If you’re accustomed to playing Broken Arrow with me, you probably won’t be taken aback by my past criticisms of the game. Upon reviewing online feedback using Google’s Gemini, Firaxis was often pointed out as a primary source of concern regarding the infantry mechanics in the game. However, after diving deeper into its systems, I may have been somewhat incorrect in my initial assessment.
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy/ Real-Time Tactics/ Military-Sim
- Developer: Steel Balalaika
- Publisher: Slitherine Ltd.
- Release Date: 16th June, 2025
- Price: $49.99/ 48,99€/ £41.99
- Buy at: Steam
- Reviewed On: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X 3.70 GHz, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 2080
Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! Ready to dive into something thrilling? I’m super pumped about Broken Arrow – it’s an real-time strategy/tactics game that’s got everyone talking in 2025, and for good reason. With over a million gamers eagerly waiting for their turn, it’s the most wishlisted strategy game of the year! Can’t wait to jump in myself!
Broken Arrow Basics and Inspirations VS Aspirations
In terms of its inspiration and competition, Broken Arrow resembles games like Wargame: Red Dragon, WARNO, and Regiments, with gameplay similarities being evident. However, given the established player bases of these games, particularly WARNO’s active multiplayer scene and thriving community, Broken Arrow must distinguish itself in various ways to stand out. Upon playing it extensively, I believe Steel Balalaika and Slitherine have crafted an experience that, despite iterative elements, offers a significantly different feel compared to these other titles.
In this review, we’ll highlight what sets Broken Arrow apart from other games, aiming to help you determine if it’s a worthwhile investment given its high price tag, as Broken Arrow is the priciest game available. Given current market trends, I would typically anticipate a triple-A price point to deliver top-notch quality. However, many triple-A games in 2025 have been criticized for falling short on quality, which is something we’ll be considering in our assessment.
The Novelty of 21st Century Warfare
Broken Arrow aims to stand out by merging the intricacy of authentic war simulations with the fast-paced real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay found in more conventional RTS games. To enhance the experience, it offers stunning visual details, extensive deck and unit customization options, and a contemporary setting that brings strategic complexity to the table. Rest assured, Broken Arrow excels in every aspect, creating a unique gaming experience unlike any other.
The unique aspect that distinguishes Broken Arrow from other competing games is its contemporary setting. Unlike other titles, which are based on the Cold War era, Broken Arrow takes a bold step into the 21st century, giving players an opportunity to engage in warfare as it’s experienced today. This modern-day setting isn’t merely background detail; rather, it’s a strategic choice. The intricacy of the battlefield escalates significantly due to advanced technology, and Broken Arrow has made concerted efforts to create game mechanics that accurately reflect this complexity. As a result, the game presents new tactical hurdles and factors unmatched by other competing titles. These include stealth fighters and drones, tanks with contemporary protection systems, precision-guided munitions, radar missile technology, and even modern firearms. Adapting to these elements will be essential for your gaming experience.
Moving forward, let’s discuss the intricacy of its mechanical aspects. Compared to Wargame: Red Dragon, WARNO undeniably offered an upgrade in complexity, making the game feel less like a simple numbers game and more involved. However, in my view, Broken Arrow surpasses WARNO significantly in this regard. In fact, I believe the difference is quite substantial.
Army Builder: Building Decks and Unit Customization
In the game “Broken Arrow,” the strategic complexity begins with the deck construction phase. Each deck is formed by combining two Specializations, out of a total of 10 available right now, five for the U.S., and five for the Russians. Each specialization comes with unique units and specific point allocations for various types of units you can field. For instance, if you select two specializations that emphasize infantry, you will have more points to deploy infantry. If you prefer a focus on armor, then choose two specializations that prioritize armor. This system implies that there’s rarely an ideal deck choice, and trade-offs must be made when deciding where to specialize, which is why it’s called as such.
These specializations can differ significantly from one another, with some not having certain unit types at all. For example, the Mobile Infantry has no access to helicopters, while the airborne division has no armored vehicles. This approach to making concessions might leave some players puzzled and concerned about playing online without a specific unit type. However, this system is designed this way due to the multiplayer aspect of the game as well. I’ll discuss more about multiplayer at a later point, but for now, let’s say that this system operates in this manner because of the multiplayer design itself.
