Frozen Synapse

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 205 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 138 out of 205
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 205
  3. Negative: 29 out of 205

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  1. sleeplust
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    当年预购CODMW3时得到的，同时得到的还有那个梦境模拟游戏Trauma。玩了一小会，仅仅因为不想玩和难度稍高就没再玩过，但是我很清楚这个游戏的操作机制和游戏性都没问题。推荐尝试。
  2. KunalV
    May 10, 2014
    9
    A thinking man's game. The game is a simultaneous turn based strategy game. You plan your moves and your opponent plans theirs. And then both the team play their moves together at the same time. The game is very simple to learn. Twenty minutes of investment and you know how to play. However it is with included online play that the game comes to life. You can play with hundreds of playersA thinking man's game. The game is a simultaneous turn based strategy game. You plan your moves and your opponent plans theirs. And then both the team play their moves together at the same time. The game is very simple to learn. Twenty minutes of investment and you know how to play. However it is with included online play that the game comes to life. You can play with hundreds of players from around the world. And the best part is you can play at your own pace. Don't want to finish your move today? No problem log in tomorrow and your game is still there! No limit to wait until a player abandons. Get it on a Steam sale! Its worth every penny!… Expand
  3. HwoDragon
    Jan 27, 2014
    9
    Definitely one of the best Indie games I've ever played, if not THE best. An over the head, simultaneous turn tactical shooter might sound confusing, but the game is brilliantly put together. You have 5 different types of units, each specialized for certain tasks. You plan out your troop's movements in 5 second intervals while your enemy does the same, trying to predict where he's hidingDefinitely one of the best Indie games I've ever played, if not THE best. An over the head, simultaneous turn tactical shooter might sound confusing, but the game is brilliantly put together. You have 5 different types of units, each specialized for certain tasks. You plan out your troop's movements in 5 second intervals while your enemy does the same, trying to predict where he's hiding his guys and what he's likely to do. Then you prime the movement and pray that everything goes according to plan, because it sure as hell isn't likely to.

    Delightfully unforgivable, FS trains you to anticipate and plan for everything. Is he going to shoot a rocket here, or is it safe to keep your gunner behind this wall for another turn? It's been 10 seconds since you saw that shotgunner, better lob a grenade around the corner, in case he's hiding there. Get your sniper trained on that wall and blow it open with a rocket so you can start taking potshots at whoever's on the other side. Your prerun shows that you can't get a gunner across this battlefield before he gets his brains blasted. Have a spare unit draw some fire long enough to get both troops to cover!

    Overall, FS is a great game at a great price. Challenging, fun to master, and put together very well, I'd recommend this game for any fan of the slower, more thoughtful strategy game.

    My only criticism of the game is that every match is ranked. Even a friendly practice round with a buddy will affect your overall score. I'd like an unranked game feature, to take the pressure off of winning even casual round.    … Expand
  4. Pomegranate23
    Sep 22, 2013
    9
    Great game! Some consider it too hard but its a pure tactical game. I also agree with that it can be too difficult but hey, all games can't be casual
  5. KyleJPie10
    Jul 24, 2013
    8
    The best way to explain this game is, it is essentially a complex game of chess. It really tests ones ability to strategize and to out-smart the opponent. If you enjoy a game that puts your mind to the test, I could not recommend this game more. But if you are a casual gamer that does not enjoy much of a challenge, then I guarantee this would be a waste of your time and a major cause ofThe best way to explain this game is, it is essentially a complex game of chess. It really tests ones ability to strategize and to out-smart the opponent. If you enjoy a game that puts your mind to the test, I could not recommend this game more. But if you are a casual gamer that does not enjoy much of a challenge, then I guarantee this would be a waste of your time and a major cause of frustration. It is a bit pricey for being a relatively simplistic indie game at $25. But I find it well worth the money. Download the demo on Steam and try it for yourself.… Expand
  6. hit925
    Jun 25, 2013
    8
    I think this game has a lot going for it and deserves more praise than it currently has. It is a incredibly deep strategy game and when a turn is being played out, it provides a tension unlike any game I have played. I will agree that the AI in single player can be frustratingly clever at times and unfortunately, the online community is fairly quiet at the moment. The gameplay however isI think this game has a lot going for it and deserves more praise than it currently has. It is a incredibly deep strategy game and when a turn is being played out, it provides a tension unlike any game I have played. I will agree that the AI in single player can be frustratingly clever at times and unfortunately, the online community is fairly quiet at the moment. The gameplay however is hugely satisfying and addictive. When a plan goes your way, it feels awesome. The music is also great (at first) as well as the cool art style. The fact you get two copies with each purchase is clever, so get someone to play with, and you will enjoy this immensely.… Expand
  7. Maetco
    Feb 5, 2013
    9
    It's funny when the people giving this game a bad grade (or what ever you want to call it) are only talking about the single player gameplay. It's like saying that LoL is a crappy game because it's single player gameplay sucks. This game is 99,99 multiplayer and 0,01 single player game. If you don't have an internet connection or for some reason hate to play against other people do notIt's funny when the people giving this game a bad grade (or what ever you want to call it) are only talking about the single player gameplay. It's like saying that LoL is a crappy game because it's single player gameplay sucks. This game is 99,99 multiplayer and 0,01 single player game. If you don't have an internet connection or for some reason hate to play against other people do not buy this game or you will be disappointed. But if you do like to play against other people and you like tactical games where psychology plays a big part then this game is a must buy. I consider it to be one of my all time favourite multiplayer games.… Expand
  8. totalmech
    Aug 5, 2012
    9
    This game is so simple and so complex at the same time. In a world where turn based games seem to have been forgotten, Frozen Synapse comes as a refreshing option to strategy fans. The game is pure fun and addiction.
  9. Anark
    Jun 20, 2012
    10
    It is perfect. I cannot remember the last time I had this fun with a PC game. Rebirth of Rainbow Six feelings (before Ubisoft kill the licence), chess game with rocket launchers. Love it !
    (Dark mode only)
  10. Saurus
    May 16, 2012
    9
    It's a shame when people have only AAA games in their mind and ignore hidden gems such as Frozen Synapse. The game is not for anyone - that can be said about any game out there. But in this case what I mean is that unlike other games where you just rush and kill everything in sight, in Frozen Synapse you must take a slower and more tactical approach. You are in command of a squad ofIt's a shame when people have only AAA games in their mind and ignore hidden gems such as Frozen Synapse. The game is not for anyone - that can be said about any game out there. But in this case what I mean is that unlike other games where you just rush and kill everything in sight, in Frozen Synapse you must take a slower and more tactical approach. You are in command of a squad of soldiers, each equipped with different weapons, from shotguns through sniper rifles all the way to rocket launchers. The game has a good tutorial which can make a person understand the basic and more advanced tactics - from the standard take cover tactics to the more advanced search and destroy where each member of the squad covers the blind spot of the other and thus advance in their search for the enemies. Afterwards people can chose whether they want to advance to the campaign, practice against the computer in skirmish matches or go online against other people around the world. This is a game which would be more suited to the gamers which favor brains and strategy over the standard gamers which know only how to react and rely on reflexes while gaming ... If you are of the first type - I recommend buying this, if you are from the latter one - prove us wrong, joins us and show us ! :)… Expand
  11. Billick
    Apr 18, 2012
    9
    Frozen Synapse is a turn based military strategy game. FS sacrifices pretty graphics and fast action, for a more thoughtful, bare bones experience. The soundtrack is very good, and fits nicely to the mood of the game. The single player campaign is long and challenging, but it's the multiplayer mode that really shines. The secret sauce for this game, in my opinion, is that both players'Frozen Synapse is a turn based military strategy game. FS sacrifices pretty graphics and fast action, for a more thoughtful, bare bones experience. The soundtrack is very good, and fits nicely to the mood of the game. The single player campaign is long and challenging, but it's the multiplayer mode that really shines. The secret sauce for this game, in my opinion, is that both players' turns resolve at the same time. You can plan out your own moves, and then endlessly simulate what you think your opponent will do until you get your plan just right. You not only have to account for what your opponent has done, but also what you think he might do. After both players submit their turns, you get to see the results. The anticipation of waiting to see if your plan worked the way you thought it would is awesome. Games can take from several minutes, to several days, depending on how fast each player submits their turn. You can get email notifications that it's your turn if you are offline, which is a neat feature. The slow pace and fairly high learning curve may turn some people off. It took me about 5 hours of playing before I really had any clue what I was doing. It's a different kind of strategy game, but potentially very rewarding if you have the patience.… Expand
  12. LoadedWeapon
    Feb 16, 2012
    9
    Not for everyone. I used some of the single player levels to learn about the game. braved up and tried multiplayer and never went back to the story mode. no need. The music is amazing, the graphics are fitting. all around this time sink got way more out of me than I paid. and I still have a smile. so.. high score from me.
  13. Ztride
    Jan 19, 2012
    8
    Such a simple concept, yet so brilliantly executed. A superb comination between RTS and TBS, and one of few strategy games were strategy really matters (as opposed to say multi-tasking, or memorising building orders).
  14. Kenmei
    Dec 23, 2011
    8
    This was a game I enjoyed but it's definitely not for everyone. The complexity and the amount of time it'll take to actually get good at this game seem daunting. But if your willing to go out of your way to learn the ropes then you'll enjoy this game quite a bit. I personally have not played in an online match so far but I hear the community is a good one and is willing to help you to getThis was a game I enjoyed but it's definitely not for everyone. The complexity and the amount of time it'll take to actually get good at this game seem daunting. But if your willing to go out of your way to learn the ropes then you'll enjoy this game quite a bit. I personally have not played in an online match so far but I hear the community is a good one and is willing to help you to get better, instead of bashing you for learning how to play. I'd recommend it to people, but the one person I've already talked to said they hated it. Definitely read up on this game first before you buy it as it might not be for you.… Expand
  15. badrain
    Nov 28, 2011
    9
    Im after 9 hours of gameplay and i can only say - amazing tactical game! First minutes were pretty hard, you can easily get discouraged... Controls does not seem clear, but when you get hang of it - it becomes easy and intuitive. Gameplay is tactical driven, but you'll mostly find rock-paper-scissors mechanics here. In every mission you will take control of soldiers, in random generatedIm after 9 hours of gameplay and i can only say - amazing tactical game! First minutes were pretty hard, you can easily get discouraged... Controls does not seem clear, but when you get hang of it - it becomes easy and intuitive. Gameplay is tactical driven, but you'll mostly find rock-paper-scissors mechanics here. In every mission you will take control of soldiers, in random generated scenery. There's always an objective, but nothing will surprise you - attack, defend, take hostage, rescue hostage.. and so on. In most situations you'll have limited turns to complete you task, so no messing around. Gameplay involves planning phase, when you give orders... then you can test your plan and finally - execute it. The other side is doing the same thing so you need to think ahead of your opponent. So where's the rock-paper-scissors mechanics? Your team operate in simple ways - soldier in cover always beats exposed unit, shotgun wins with everyone in close quarters, sniper always beats every unit in distance ( vice versa he gets killed in close quarters in a second) ... and so on and so on. You'll at least hour to get a grip of it and think about every possible situation and its outcome. Then you can really enjoy the game ! :) Single Player Campaign is about 50 (!!!) missions long... I guess im not far than 10 and it's getting seriously hard. Nevertheless, multiplayer is the most interesting feature in Frozen Synapse. Playing with live opponent is far more exciting. The mechanics allow you to participate in 5 or more matches in one time, you just conclude your turn and while waiting for other player - play another skirmish. Of course your can compete in leaderboards or even upload your replays on youtube... instantly. What else can i say? Buy it. It's great. Support indie developers. Support GOOD games.… Expand
  16. Silyus
    Sep 13, 2011
    9
    One of the best tactical game i ever had, all you have to do is think what the enemy want to do and move accordly, you can simulate each move (even the possible move of the enemy) before commit your turn, so the random factor is next to zero.
    The only bad thing is a poor communication with the developers, there are a few problems that could be easly fixed, but after that it's a very solid    One of the best tactical game i ever had, all you have to do is think what the enemy want to do and move accordly, you can simulate each move (even the possible move of the enemy) before commit your turn, so the random factor is next to zero.
    The only bad thing is a poor communication with the developers, there are a few problems that could be easly fixed, but after that it's a very solid product. Buy it (on Steam) and send the extra copy to a friend who loves hard tactical games.

    P.S. the music is really amazing too..    … Expand
  17. Acousticamor
    Aug 14, 2011
    10
    Very addicting game. If you want a strategy game which emphasizes the word "strategy" then pick this. If you lack the knowledge and capacity to realize this game is like a game of chess, and trying to determine your opponents movement patterns to outsmart them like Shinigurai who gave this game a 1 (since you cant skip the tutorial or he cant outsmart the AI he gives it a 1, pro tip thereVery addicting game. If you want a strategy game which emphasizes the word "strategy" then pick this. If you lack the knowledge and capacity to realize this game is like a game of chess, and trying to determine your opponents movement patterns to outsmart them like Shinigurai who gave this game a 1 (since you cant skip the tutorial or he cant outsmart the AI he gives it a 1, pro tip there Shini, its a tutorial you're not usually supposed to skip those things, its there to teach you). I played the demo for 20 minutes and beat a few skirmishes, enjoyed the ambient music and decided hey I get a free copy with this game once I buy it too? Sweet. Gift for a friend. This game is meant to exercise the brain. Its like that Sudoku but with guns, and instead of numbers you have infantry. It is very addicting and I have a hard time putting it down. Pick this up.… Expand
  18. Overrwatcher
    Aug 13, 2011
    9
    An extremely polished, unique, underrated game. People complain about the AI, Graphics, and Price. Fact is, the AI will beat you many times, but you realise that "Oh, I should've noticed that rocket over there." Another fact, since when did graphics make up a game? Walk in with an open mind. It's a small indie game, not a massive AAA game. Also, the price is not $25. It actually is $12.50,An extremely polished, unique, underrated game. People complain about the AI, Graphics, and Price. Fact is, the AI will beat you many times, but you realise that "Oh, I should've noticed that rocket over there." Another fact, since when did graphics make up a game? Walk in with an open mind. It's a small indie game, not a massive AAA game. Also, the price is not $25. It actually is $12.50, but you can't buy one copy. My only complaints are the storyline and the unfair advantage the AI gets. Usually, I start with 1 rocket and two machinegunners while the AI also gets a shotgunner. The story I could not understand, but you don't need to in order to like this game. Otherwise, it is a very good game that deserves all the respect it can get.… Expand
  19. Emag
    Aug 10, 2011
    8
    Frozen Synapse is a great little turn-based strategy game, but before you eagerly click the "buy" button, know a few things:

    -It's targeted to a niche slow-paced strategy crowd, so if you prefer fast-paced RTS games or twitchy shooters, you may want to pass on this one. -The AI is hard as balls and is almost psychic. It takes a lot of PATIENCE to beat the campaign. You can't just pray    Frozen Synapse is a great little turn-based strategy game, but before you eagerly click the "buy" button, know a few things:

    -It's targeted to a niche slow-paced strategy crowd, so if you prefer fast-paced RTS games or twitchy shooters, you may want to pass on this one. -The AI is hard as balls and is almost psychic. It takes a lot of PATIENCE to beat the campaign. You can't just pray that the AI won't make a certain move- you need to position your units such that the AI will be forced into a loss. That being said, it makes winning all the more satisfying =]

    -I couldn't really understand the storyline. It's probably just me. Maybe you have to play it a few times, but it involves a lot of strange names that are hard to keep track of.

    -The main reason I gave it an 8/10 is because there are a lot of bugs and frequent crashes. The final mission bugged out on me so I had to watch the ending on Youtube. This is rather frustrating.

    If you're cool with all that, then you really can't go wrong for the price.    … Expand
  20. Snowless
    Jul 27, 2011
    9
    I like this game a lot. Great tactical gameplay. Bit meager on the graphics department, but otherwise a solid title. I feel that the music is a bit repetitive.
  21. Chapy
    Jul 22, 2011
    9
    Game is a serious gem. Genius design, pure strategy, your wits vs his, no fancy micro just brains. As of the time of me writing this, I'm not too pleased with how the 'replays' are only available per sever, not globally. Also, their USA servers run about 10x slower than their UK servers, pretty annoying since I play on both. Those issues aside, the game is worth a buy if you're at leastGame is a serious gem. Genius design, pure strategy, your wits vs his, no fancy micro just brains. As of the time of me writing this, I'm not too pleased with how the 'replays' are only available per sever, not globally. Also, their USA servers run about 10x slower than their UK servers, pretty annoying since I play on both. Those issues aside, the game is worth a buy if you're at least capable of tying your own shoes, more than can be said for the 0 score guy. Pick this up!… Expand
  22. Mendozacheers
    Jul 19, 2011
    9
    Frozen Synapse is an advanced TBS game. I've had a lot of fun with it, even though I pretty much sucks at it. The whole idea is very unique, though there's a lot of TBS's out there, Frozen Synapse might be one of the best. I love that a game could go on for months because the way you can leave the game at any turn, and your opponent will be okay with it. He can just go ahead and start aFrozen Synapse is an advanced TBS game. I've had a lot of fun with it, even though I pretty much sucks at it. The whole idea is very unique, though there's a lot of TBS's out there, Frozen Synapse might be one of the best. I love that a game could go on for months because the way you can leave the game at any turn, and your opponent will be okay with it. He can just go ahead and start a new game with someone else in the meantime. I got like 7 games running at the same time.
    The soundtrack is a total blast too!    … Expand
  23. unmarkedone
    Jul 18, 2011
    10
    Frozen Synapse will have you grooving to its electronic soundtrack, blowing holes in its destructible environment, and tactically taking down room after room of baddies in this thrilling masterpiece. Your mind will reel with the endless combat possibilities and brilliance of the planning system that allows you to see your next move in a number of dimensions before deciding on exactly howFrozen Synapse will have you grooving to its electronic soundtrack, blowing holes in its destructible environment, and tactically taking down room after room of baddies in this thrilling masterpiece. Your mind will reel with the endless combat possibilities and brilliance of the planning system that allows you to see your next move in a number of dimensions before deciding on exactly how you want to attack the enemy. You'll fall in love with the lengthy and excellent singleplayer campaign, but you're only just getting started when digging into the ground-breaking multiplayer. This game is an absolute steal, and must not be missed by anyone claiming to be a gamer.… Expand
  24. DeadlyCornbread
    Jul 12, 2011
    9
    Frozen Synapse is an interesting blend of realtime strategy and turn based strategy. This game is quick paced, yet deeply involved. The multitude of options allow you to do anything with your soldiers you can imagine in the battlefield (minus telling them to take a leak).

    Though this game is vehemently entertaining, the lack of customization hurts a bit. I rather like being able to equip    Frozen Synapse is an interesting blend of realtime strategy and turn based strategy. This game is quick paced, yet deeply involved. The multitude of options allow you to do anything with your soldiers you can imagine in the battlefield (minus telling them to take a leak).

    Though this game is vehemently entertaining, the lack of customization hurts a bit. I rather like being able to equip individual soldiers with weapons and gear, but this game doesn't allow it. It doesn't have equipment at all, just soldier types. But this formula works, snipers do great at long range, rifle men at medium ranges and shotgun soldiers for close combat. It's like a rock paper scissor formula. BUT my love of customization of individual soldiers comes from X-COM, and this game doesn't try to be X-COM. Other than that, the game is well worth the price tag and will provide plenty of entertainment to those willing to play!    … Expand
  25. SgtNinja
    Jul 7, 2011
    10
    This is amazing....just awesome.
    At first you will be under welled by the game, the graphics, the music, the seemingly non-existent story line. But after a while you understand how to work it (lol that semi-opaci means that it can be crouched under for instance) . I haven't even started on the online! The story line is actually rather deep tale about an abusive government that is told bit    This is amazing....just awesome.
    At first you will be under welled by the game, the graphics, the music, the seemingly non-existent story line. But after a while you understand how to work it (lol that semi-opaci means that it can be crouched under for instance) . I haven't even started on the online! The story line is actually rather deep tale about an abusive government that is told bit by bit. The characters are actually interesting. But the combat is the best part.

