Wargame: Red Dragon

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 156 out of 214
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 214
  3. Negative: 31 out of 214

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  1. Dogman
    Apr 17, 2014
    10
    This game is incredible. The graphics have been enhanced immensely and the game looks incredible. The new units and the ships are very fun to play and add a new dimension to the game.

    The old spam tactics from Airland battle are completely gone now due to the many new changes to the units, the mechanics, and the balance. The game is even more tactical and the large maps add a whole    This game is incredible. The graphics have been enhanced immensely and the game looks incredible. The new units and the ships are very fun to play and add a new dimension to the game.

    The old spam tactics from Airland battle are completely gone now due to the many new changes to the units, the mechanics, and the balance.

    The game is even more tactical and the large maps add a whole new strategic dimension to the game.

    The new factions are all unique in their own way and add alot of character to the game.

    The best strategy game without any doubt since both multiplayer and single player are now extremely fun and provide many many hours of gameplay.

    The best RTS on the market!    … Expand
  2. Nuts
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    Another great game to the series with so many improvements. The added Navy has forced players to always have a defence planned. The creators have focused heavily on RTS not just spamming large amounts of units.

    Once again players have to think about troops and how they are used. Infantry in the open will be mowed down by anything, but in a forest they are a worthy force. Players will    Another great game to the series with so many improvements. The added Navy has forced players to always have a defence planned. The creators have focused heavily on RTS not just spamming large amounts of units.

    Once again players have to think about troops and how they are used. Infantry in the open will be mowed down by anything, but in a forest they are a worthy force. Players will always need air support behind their Offensive/Defensive lines, supply trucks must refuel and re-arm units and so on.

    This is a game that does have an intermediate learning curve but is extremely addictive once you get your head around the game dynamics.    … Expand
  3. aldraw
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    Red Dragon is my first purchase in the wargame series. The scale, relative realism, camera freedom, level of detail and graphics are amazing compared to other RTS games. Company of Heroes is the next closest thing but even then units can't hide in the jungle and the zoom is limited. Being able to seamlessly go from the entire map view to zooming in to see infantry crawling through theRed Dragon is my first purchase in the wargame series. The scale, relative realism, camera freedom, level of detail and graphics are amazing compared to other RTS games. Company of Heroes is the next closest thing but even then units can't hide in the jungle and the zoom is limited. Being able to seamlessly go from the entire map view to zooming in to see infantry crawling through the jungle is awesome .

    Moreover the deck system, logistics system and resource system in WG:RD is superior to the arbitrary and nonsensical resource mining, tech trees, base building and off-map support of run-of-the-mill RTS games. Never have I heard of a military that produces all its equipment on-site by mining resources, it is an absurd premise born because of technological limitations of the time. This basic formula however has little evolved. Wargame however is the next evolutionary step in RTS gaming. In wargame you select units for your army then draw upon this pool of units as reinforcements after choosing a starting lineup. When you run out of a type of unit you can't call anymore for the rest of the battle, like a real army. Vehicles also run out of fuel and ammunition so logistics and supply lines are well simulated compared to other RTS games. Careless players can get stuck without fuel and ammunition behind enemy lines leaving even the most powerful and expensive units useless and easily destroyed. Logistics also heal/repair your units and can be attacked to reduce the opponent's endurance.

    I could say much more about this game but long story short it is a fantastic piece of work and worth purchasing for anyone who's a strat gamer or interested in cold war era military.    … Expand
  4. BlackLodge
    Jan 2, 2015
    10
    There is an incredible media focus on RTS (or "Real Time Strategy") games now. The big ones (Starcraft 2, League of Legends, DOTA 2 etc) get much of the attention in the gamingmedia AND in broader channels, but if you´re not 13 years old anymore and want a REALISTIC game with REALISTIC pacing and units that are actually used in todays battlefields and conflicts, look no further!