Prior to engaging on the battlefield, we have one more crucial aspect to discuss – unit customization, a unique characteristic of Broken Arrow. As you construct your deck from the two specializations you’ve selected, you’ll also get an opportunity to tailor each of your units according to your preference. At first, I found it puzzling that Broken Arrow had around 300 units compared to games like WARNO with thousands, but now I understand why. The probable explanation is the customization system. Instead of having a unique number for each variant of a weapons platform, Broken Arrow offers you the basic platform and the liberty to personalize it as desired. For instance, there’s only one Stryker unit in the game, but you can modify it to suit your needs – such as choosing between a Bushmaster cannon, an M2 heavy machine gun, or an MK19 Grenade launcher. Additionally, you can select its armor package, deciding whether to opt for SRAT reactive armor or Trophy APS. This customization extends to altering the cannons in BMPs and modifying infantry squad weapons. For your aircraft and helicopters, the same customization options apply, allowing for an unprecedented level of flexibility. If you’re a fan of fine-tuning your force, this is currently one of the best options available. Furthermore, if you enjoy personalizing the appearance of your units, there are various skins that can be unlocked through challenges. Although it may go unnoticed during the heat of battle, it’s a thoughtful touch.
In-Depth Battlefield Mechanics Which Set Broken Arrow Appart
Firstly, let’s delve into the intricacies of the battle mechanics in Broken Arrow before we explore its various game modes. This tactical strategy game aims to up the ante with a refreshing level of complexity. To start, I find the infantry aspect particularly interesting. I’ve often criticized games like WARNO and Regiments for their underwhelming representation of infantry, either as static building guards or disposable cannon fodder. Broken Arrow, despite its flaws, introduces some significant changes in a positive direction.
In this game, infantry isn’t just a simple combat unit. It offers stealth capabilities, suppression mechanics, and the ability to take cover within the debris of destroyed buildings. This transformation is a welcome one, as it turns traditional infantry battles into more than mere numerical or statistical contests, making them reliant on positioning and cover for victory.
I’d like to emphasize the incorporation of suppression mechanics, which impact a unit’s combat efficiency directly. If a unit is subjected to heavy fire, it can become shocked or panicked, causing its combat effectiveness to plummet significantly. This transformation turns ordinary infantry versus infantry skirmishes into something more intricate and strategically challenging.
My preference for focusing on the vulnerability of individual units might appear like peeking into someone else’s life, but it’s the essence of war – once something is harmed or lost, there’s no going back. The consequences of combat are also visible in vehicles, thanks to the game’s realistic damage system that simulates various components getting damaged or destroyed. Each hit matters, and vehicles have parts like tracks, sights, and even loading systems that can be impacted during a fight, with some instances rendering them completely inoperable. On the positive side, this means your units could become less efficient over time, but if they’re severely damaged or broken down, they could become entirely useless unless repaired. An expensive tank that can’t be moved or fixed can be a significant drain on the resources you have at your disposal.
Let me shift the topic to another important aspect: logistics, or supplies, in Broken Arrow. It’s not just about ammunition; it also includes repair materials. There are specialized teams whose job is to distribute these supplies across the map, moving them around to ensure that necessary items are always available. This implies that you must safeguard these supply convoys, as they can be a significant advantage if captured. However, they also serve as a large target for the enemy if you manage to neutralize them. These teams come in various forms, ranging from trucks to helicopters.
Play Broken Arrow As You Want: Singleplayer, Multiplayer and Editor
Playing Broken Arrow might initially appear intimidating due to its intricate gameplay mechanics. If you found Wargame: Red Dragon and WARNO a bit too complex, know that Broken Arrow doesn’t make things any easier in terms of accessibility. The game requires a significant investment of time and commitment to fully grasp all its details. However, fear not! The steep learning curve has been replaced by a gradual incline, making it more manageable for newcomers. While the game remains challenging, at least there’s now a smoother path to help you reach the top of the gameplay mountain.
In the opening stage, you’ll embark on a tutorial session, offering a gentle introduction to each unit type’s key functions and systems, all within a comfortable, non-combat setting. You’ll acquire fundamental knowledge about infantry maneuvers, suppression tactics, logistics, tank battles, artillery use, stealth operations, and managing your air resources. Once you’ve grasped the basics, you can dive into the game’s extensive single-player mode, which allows you to experience events from both the U.S. and Russian perspectives as they struggle for control of the Baltic region. This campaign will be particularly appealing to fans of World In Conflict who seek a similar gaming experience. The campaign spans 16 missions in total, each presenting a unique challenge, ranging from covert operations to last-stand defenses, city combat, armored offensives, and even amphibious and airborne attacks. I believe that the Broken Arrow campaign ranks among the top strategy games released in 2025, following closely behind Burden of Command, although they cater to distinct play styles.
