with a nice sound track and style but in myDefcon is fun. To be honest, that's all you need to know but I'm going to go in depth anyway. Defcon revolves around nuking the other players. That's it; it's a good idea and it's executed pretty well. You can send bombers with mini nukes, have nuclear submarines launch bigger nukes or just use ICBMs because you have stuff to do. It's simple with a nice sound track and style but in my opinion you'll play maybe one game to kill some time and then go do something else for a while.… Expand
  12. a_big_favor
    Aug 9, 2013
    2
    This game lacks polish and a tutorial. The strategy wasn't readily apparent to me. After playing a game then reading online, the strategy seemed rather flat to me. You will have a preferred layout for a territory and the constant clicking to dole out orders is very boring.
  13. BigBureaucracy
    May 19, 2013
    10
    Such a fun game that is so complex strategically, yet so simple in terms of actually playing it. There are only three buildings (silo, radar and airbase) and five units (battleship, submarine, aircraft carrier, fighter and bomber) to control, but exactly where you position them and how you use them is what counts. It also does an amazing job at creating an atmosphere that, for a game aboutSuch a fun game that is so complex strategically, yet so simple in terms of actually playing it. There are only three buildings (silo, radar and airbase) and five units (battleship, submarine, aircraft carrier, fighter and bomber) to control, but exactly where you position them and how you use them is what counts. It also does an amazing job at creating an atmosphere that, for a game about nuclear war on a global scale, just feels right. Well worth the price!… Expand
  14. Hudson633
    Aug 15, 2012
    5
    Brilliant atmosphere, you feel the tension of the impending nuclear war as the timer counts to the next DEFCON level, moving your units in to destroy as much of the opposing continent as you can. Then you reach DEFCON 1 and watch the nukes you launched heading to kill millions, while the grim background music plays. It's too simple though, ships and planes move and shoot each otherBrilliant atmosphere, you feel the tension of the impending nuclear war as the timer counts to the next DEFCON level, moving your units in to destroy as much of the opposing continent as you can. Then you reach DEFCON 1 and watch the nukes you launched heading to kill millions, while the grim background music plays. It's too simple though, ships and planes move and shoot each other clumbsily on a small map for about 10 minutes while nukes fly overhead, gets boring fast.… Expand
  15. Discord
    May 19, 2012
    9
    DEFCON is a wonderfully strategic nuclear war sim. Despite it being rather difficult to play online, the game is so brilliant that play against the AI is still quite entertaining. There are a number of astounding mods that enhance the game to a whole new level, and Introversion has taken the wise step of recognizing these mods on their website. In all, a brilliant game.
  16. tech-noir
    Jan 29, 2012
    5
    DEFCON borrows some of its lore and most of its appearance from portions of the movie WarGames. The multi player scene is still active, and it is very easy to find open matches with all kinds of different settings. Personally, I prefer playing against the CPU, much like in the movie. The map is fairly accurate, depicting the geopolitical era of the Cold War. Implementing orders to yourDEFCON borrows some of its lore and most of its appearance from portions of the movie WarGames. The multi player scene is still active, and it is very easy to find open matches with all kinds of different settings. Personally, I prefer playing against the CPU, much like in the movie. The map is fairly accurate, depicting the geopolitical era of the Cold War. Implementing orders to your units can sometimes be confusing and inadequate, but with enough attempts, you become used to the interface, and will be able to do all of the game's strategical requirements. What is most valuable in DEFCON is the replay ability. Certainly, each match has an ending, but the game truly shines when you play it repeatedly; alone or online. Winning is not easy. Several things must go right, and occur at specific moments in order to be successful. Because of these timing issues, sometimes you will win or lose depending on how quickly or how slowly your units execute orders in conjunction with timers. Nuking cities and other strategic locations doesn't exactly feel like you are killing people. There isn't very much tension. It all just feels like you are clicking around on the map and delegating orders. The feeling that lives are actually being lost is not truly present. At the end of each match, you will be shown a small statistics screen with how much of the enemy population you have killed, how many of your population have been killed, and so on. Each match takes between 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and it often feels like each instance ends abruptly without much of a climax or excitement in the confrontations. The entire atmosphere is very cold and impersonal. Setting up a new single player match means you will have to go into the advanced settings every single time in order to change a few options to single player mode. The default (which can't be permanently altered) is set to multi player, broadcasting your match as public. This is quite annoying and should not have been programmed as such. I am certain that there are many DEFCON players that prefer single player mode and this preference should not be hindered by permanently set options from the developers. The longevity of DEFCON is dependent entirely on the player's interest in its short matches, be it single player or multi player. Besides your initial location on the match, it feels like every single match is played almost exactly the same, with very little occurring differently or alternatively. The strategies necessary to play this game are limited and basic, regardless of whether you win or lose. The only major change as you become better at the game is that you will begin winning, but this does not mean each match will be played differently, or go through a different turn of events. As repetitive as it is, there is a small amount of entertainment gained from playing DEFCON for more than three or so matches at a time. The gaming experience quickly becomes dull, repetitive, tiresome, and almost identical to every other match you play. DEFCON is best played in short bursts in order to preserve its replay ability. Seriously lacking in variety, this diversion is suited for fast breaks and brief encounters.… Expand
  17. Pivot1022
    Dec 24, 2011
    5
    I'm giving this a 5 cause it seem's like it can be good. and my problems might not happen to you guys.
