Ironclads 2: Caroline Islands War 1885

Ironclads 2: Caroline Islands War 1885, developed by Totem Games and published by Strategy First, is a naval strategy and combat simulation that transports players into the age of steam and iron during the late nineteenth century. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized colonial conflict between Germany and Spain over the Caroline Islands, the game explores an underrepresented period in naval history when wooden ships gave way to iron-hulled vessels and global powers vied for dominance across remote seas. It is both a continuation and evolution of Totem Games’ long-running Ironclads series, maintaining the developer’s focus on historically inspired maritime warfare while expanding its scale and ambition with the inclusion of a strategic campaign layer. The structure of Ironclads 2 is built around two main gameplay modes: a turn-based strategic map and real-time tactical battles. On the strategic level, the player commands either the German or Spanish navy, making decisions that affect the flow of the conflict. You can assemble fleets, position squadrons to patrol trade routes, blockade enemy ports, or plan amphibious assaults on key islands. Each move on the campaign map carri…

When the game works, it's actually not that bad. I still haven't really figured out the RTS boardgame-esque mode where you move stuff around, but I understand some of the functions better. I also managed to win a 4v5 naval battle without losing any units, the controls took time to get used to and there is very little in the way of tutorials but overall it's doable. The biggest issue is the constant crashing and more often, that fact that sometimes fleets (like 4-5 ships per side, not much) take forever to load in. Also the game doesn't seem to like it when you alt-tab out of the window and using windowed mode isn't that optional since you need to keep dragging your mouse against the edge to move the screen. I'll probably check the manual again since last time I read it, I had zero clue how to play but overall, wouldn't recommend in this state. Not a bad game but the technical issues can get very annoying.

This review is aimed at new players thinking of getting this game. If I'm being honest, I bought this game purely because I was desperate for a naval-themed game set in the Victorian Era. The setting has potential, and the naval battles are pretty decent, but I just can't recommend this game. Sure, you can argue the gameplay is a challenge, but there is such a big and unnecessary learning curve for just trying to figure out how to play. The UI is honestly poor and moving the pieces around on the map is unrealistic and confusing. I'm not saying a game should hold your hand as figure out how to play, but when you produce 10 games over the course of several years without even changing the gameplay style even after your player base routinely comments on how confusing it is, then you're ignoring a problem and alienating new players. You shouldn't have to look up a separate video on youtube from other players on how to play a game like this when you have plenty of opportunity to do so in the game itself. When you actually figure out how to play, I'd say its a decent game, but it feels more like an incomplete beta than a completed game. This might be an indie title, but it deserve mor…

Interesting simuation of a naval war. Seems to be a what if scenario, though. Decent, though get in the bundle.

I just finished playing this game scenario. I want to say that I liked it. But I knew exactly what game I bought. Before buying, I recommend watching a few videos on YouTube. The games made by Totem Games are very unusual and sometimes even strange.

7/10