    Here    There is an incredible media focus on RTS (or "Real Time Strategy") games now. The big ones (Starcraft 2, League of Legends, DOTA 2 etc) get much of the attention in the gamingmedia AND in broader channels, but if you´re not 13 years old anymore and want a REALISTIC game with REALISTIC pacing and units that are actually used in todays battlefields and conflicts, look no further!

    Here you have over 1500 realistic units made between 1951-1995 to choose from, all presented superbly in the showroom OR on the field of battle. Everything from soldierplatoons, troopvehicles, tanks, artillery units, helicopters, fighterjets, logistic units, MultiRocketLaunchers, Naval units, such as cruisers, destroyers, Corvettes and hangar ships. You name it you got it! Weapons, vehichles and Soldiers painstakingly recreated from USA, UK, Russia, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Chech Republic, DDR, Soviet, China, N Korea, Southkorea, Japan, Australia, New Zeeland.

    And, it is also easy to use! It takes tactical thinking and good timing to master this game, and the multiplayer part is brilliant with the possibility to find friends and join up for battle on a whole range of different maps and goals.
    You´ll be hooked on this game because it´s something you can relate to, real battles on our territory! There is some great Campaigns, and if that´s not your thing, go directly om the multiplayer part and find fast paced realitic modern warfare fore those who know what they are talking about!