    Anyway, I bought this game today (dec 24 2011) for 2.50, And oh my god am i having troubles... The game explains nothing to me... I didin't know how to use nukes how to use fleets, and i still don't. The tutorial is messed up, when ever i try to play it, the game ALWAYS crashes. ALWAYS.    I'm giving this a 5 cause it seem's like it can be good. and my problems might not happen to you guys.
    Anyway, I bought this game today (dec 24 2011) for 2.50, And oh my god am i having troubles... The game explains nothing to me... I didin't know how to use nukes how to use fleets, and i still don't. The tutorial is messed up, when ever i try to play it, the game ALWAYS crashes. ALWAYS. So now i'm stuck here trying to figure out how to **** play this game while i get my ass kicked in 5 mins by the AI. I hate this. The game seems fun but i am having the worst time with it. WHY DO I HAVE TO GO ONLINE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO PLAY THIS PIECE OF ****    … Expand
  18. DarkEmperor
    Nov 23, 2011
    9
    This game is a must buy for anyone who has ever seen Wargames - and even for those too young to appreciate the genius of actually finally getting to play - at long last - a real game of Global Thermonuclear War. what is amazing about this game is it is not only an attempt to realize that lofty dream - but it is an amazingly tense, strategic, and atmospheric game in its own right. If youThis game is a must buy for anyone who has ever seen Wargames - and even for those too young to appreciate the genius of actually finally getting to play - at long last - a real game of Global Thermonuclear War. what is amazing about this game is it is not only an attempt to realize that lofty dream - but it is an amazingly tense, strategic, and atmospheric game in its own right. If you are checking this to know if the Humble Bundle is worth it - I say - yes - a thousnad times yes - if only for the inclusion of this amazing game! To date - with the purchase of one of the bundle this morning - this I now own three copies of this amazing game.… Expand
  19. Overrwatcher
    Sep 1, 2011
    9
    Extremely simple with excellent visuals. However, it is one of the most tense strategy games I played. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... DEFCON 1. That is the tensest moment of the game, and a few seconds later all hell breaks loose and 20 nukes fly in the air. Its gameplay is one that will make you want to come back for more, and brainstorm. "Maybe I can launch half of my nukes, and the other halfExtremely simple with excellent visuals. However, it is one of the most tense strategy games I played. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... DEFCON 1. That is the tensest moment of the game, and a few seconds later all hell breaks loose and 20 nukes fly in the air. Its gameplay is one that will make you want to come back for more, and brainstorm. "Maybe I can launch half of my nukes, and the other half go air defense? Maybe I can send my subs to destroy the entire naval fleet then nuke Tokyo? Maybe I can go full defense mode, then launch all my nukes when everyone else is done?" I reccomend it to everyone who is into strategy and genocide.… Expand
  20. NormalGuy1996
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    The only bad thing is the lack of servers online. Otherwise, this is a fun, challenging, and interesting game. It's a must have for anyone who loves strategy games.
  21. VonCarlsson
    Dec 30, 2010
    5
    DEFCON offers a very interesting concept, but it fails to really involve the player.
    The game is very generic, once you've played a game you've seen it all.
    If you like slow phased strategy, then this might amuse you quite a bit, but for a person that likes medium/fast phased real time strategy it's not worth the price of 10 euros.
