Twilight Struggle is a digital version of the highly regarded board game of the same name, developed and published by Playdek, a studio specializing in bringing existing tabletop properties to the iOS and computers, for the PC. Twilight Struggle resided atop boardgamegeek.com's highest rated games list for six years between 2010 and 2016 when it was usurped by Pandemic: Legacy. Does this card-driven tabletop simulation of Cold War political strategizing translate well into the digital space?
Cold War Simulation
In the board game world, it's more common to refer to a game's theme rather than its story (with some notable exceptions). In most cases, a game's theme is how the designer contextualizes its mechanics. In Twilight Struggle, the Cold War tête-à-tête theme and mechanics enjoy a symbiotic relationship where they both inform and reinforce one another. Twilight Struggle's setting permeates all aspects of the presentation, from the cosmetic in the form of audiovisual design direction to the strictly mechanical with, for instance, the ingenious point system.
What is arguably one of the most impressive aspects of Twilight Struggle's theme arises in the decision-making process: there rarely, if ever, is an easily identifiable best …show more content…
And while I feel Playdek could utilize the move to a new platform more, Twilight Struggle plays very well on the PC. However, if you expected any added extravagant bells and whistles to the design, you'll be sorely disappointed, as Twilight Struggle enjoys a toned-down minimalistic audiovisual presentation that, in my opinion, is beneficial to the experience. Playdek ensures it's welcoming to new players with the inclusion of a comprehensive playable tutorial, although it doesn't concern itself with the particulars of strategy - which is left entirely up to
Cold War Simulation
In the board game world, it's more common to refer to a game's theme rather than its story (with some notable exceptions). In most cases, a game's theme is how the designer contextualizes its mechanics. In Twilight Struggle, the Cold War tête-à-tête theme and mechanics enjoy a symbiotic relationship where they both inform and reinforce one another. Twilight Struggle's setting permeates all aspects of the presentation, from the cosmetic in the form of audiovisual design direction to the strictly mechanical with, for instance, the ingenious point system.
What is arguably one of the most impressive aspects of Twilight Struggle's theme arises in the decision-making process: there rarely, if ever, is an easily identifiable best …show more content…
And while I feel Playdek could utilize the move to a new platform more, Twilight Struggle plays very well on the PC. However, if you expected any added extravagant bells and whistles to the design, you'll be sorely disappointed, as Twilight Struggle enjoys a toned-down minimalistic audiovisual presentation that, in my opinion, is beneficial to the experience. Playdek ensures it's welcoming to new players with the inclusion of a comprehensive playable tutorial, although it doesn't concern itself with the particulars of strategy - which is left entirely up to