    This is the new benchmark wargame out there people!    … Expand
  5. Faxx2
    Jan 30, 2015
    9
    A really good game to play with your friends. The interface works really well--once you have learnt them. The only issue is that the multiplayer experience can be ruined by the few trolls--but recently the community has started to instigate a banning system which seems to clear up the issues
  6. Kerveros
    May 27, 2014
    9
    I am not a veteran of the series, i.e. I‘ve never played AB or EE. So in my review there will be no comparisons between RD and its predecessors. It will only be based on my impressions as a new-comer after 90 hours of gaming. Also I have only focused on single player since I enjoy the campaigns very much. Furthermore in multiplayer there are many premade teams that steamroll new players,I am not a veteran of the series, i.e. I‘ve never played AB or EE. So in my review there will be no comparisons between RD and its predecessors. It will only be based on my impressions as a new-comer after 90 hours of gaming. Also I have only focused on single player since I enjoy the campaigns very much. Furthermore in multiplayer there are many premade teams that steamroll new players, and morons that when they rage they attack their allies. Not my cup of tea.
    Actually I am having a blast at the way this game is not based in numbers or sheer force. Many games managed to overcome the numbers factor (Total War series comes in mind) and implemented more depth in the fights. But even then sheer force was most of the time the way to win. In RD, organization wins.
    Understanding the mechanics of the game and reading the units’ attributes carefully is the first step towards victory. Afterwards you will have to study the field of battle. Buildings, forests, hills will change everything as the units’ field of view is very realistic and you might not be able to see a hidden tank behind a wall 50m away, while at the same time you can see a helicopter 2km away. That said you may prepare some nasty surprises on an enemy who just rushes in an urban area without taking precautions. Flanking a vehicle column marching on a road and destroying it in seconds or scattering AA batteries among the buildings and watching them shooting down 1 enemy airplane after the other is going to make you love cover.
    In modern warfare it is impossible for an army to just throw his weapons and flee like in Middle Ages. This is why every unit has its own morale which affects directly its fighting capabilities. If your unit gets panicked it will fight awfully. Morale drops from many factors like rocket/artillery barrages, many sudden casualties, napalm bombs and others. Morale will recover just by staying out of battle for a short time. Another factor that affects units is the stunning. Most of the time when a unit gets many direct hits it gets stunned. For that short period of time it is unable to react and gives you the opportunity to destroy it effortlessly.
    Considering all above, having a balanced force of tanks, recon, AA, infantry (only in buildings please) some artillery and light vehicles with AT missiles (they hit tanks really hard) is a must. Recon units are very important since you might see the enemy when he cannot see you and hit him unseen. Make sure to destroy enemy recon units as fast as possible, which is not that hard.
    Another way to win which is funny is to cut the enemy’s land/air routes by backstabbing him with some cheap tanks. The units that are in those areas are mostly artillery, command units and AA. They die easily, cost many morale points to the enemy and if the last command unit gets destroyed you automatically win, no matter how the battle goes. Morale points determine the number of casualties you and your enemy can take before losing. This is why you should protect your expensive units and keep them away from the frontline (but not too far away from their allies as well).
    AI is really cunning. When it is unable to attack head-long, it surrounds your position with support units and fires from all directions. It is painful to see heavy artillery bombarding your heroic units to the Stone Age. Also AI may send some light cheap units to cut off your supply lines and killing isolated command units. From what I‘ve seen in the campaigns it can surprise you and lay waste in your forces if you do not stay alert. It knows how to use cover very well.
    Naval battles: I damn like them. You should allow the opponent to waste their missiles and keep yours until his ships are nearby and have no time to bring down your missile rain. Hiding behind islands and bottlenecking the advancing enemy ships is also a good solution when you are outnumbered.
    This game allows you to resupply and repair your units. Cargo vessels and forward bases do the job if you place your units nearby. But their supplies are not unlimited so you should choose WHAT supplies you need. If you resupply some specific units (mostly rocket-launchers) on the right moment you will change the course of battle.
    This game in my opinion is a jewel. It is complex, realistic, and this is why you will get destroyed hard by easy AI at first. When you learn to identify the role of your units and your enemies everything will change. Oh…the graphics are state of art, but most of the time you will be zoomed out and unable to enjoy them. Sound is unimportant – but who cares. Campaigns offer some interesting alternative history.
    Try this game if you want a challenge. 9/10, simply because they should‘ve made a batter matchmaking system in multiplayer and ban asshats when they get many reports. Also some minor bugs. Every other aspect is just great. The haters simply did not spend some time to understand the mechanics.    … Expand
  7. Montanadad187
    Apr 19, 2014
    10
    I can honestly say that if this was to be the last wargame title for a few years then they will of left the series on the highest note. Been a diehard fanboy on the series since escalations. But even I knew that from that title to Airland Battle there was some very glaring flaws with the series, mainly the solo campaign. Well im happy to say that the single player has been as far as imI can honestly say that if this was to be the last wargame title for a few years then they will of left the series on the highest note. Been a diehard fanboy on the series since escalations. But even I knew that from that title to Airland Battle there was some very glaring flaws with the series, mainly the solo campaign. Well im happy to say that the single player has been as far as im concerned been tuned to perfection, and whats even better is that it's gonna only improve as the patches are released. And im am completely stoked for the future DLC that will focus entirely on a second Korean war in 93'. This is the absoulute pinnicle of what command and conquer had began over 2 decades ago. The French may stumble from time to time in real warfare, but they are the elite commanders of digital combat. Vous putain roche Eugen!… Expand
  8. SaitoHawkeye
    Apr 18, 2014
    9
    Red Dragon is the third installation in Eugen's Wargame series, and that status brings both challenges and massive improvements. The first focused quite narrowly on a possible Cold War gone hot scenario in Central Europe, the traditional Fulda Gap/Soviet tanks rolling into West Germany kind of war. It's gone far beyond that now, encompassing new theaters (Scandinavia, the Far East), newRed Dragon is the third installation in Eugen's Wargame series, and that status brings both challenges and massive improvements. The first focused quite narrowly on a possible Cold War gone hot scenario in Central Europe, the traditional Fulda Gap/Soviet tanks rolling into West Germany kind of war. It's gone far beyond that now, encompassing new theaters (Scandinavia, the Far East), new nations and new fields of engagement (air, naval).

    Eugen's Iriszoom Engine is a masterpiece of scaling and design. You can run this game (with blocky, rough graphics) on integrated-GPU Intel laptops, or load it up on a 780GTX with stunning graphics that allow you to effectively zoom from satellite level to individually animated tanks and infantry fighting, deploying smoke, firing rockets and taking fire.

    There are a few rough edges, but given the scale the fact that you will sometimes zoom in and see a tank clip through a tree or the wrong missiles mounted on one of 100 different military aircraft isn't much to complain about. There are always going to be some grognard-y types who get upset over improper radio antenna placement.

    First and foremost, it's created and balanced as a multiplayer game. The campaign efforts are commendable but will never be on the level of something like Total War (although I'd argue the AI is actually better than Creative Assembly), and the balancing, patching and tweaking focus heavily on trying to create a competitive forum.

    The "deck" system is one of Eugen's great innovations, and it remains pretty awesome in Red Dragon. Rather than simply taking a faction or a coalition, you build decks within those categories using "cards" of units at various levels of training. You might stack your deck heavily with powerful main battle tanks, focus on an airmobile helicopter-deployed force or build a peerless air force.

    With over 1,400 units, a dozen factions and multiple deck and unit categories, symmetric balance is out the window. However, good players using teamwork can fight to victory with nearly any deck, and so much of the game revolves around positioning, counter-play and recon that no one unit can dominate the battlefield. Even the most expensive ships, loaded with AA missiles, anti-ship missiles and protective systems, can be taken down if not properly escorted.

    Certain members of the relatively small community can be a bit harsh on new players, but there are plenty joining every day and some of the most helpful players I've ever met, as well.

    Red Dragon can be frustrating - when you get stomped by a coordinated team, slightly unpolished at the most detailed levels and will drive to you distraction when your carefully assembled assault gets clusterbombed into the stone age.

    But without the aid of any tacked-on progression mechanics, no paid DLC and a simple public+ladder multiplayer system, the series remains far and away my most-played PC game in Steam, and Red Dragon looks to set the record yet again.    … Expand
  9. Lunael82
    Apr 20, 2014
    10
    Much improved Single Player from ALB. Some minor quirks but knowing the developer this game will be patched to top condition in following week and months. Also coming are free DLC's. Can't recommend enough!
  10. 91killer
    Apr 18, 2014
    9
    Another excellent title for the Wargame Series. The new units and factions are fun to play and have been well balanced ahead of time. The new naval mechanics adds an interesting twist to multiplayer maps with both naval and ground forces on one map. Truly, everything you liked about ALB and more!
  11. matt92tau
    Apr 19, 2014
    10
    This game is awesome!! A lot of new units, navy and bigger maps.
    No more spam tactics from Airland Battle.
    And also 5 new nations!!
    This is the BEST RTS!!
  12. green01
    Apr 22, 2014
    10
    A fantastic game that is loads of fun. An improvement over the previous titles, it is now much more of a complete RTS. It is one of the best RTS games available at the moment, and requires more realistic tactics, thought and gameplay than other RTS games. It feels more like a realism RTS.

    Multiplayer is where this game truly shines. The single player is just ok, so in my opinion you    A fantastic game that is loads of fun. An improvement over the previous titles, it is now much more of a complete RTS. It is one of the best RTS games available at the moment, and requires more realistic tactics, thought and gameplay than other RTS games. It feels more like a realism RTS.

    Multiplayer is where this game truly shines. The single player is just ok, so in my opinion you shouldn't buy it just for the SP. Multiplayer has a steep learning curve, but is well worth it once you understand the game play and functionality. Just don't go in to it expecting another Command & Conquer!

    The deck building function of the game is also great fun in its self and gives you the option to build your own unique forces. You'll be constantly trying to perfect your deck to be the best it can be, chopping and changing as your tactics change.

