Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations

Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations is a real-time warfare simulation game developed by Warfare Sims and published by Matrix Games, released in 2013. Serving as a spiritual successor to the Harpoon series, the game allows players to take operational control of modern military units—including aircraft, ships, and submarines—on a 2D global map. Players can engage in scenarios ranging from small-scale skirmishes to large-scale conflicts, with missions that can span hours to days, featuring dynamic time acceleration. The game emphasizes realistic tactical and strategic decision-making, offering a robust scenario editor for custom content creation and sharing via Steam Workshop.

Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

In the vast landscape of military simulations, few titles have achieved the depth, complexity, and realism of Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations (CMANO). Released in 2013 by Warfare Sims and published by Matrix Games, CMANO is a real-time strategy and warfare simulation game that has been hailed as the spiritual successor to the legendary Harpoon series. This review delves into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy, offering an exhaustive analysis of its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Vision

Warfare Sims, a Greek development studio, set out to create a game that would surpass the limitations of the Harpoon series, which had dominated the naval warfare simulation genre for decades. The vision was to create a comprehensive, realistic, and highly detailed simulation of modern air and naval operations, capable of handling everything from small-scale engagements to global conflicts.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

Developed in the early 2010s, CMANO faced the challenge of balancing realism with performance. The game’s engine was designed to handle vast scales of engagement, limited only by the player’s hardware. This flexibility allowed for scenarios ranging from patrol boat skirmishes to full-scale global warfare, with real-time acceleration to speed up operations.

The Gaming Landscape

At the time of its release, the military simulation genre was niche but dedicated. Games like Harpoon and Dangerous Waters had set high standards for realism and complexity. CMANO entered this landscape with a promise of expanded scope and detail, aiming to modernize and refine the genre.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

CMANO is not a narrative-driven game in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on providing a sandbox experience where players can engage in a wide range of scenarios, from historical conflicts to hypothetical modern warfare. The game’s strength lies in its ability to simulate real-world military operations with a high degree of accuracy.

Dialogue and Themes

The game’s dialogue is minimal, focusing on operational commands and mission briefings. The underlying themes revolve around the complexities and realities of modern warfare, emphasizing strategic planning, tactical execution, and the consequences of military actions.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

CMANO’s gameplay revolves around operational control over units on a 2D map of the Earth. Players can command units using preset missions or direct instructions, managing everything from individual aircraft to entire fleets. The game’s real-time nature, combined with the ability to accelerate time, allows for a dynamic and engaging experience.

Combat and Character Progression

Combat in CMANO is highly detailed, with a focus on realistic weapon systems, sensor capabilities, and environmental factors. The game does not feature traditional character progression but instead emphasizes the progression of military operations and the strategic outcomes of engagements.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface is designed to provide comprehensive information while maintaining usability. The game features a scenario editor that allows for real-time changes, enabling players to create and modify scenarios on the fly. This flexibility is one of CMANO’s standout features, allowing for endless replayability and customization.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

CMANO’s setting is the real world, with a focus on modern military operations. The game’s atmosphere is one of realism and authenticity, with detailed representations of military hardware, terrain, and environmental conditions.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual direction is functional rather than flashy, prioritizing clarity and information over aesthetic appeal. The 2D map provides a clear overview of the battlefield, while unit icons and symbols convey essential information at a glance.

Sound Design

The sound design in CMANO is minimal but effective, focusing on operational sounds and alerts. The lack of a robust audio presentation has been a point of criticism, but the game’s focus on realism and functionality takes precedence.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

CMANO received critical acclaim upon release, with publications like SimHQ giving it a rating of 9.5/10. The game was praised for its depth, realism, and flexibility. However, some critics, such as Tim Stone from Rock Paper Shotgun, noted its lack of multiplayer and high launch price as drawbacks.

Awards and Influence

CMANO has received numerous awards, including the “Top Simulation of 2013” from Eurogamer of Denmark and the “Digital Wargame of the Year” from GrogHeads. The game’s influence on the military simulation genre is significant, setting new standards for realism and complexity.

Conclusion

Command: Modern Air / Naval Operations is a landmark title in the military simulation genre. Its depth, realism, and flexibility have set a new benchmark for what a modern warfare simulation can achieve. While it may not appeal to casual gamers due to its complexity and steep learning curve, CMANO is an essential experience for fans of military simulations and strategy games. Its legacy continues to influence the genre, making it a must-play for anyone interested in the intricacies of modern air and naval operations.