  22. EricS
    Oct 6, 2008
    9
    A very well designed and implemented game, with focus obviously placed more on gameplay and enjoyability instead of overly flashy graphics. What graphics there are do their job well, are pleasing to the eye, and easily interpreted at a glance, not getting in the way of gameplay. The soundtrack is likewise simple, but evocative, creating a feeling of detachment yet also one of tension, as A very well designed and implemented game, with focus obviously placed more on gameplay and enjoyability instead of overly flashy graphics. What graphics there are do their job well, are pleasing to the eye, and easily interpreted at a glance, not getting in the way of gameplay. The soundtrack is likewise simple, but evocative, creating a feeling of detachment yet also one of tension, as though the player really were sitting in some insulated bunker, watching events unfold on a monitor, disconnected from the violence and yet in control of it.… Expand
  23. ChrisM
    Sep 12, 2008
    10
    When I first got the game, I always got destroyed, because I didn't understand how advanced the strategy was. I gave up on it. A year later I picked it up again, and learned a few things. Started winning some games, and now I'm hooked. Been playing daily for months. It's like a modernized game of chess. You need to use certain pieces, to protect other pieces, and to help When I first got the game, I always got destroyed, because I didn't understand how advanced the strategy was. I gave up on it. A year later I picked it up again, and learned a few things. Started winning some games, and now I'm hooked. Been playing daily for months. It's like a modernized game of chess. You need to use certain pieces, to protect other pieces, and to help coordinate attacks and there's LOTS of deception.… Expand
  24. MikeB
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    The most chilling war game ever created. The game illustrates the tension, paranoia, and complexity of global thermonuclear war. Rather than creating a sense of extreme warrior spirit to stimulate the shallow gamer, Defcon creates an atmosphere of dread, with the background music hinting at the imminent doomsday right from the start of a round. You never see the nukes hit, for, judging The most chilling war game ever created. The game illustrates the tension, paranoia, and complexity of global thermonuclear war. Rather than creating a sense of extreme warrior spirit to stimulate the shallow gamer, Defcon creates an atmosphere of dread, with the background music hinting at the imminent doomsday right from the start of a round. You never see the nukes hit, for, judging from the sound effects and the overall atmosphere, you're in a protected bunker, leading the nuclear massacre and monitoring it from a tactical screen. Hundreds of millions of people are about to die - you're responsible for making sure that it happens, and that the continent you're in charge of suffers through the somber nuclear holocaust the least. The atmosphere is the game's most memorable trait - there's really nothing else like it. The music gives a sense of remorse for the death that is about to take place.… Expand
  25. JasonRabb
    Dec 31, 2007
    10
    This is a simple game to understand yet incredibly difficult to master. Kudos for a company to break from what is "in" to attempt something older yet heat-thumping in fun and entertainment. You have to love the genre of strategy and chess to understand and appreciate the brilliance of this game. Enjoy! = )
  26. JamesP.
    Sep 24, 2007
    9
    A great game with some very interesting ideas. It possibly not the best rts out on the market but is incredibly fun to play and hard to master. Single player is nothing special. Most times you can predict what the ai is going to do. The multi player is where the action is. One on one is good and the world map is big enough for plenty of sneaky tactics. Get more than two involved for some A great game with some very interesting ideas. It possibly not the best rts out on the market but is incredibly fun to play and hard to master. Single player is nothing special. Most times you can predict what the ai is going to do. The multi player is where the action is. One on one is good and the world map is big enough for plenty of sneaky tactics. Get more than two involved for some really interesting times. The alliances system allows players to join alliances but also for other player to vote someone else out of one too. You really do have to have your thinking head on once four people are involved.… Expand
  27. SimonO.
    Sep 9, 2007
    9
    Excellent game. I am not sure everyone find a lot of replay value as your competing against some seriously good players. A ranking system would be nice.
  28. JeromyC.
    Jun 9, 2007
    10
    The music adds to the chilling atmosphere. Well worth $15 bucks especially hearing your son groan in his room while going head to head while I decimate him, priceless. So far I have found no worthy opponent online one on one and the single player is a joke. When against several opponents it is difficult. Still feels like it is missing something. The visuals are exquisite. It adds to the The music adds to the chilling atmosphere. Well worth $15 bucks especially hearing your son groan in his room while going head to head while I decimate him, priceless. So far I have found no worthy opponent online one on one and the single player is a joke. When against several opponents it is difficult. Still feels like it is missing something. The visuals are exquisite. It adds to the horrific spine chilling mood along with the music. I did get burned out after a week of almost solid playing but just for a quick little something to leave you hanging on the end of your seat game, it is 10+ in my book. After you learn how to take out the enemy silos from the get go 1vs1 is too easy. Playing against at least 4 or more players is really a challenge. So far I haven't quite mastered engaging multiple enemies. Strike first and strike hard! Leaving a few silos undetected and subs on their front lawn for final clean up or retaliatory strike.… Expand
  29. StevenL.
    May 7, 2007
    5
    Great atmosphere, but the actual game leaves much to be desired. There are many subtle nuances in particular that are horrendously poorly documented, and severely hinder the learning curve to the point of a fault. I did not have fun with it.
  30. MatveiS.
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    I just bought this game after playing the demo for several weeks. Defcon is really addictive game, indeed easy to learn and hard to master. I love the time control system, where players can speed up and slow down time. It allows enough time to thoughtfully place all units and give orders, but also has options to fast-forward through uneventful stages of the game. The game is infinitely I just bought this game after playing the demo for several weeks. Defcon is really addictive game, indeed easy to learn and hard to master. I love the time control system, where players can speed up and slow down time. It allows enough time to thoughtfully place all units and give orders, but also has options to fast-forward through uneventful stages of the game. The game is infinitely fun and replayable, and it only cost me $15. I love it!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PC Game of 2006
19
#19 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
35
#35 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. IGN
    85
    DEFCON's a great example of how a few simple concepts can be combined to make something that's incredibly interesting and pleasantly complicated.
    Read full review
  2. Edge Magazine
    70
    The developer’s cleverest trick here, beyond creating a game that’s worth it for the presentation alone, has been to throw open so many of its rules to player customisation. [Nov 2006, p.90]
  3. Eurogamer
    80
    Defcon is as pure and direct a game as its inspiration, and its limitations are ones of the game's basic scope.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »