Command modern military armies by zooming out and issuing orders to large formations, or zooming in to issue orders to individual squads and vehicles. Waronoi is the real-time strategy war game.
The game's innovative command hierarchy system is a standout feature that players praise. Units are organized in a top-down structure, with a headquarters unit commanding subordinate brigades, regiments, companies, and platoons. Effectively managing and coordinating these forces is central to the gameplay. Players can quickly select and control entire formations through the command tree interface, allowing efficient maneuvering and engagement without micromanagement. Losing higher-ranking units disrupts the chain of command, leading to the collapse of one's forces.
The game utilizes procedurally generated maps, providing an endless variety of battlefields for players to navigate. Random terrain, size, and unit placements ensure no two matches are alike, promoting replayability and preventing reliance on memorized strategies. Players can customize the size and composition of armies, allowing them to create unique scenarios and challenges, from massive corps-level confrontations to small-scale skirmishes.
While the controls and core mechanics are relatively straightforward, the game demands depth in strategic decision-making. Factors such as terrain, unit types, and the positioning of the enemy headquarters all factor into planning and executing attacks. The lack of direct control over individual unit actions forces players to think holistically about their army's movements and formations, carefully timing reinforcements, disrupting the opponent's command structure, and exploiting weaknesses. The ability to pause the action and issue orders promotes deliberate, thoughtful gameplay.
The game's streamlined design, which eschews complex base-building and micromanagement-heavy combat, is praised for its accessibility. The tutorial and campaign mode effectively introduce players to the command hierarchy system and other key concepts, lowering the barrier to entry and appealing to both veteran and novice strategy game enthusiasts.