In line with anticipations, Broken Arrow’s success hinges primarily on its multiplayer encounters, as players engage in strategic battles against live opponents rather than computer-controlled ones. For those eagerly waiting, there are 5vs5 competitive matches spread across 19 maps modeled after real-world sites. Although extensive playtesting has been conducted, the gameplay mechanism might be unclear if you’re not aware that each match spans 45 minutes, divided into three 15-minute rounds. In these rounds, players aim to capture the maximum objectives or eliminate the most enemy units. At the end of the match, the points amassed determine the victorious team. The uniqueness lies in the progression of victory points, with each objective worth 1 point in round 1, 2 points in round 2, and 3 points in round 3 to keep the intensity high and discourage early dominance. While I’m intrigued by this setup, I wonder about its long-term appeal. Upon release, it would be advantageous for Broken Arrow to include 1vs1 and 3vs3 matches with a fundamental game mode. Additionally, there’s a skirmish mode for AI practice, but you’ll need at least two other players to initiate a match. This decision seems rather peculiar.
What makes Broken Arrow stand out is its robust scenario editor, which is not only available for players but was also used to create the game’s campaign and cutscenes. Moreover, it integrates with Steam Workshop, enabling users to share their own missions and campaigns. I’ve dabbled in the tool myself, and it offers a multitude of options that I believe could inspire creative players to design some unique and exciting missions.
Graphics: Broken Arrow Is An Undeniable Looker
I must admit, WarNO, Regiments, and Wargame: Red Dragon all appear impressive to me, but it’s not quite right to say they’re equal in quality. Here’s a brief take on each game:
WarNO stands out with its clean interface, readability at large scales, and appealing color scheme.
Regiments is a one-man project that delivers on its purpose and doesn’t demand excessive resources.
Broken Arrow, however, is a graphical powerhouse, but it requires a relatively powerful computer to run smoothly at 60FPS while maintaining its high-quality graphics. The units are incredibly detailed, right down to the scratches on their armor paint. The animations for both vehicles and infantry are excellent. The explosion and smoke effects are resource-intensive, but if your machine can handle them, they’re impressive; otherwise, they can seem jarring compared to the game’s overall graphical quality.
While the game’s maps might not boast a wide range of visual diversity, I find myself overlooking this aspect given its focus on Eastern Europe and the authenticity it strives for in mapping. The lack of graphical variety is understandable considering the realistic approach. What truly impresses me is their sheer size, teeming with hundreds of buildings, trees, and intricate details that bring the environment to life. In essence, these maps serve as a versatile canvas when tinkering with the scenario editor, offering an array of possibilities for customization.
Some Cracks Showing Up
While I’ve extolled the virtues of Broken Arrow for quite some time now, it’s important to acknowledge that despite being an extraordinary real-time strategy game from 2025, it’s not without its imperfections. Some aspects could certainly benefit from refinement.
The game mechanically is exceptionally strong, and I’ve been greatly appreciating the infantry mechanics, but I believe there’s room for improvement. Introducing a dynamic cover system akin to Company of Heroes, where various elements like vehicles, terrain, small walls, and other obstacles could provide cover, would be an exciting addition. Additionally, incorporating features such as activatable hand grenades and other abilities could enhance the gameplay experience.
It’s understandable that, given multiple ways to experience the game and an AI available as the opponent, it may seem puzzling to not have the option for single-player skirmish matches. This issue could be deterring many potential players, so hopefully it will be addressed soon. The absence of 1vs1 matches is frustrating, especially since you’ll need at least two other players to engage if you don’t have them available currently. This appears to be the main complaint in negative player reviews, but there are still nearly 30,000 people playing it. If you’re open to teaming up with others, I don’t think finding new players will be a challenge.
Final Score 8.5/10
In my opinion, Broken Arrow may not be flawless, but it’s undeniably the reigning champion in its niche, and we’ll see if it can sustain a robust multiplayer community over time. On paper, it boasts numerous appealing features, particularly when contrasted with games by Eugen. It offers an exceptionally detailed, contemporary, and comprehensive experience that caters significantly to those, like me, who prefer modern-day conflicts over Cold War scenarios and appreciate immersive single-player experiences.
The game’s campaign is engaging, and its deck-building system, which revolves around specialties for unlimited customization, sets it apart as not just the best in its genre but also one of the finest strategy games available in 2025. If you enjoy the titles mentioned here and have been waiting for a modern take on them with innovative mechanics to enhance your gaming experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Broken Arrow.
However, it falls short in areas such as the absence of AI teammates for skirmishes and at least 1vs1 matches. Once these issues are addressed, I wouldn’t hesitate to rate it a 9 out of 10. I’ll update this review once these improvements are implemented.
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2025-06-18 17:44