    The game is simultaneous turn based battles. Each player creates their turn, then they both see the out come. This means the game is very much like a chess game. Don't come into the game expecting fast pased cod like game play! An eventual tool is the space bar. When pressed your troops will act out their orders this allows very precises tactics (such as popping up from 2 different angles at the exact same time).

    Even who shoots first is deeply thought out, a mix of timing (who sees who microseconds first), if one has been waiting and weapons (e.g. close range=shot gun win generally etc).

    So look, i could prattle on all day about how great this game is and you will all probably just look at the end score so ill wrap this up.

    Although Frozen Synapse looks and sounds lame and old school, the game play is fresh and really interesting ! I could easy see myself playing this for a very long time with friends (especially with the Facebook integration). I would recommend that anyone who loves a bit of slow but intelligent strategy would love this game !

    10/10!    … Expand
  26. Jellye
    Jul 1, 2011
    10
    Simply fantastic. Solid tactical gameplay, and the multiplayer implementation is flawless - it's pretty much all the advantages of PBEM with none of its issues.
  27. MoreBokeh
    Jun 20, 2011
    8
    A solid tactical indie game made by tactical geeks for geeks. If you enjoyed Rainbow 6's tactical pre-mission planning, like I did, you should check this game out.
    Strong: Predicting an opponent's move gives you a huge advantage and positioning is king, both good things to see in a tactics heavy game.
    Moderate: You are exploiting AI predictability sometimes. The mission scoring system    A solid tactical indie game made by tactical geeks for geeks. If you enjoyed Rainbow 6's tactical pre-mission planning, like I did, you should check this game out.
    Strong: Predicting an opponent's move gives you a huge advantage and positioning is king, both good things to see in a tactics heavy game.
    Moderate: You are exploiting AI predictability sometimes. The mission scoring system makes no sense to me.
    Weak: Story, writing, characters, and replayability. Final note: There are no high level strategic elements in this game, which is strange as squad armament decisions would have fit perfectly.    … Expand
  28. DivideByNought
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    This is an awesome tactical game. The only thing I find annoying about it is that I've yet to find a full list of hot-keys for the different commands. I've discovered most on my own but there are still some commands I can't issue without right-clicking. It's disappointing because otherwise the game is well polished.
  29. Inscribed
    Jun 16, 2011
    9
    Fantastically Original! This game is not for everyone, but it is without a doubt original. The game is incredibly fun and addicting, because it maintains a thought provoking gameplay. Frozen Synapse is based around controlling a squad of men while guessing your opponents moves. It test both your tactical skills, and you social engineering knowledge. It is clearly one of the most originalFantastically Original! This game is not for everyone, but it is without a doubt original. The game is incredibly fun and addicting, because it maintains a thought provoking gameplay. Frozen Synapse is based around controlling a squad of men while guessing your opponents moves. It test both your tactical skills, and you social engineering knowledge. It is clearly one of the most original games in years, and is a will satisfy anyone who wants to give it a try.… Expand
  30. MrLonwol
    Jun 16, 2011
    8
    Playerbase: Great
    Gameplay: Great
    Strategy: Great
    Pricing: Not so great

    Other than that I must say I really enjoyed this game, although I don't feel as it's worth $25
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PC Game of 2011
79
#79 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 19, 2011
    90
    A fast-paced tactical game that is easy to approach but has depth in spades when you dig into it. The mix of randomness and determinism isn't quite optimal, but the end result is mostly excellent. Despite some lacklustre storytelling, even the single player side provides hours and hours of quality gaming. A cult classic. [Aug 2011]
  2. Gamer.nl
    Sep 9, 2011
    80
    Pure strategy, complex but solid controls and an irresistible multiplayer make Frozen Synapse a surprise hit. It's not a beautiful looking game, but ignore the basic presentation, because this is a game everyone should try at least once.
    Read full review
  3. Absolute Games
    Aug 14, 2011
    70
    Frozen Synapse is no rival to full-fledged tactical strategy games, but it's an ideal time-killer for a lunch break.
    Read full review
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