    Endless fun!    … Expand
  13. willy2008
    May 5, 2014
    10
    Great.. yeah, well i was expecting this and it came as what i exactly wanted. I'm having so much fun these days with my friends. I've been playing this from European escalation.
  14. Draco0806
    Jun 14, 2014
    10
    Great, complex strategy game, with deep mechanics on the tactical level. The graphics engine is marvelous and fast, while deploying amazing visuals, the balance between reality and gameplay is well done and the gameplay is pretty much unmached by any other games available now, delivering true modern day combat, where every unit can count and you have to pay attention to think both at macroGreat, complex strategy game, with deep mechanics on the tactical level. The graphics engine is marvelous and fast, while deploying amazing visuals, the balance between reality and gameplay is well done and the gameplay is pretty much unmached by any other games available now, delivering true modern day combat, where every unit can count and you have to pay attention to think both at macro and micro levels.
    The only bad thing about the game is the horrendously high learning-curve for anyone who haven't played such complex titles before. It is highly advised to get a few friends to play with and watch a few guides before heading off into the wild!
    Much recommended to any hardcore strategy fans and those who are interested in modern warfare.    … Expand
  15. Gakolil
    May 21, 2014
    10
    Although perhaps a little too alike its predecessor, it is still a fantastic game. If you don't own Airland Battle, Wargame: Red Dragon is a must buy for all fans of realistic RTS warfare. If you do own Airland Battle, it's still a good buy even though it will feel more like an expansion than a stand-alone game.

    Single player is much improved, and the new asian factions are interesting.    Although perhaps a little too alike its predecessor, it is still a fantastic game. If you don't own Airland Battle, Wargame: Red Dragon is a must buy for all fans of realistic RTS warfare. If you do own Airland Battle, it's still a good buy even though it will feel more like an expansion than a stand-alone game.

    Single player is much improved, and the new asian factions are interesting. Also unlike most other games of today, Eugen offers free DLC updates with new and interesting units for the factions, offering ever-changing tactics as new and powerful units enter the battlefield.

    The game also introduces naval battles. While interesting, are seldom played in multiplayer, since you will mostly be playing on land maps.

    With the new asian factions, introduction of naval battles, epic 10v10 battles on new maps and great soundtracks Wargame: Red Dragon is a worthy successor of the wargame series.    … Expand
  16. michalkonczak55
    May 22, 2014
    10
    Great game but is so hard for newbie player than me .... but graphic is amazing and soldiers are butiful ,,,
    Must buy ... i want a next dlc to wargame becasue this game is great
  17. freemangl
    Aug 26, 2014
    10
    Just love Wargame Series, love eugen makes ture RTS games!
    Wargame Series are the best RTS games to me.
    -Modern war
    -Great graphics
    -Great handing/battle feel
    -Realistic/large scale
    -Strategic zoom
    -A lot of units
  18. JadeRuby
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    One of the most Epic RTS games you will ever play, Must Own
    he new units and factions are fun to play and have been well balanced ahead of time. The new naval mechanics adds an interesting twist to multiplayer maps with both naval and ground forces on one map. Truly, everything you liked about ALB and more!
  19. Bostonmyk
    Mar 14, 2015
    9
    Amazingly fun game. Visuals are beautiful and gameplay is well thought out. It's definitely not a real war simulation but a true real time strategy game set in a modern war setting. Naval component looks amazing but game model is off thus 1 less stars
  20. Ilham
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    I have never been playing Wargame before but after I Played this,, I was amaze by Its tactical and combat system, the graphics is also good, and The Missions are also very Challengeable . I totally love this game .

    It is the best one for me :D
  21. Yoki
    Apr 20, 2014
    9
    Love this game, Love this series, Keep the train roll !!!

    I very like the direction they went, focusing on the campaign - as this makes battles much more interesting and with some contexts ... cant wait for next iteration .... please please make it Middle east. The only Con i currently see & i hope wi;; get better is some performance issues - as game slight choppy at times (i have    Love this game, Love this series, Keep the train roll !!!

