Taking over the world is always a solid ambition. I mean who doesn’t want to wipe out the human race? (Editor’s Note: I did not write that even though that sounds like me, I swear I am not two people). In Sigma Theory, you work to make America, or the county you choose, great again. Strangest of all, you don’t even get a free hat.
The gameplay is styled similar to that of Plague Inc. Each turn you have four agents to assign to tasks, both domestic and abroad. Instead of getting DNA points, your endgame here is to “recruit” scientists into four branches of specialty. By recruit, I mean you attempt to whisk them away Arnold style, in da choppa, all while dodging the pesky police in your path. The two drones you’re provided with at the start are vital to your success, so use them in EVERY extraction mission. Trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
That leads right into my first issue with the game, once you get settled into your strategy, you have no need to change it up. Outside of the first few turns, there’s no random events that happen to shake things up. Sure, you lose scientists, but those are bountiful once you’ve developed a solid way to extract them. I kept waiting for something to shake up the routine, but it never came.
Another issue I have is the way the game is priced. It costs almost twenty dollars and I beat it in less than two hours. As I see it, there’s little to no replayability to the game. I have paid far less for far more longevity and playtime. If this game was priced at five dollars I would recommend it more easily. The developers have said they plan to add more countries and a more proper story mode in the future, but this is all just frosting on the dry chocolate cake of lack of varied core gameplay. Make no mistake, there’s a certain thrill to being an international super fugitive and racing the AI countries to the ultimate tech. After that’s done, however, there’s nothing else there.
One big thing I feel is missing is a challenge mode, which could have been unlocked after beating the game once. This could include things like three agents not four, slower research time, an assassin out to kill each country’s director just to give a few ideas. If you can pick up this game for five dollars or less, or want a short, fun experience, pick this up. If you’re expecting your dollar’s worth in content, it’s a hard pass. Accessibility wise, nothing notable to mention. However, how cool would it be if hover wheelchairs were on the tech tree??
Sigma Theory: Global Cold War was developed by Mi-Clos and Goblinz Studios
Point of Sale: Steam
Price: $17.99
A Steam review key was provided by the developers.
Djf1107 has awarded Sigma Theory: Global Cold War the Indie Gamer Team Seal of Approval.
Indie Gamer Team 