Strategy game enthusiasts and base defence aficionados, Diplomacy is Not an Option is the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for. Developed by Door 407 and released on 4th October, this title combines charming visuals with deep, engaging gameplay that will test your tactical prowess. Available on Steam, the game offers a unique blend of resource management, strategic planning, and intense combat scenarios, making it stand out in the crowded strategy genre. Dive into our review to discover why Diplomacy is Not an Option is a must-play for strategy enthusiasts.

A Strategic Symphony: A Diplomatic Approach

Diplomacy is Not an Option is an intriguing mix of genres, defying easy categorisation in the best possible way. This RTS blends elements of city-building and tower defence into one colourful, chaotic experience. The game stands out in the crowded Real Time Strategy genre by introducing unique objectives for each mission. For example, in the first level, your main goal is to “Repulse all enemy attacks,” with a side objective to “Kill all rebels in the valley, otherwise they will join the final attacking wave.”

As you progress through the campaign, it becomes slightly overwhelming as the final wave gets larger and larger. I cannot imagine what it would be like to ignore the rebel groups.

The game grants you the freedom to build your castle and surrounding land however you choose. The beauty lies in its flexibility; you can focus solely on defence, waiting for the enemy to come to you, or take the initiative by completing side objectives to reduce the difficulty of enemy waves.

The first campaign level pits you against striking peasants refusing to pay their taxes. Watching protesters with signs and pitchforks attack your base as the second wave begins is both hilarious and thrilling, adding a layer of dark humour to the intense strategy.

There are mechanics which I initially ignored, once your units die their bodies won’t disappear on their own. If you leave the bodies to, well… rot, disease can start to spread, making your citizens sick. Worse, zombies will rise and start attacking your buildings!

Diplomacy is Not an Option offers four different modes: Campaign, Challenge, Sandbox, and Endless mode. Each mode provides a unique spin on the core mechanics, ensuring there’s always something new to tackle, whether you’re strategizing through a set campaign or testing your mettle in endless waves of enemies.

A Visual Feast: Colourful Chaos

The low polygon art style in Diplomacy is Not an Option is nothing short of fantastic. Despite its minimalist approach, the game world is brimming with colour and intricate details. This vibrant visual style not only creates a charming aesthetic but also serves a practical purpose. With hundreds of units on the screen at any given time, the streamlined graphics ensure that the game remains less demanding on various PC builds, preventing any lag or slow down during intense battles.

Initially, you might think, “these assets have been used before” when seeing this aesthetic in any game on Steam, but Diplomacy is Not an Option proves otherwise. Every element feels unique and refreshing, breaking away from the overused assets seen in many indie titles. The game’s stunning visuals hold up even at unconventional resolutions; I’m running it at 3440 x 1440, and it looks amazing.

Adding to the visual charm are the cutscenes, which are filled with humour and exhibit brilliant pacing, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

Final Thoughts: Diplomacy is Not an Option

I’ve loved my time with Diplomacy is Not an Option. It might be the weirdest compliment I can give in 2024, but booting up this game instantly reminded me of Warcraft 3, with a dash of Age of Empires thrown in. It feels like a love letter to the RTS games of my childhood, striking a balance between familiarity and freshness without trying to reinvent the wheel.

The game scratches so many itches for strategy enthusiasts. However, I do wish there was a peaceful mode—a way to build up my town and watch it thrive without constant attacks. A mode that leaned into diplomacy would be intriguing, though it would contradict the very essence of the game. I’m conflicted, but in a good way.

I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone seeking a solid RTS experience. Diplomacy is Not an Option is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, offering hours of strategic enjoyment. Whether you’re a fan of classic RTS games or looking for something new, this game is definitely worth your time.