    I very like the direction they went, focusing on the campaign - as this makes battles much more interesting and with some contexts ... cant wait for next iteration .... please please make it Middle east.

    The only Con i currently see & i hope wi;; get better is some performance issues - as game slight choppy at times (i have strong Machine with CrossFire)    … Expand
  22. fraglivecl
    Apr 22, 2014
    8
    Este juego es magnifico , una obra de arte en la estrategia, espero siga mejorando con cada entrega, los gráficos son muy buenos , sobre todo el mapeado esta excelente.
  23. Eisert
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    Although clearly a game designed for multiplayer there is also a good single player (skirmish) mode and (strategic) campaigns in 4 theatres. Ships a bit limited but infantry, armour, choppers and planes for 17 countries (USA, UK, France, West- & East Germany, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, ANZAC, Japan, North & South Korea, USSR, Poland, Czechoslovakia and China) are abundant. IriszoomAlthough clearly a game designed for multiplayer there is also a good single player (skirmish) mode and (strategic) campaigns in 4 theatres. Ships a bit limited but infantry, armour, choppers and planes for 17 countries (USA, UK, France, West- & East Germany, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, ANZAC, Japan, North & South Korea, USSR, Poland, Czechoslovakia and China) are abundant. Iriszoom is the best engine around to recreate modern warfare on a tactical level. Hope the campaigns will evolve to global affairs with some economics and diplomacy in their next game and we finally will have our Total War in modern times.… Expand
  24. SpaceMariner_BL
    Apr 17, 2015
    10
    It is a great game all units is real and there is more country incoming. DLC's free thats the best blance in purchable games. It is real battle strategy every country have specialization example UK tanks well armored but very slow. MiG planes have best speed but lack of rotation. Don't forget put escort ship to capital ships who give 40% score to this game.
  25. Kurych
    Jul 27, 2015
    10
    Медитативная игра, посвящённая наблюдению за тем, как тысячи ваших юнитов гибнут под фугасами в напалме и в дыму. 10 Су7БКЛ из 10
  26. minix2poo
    Jun 9, 2016
    8
    A decent RTS in a modern scenario.

    With more than 1000 different units, you can set up a lot of individual decks to play with.
    The game is really fun, if you are into RTS.

    Multiplayer, especially the tactical multiplayer maps with low income are really fun.
    I just wished, there were more maps that people would play with low income...
  27. proteus555
    Jun 17, 2017
    8
    One of the best RTS in my life! Singleplayer campaign have hard mission where you can easy lost your army because computer is very very good but mutiplayer is so hard :(
  28. Thorbjornson
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    По сути единственна стратегия такого вида, жаль что разработчик забросил серию.
  29. storygamer
    Jun 4, 2021
    8
    I thought good, complex RTS is dead, then came Wargame: Red Dragon. I really like the modern story, the great visuals and the thrilling gameplay! BUT it´s not a game for casuals. You have to work hard to get the full Wargame General feeling. Pure addiction!
  30. Keecay
    Apr 22, 2021
    10
    Fantastic Strategy game! many units, tactics, methods, big scale battles... 10/10 for cold war freak like me :)
  31. NBK1337
    Jan 23, 2022
    10
    More than a worthy game of its genre. An extensive option of strategies and tactics, something that is missing in most rts. The main feature is quite thoughtful gameplay, the player does not need a cockroach or a korean reaction, therefore, a beginner having mastered a couple of basic points may well outplay even a veteran player. Recommended for playing with friends.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best PC Game of 2014
86
#86 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. CD-Action
    Jul 23, 2014
    90
    Red Dragon should open the wish list of every gamer who shares the view that RTS games should promote strategic thinking, not fast clicking. [06/2014, p.66]
  2. PC Gamer UK
    Jun 16, 2014
    80
    The best war sim around. [July 2014, p.86]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jun 5, 2014
    80
    New units, a little bit of polish and that’s about it. But it stills works like a charm! [Issue#242]
See all critic reviews »