Strategy & Tactics: Wargame Collection
Strategy & Tactics: Wargame Collection
Game
Game2017
Strategy & Tactics: Dark Ages
Developer HeroLabs
Dark Ages is a tactical digital board game set in the violent world of alternate Middle Ages. Vikings against war elephants, musketeers against the Mongol cavalry, ancient phalanx legions against crusaders; the deadliest armies in history clashing in bloody war. From the Steam store page
103 reactions from 2 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky) · newest Oct 25, 2026 · last updated Oct 25, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
44
Mixed
35 positive · 45 negative
95% range 33–55%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 35 | 45 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 1 | 0 | 22 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Mixed
41 of 86 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
47% recommend · 39 yes, 44 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 83 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Mixed (114 of 194 positive).
Some players enjoy the game's strategic depth and replayability. [1][2][3] Many reviewers criticize the game for bugs, crashes, and poor battle mechanics. [4][5][6][7] Several posters note the game feels like a mobile port or lacks content. [8][9][10]
Liked
Representative posts
- [1]
Nice game, a bit like rome total war with auto battles Devs idea of medium difficulty is a bit trollish, 2 of the levels you're like wtf this is impossible. Can be done tho Replayability is decent, you have the armoury to upgrade units and the pantheon where you can retain favourite generals. Levels can be replayed and you get same amount of money etc Couple glitches, Had an issue where if your windows desktop …
- [2]
This game delivers some depth in thinking your strategy and tactics in terms of choosing the most effective formation and unit combination. The game might seem a bit difficult at first but once you start grasping the battle mechanics, the game becomes pretty easy to beat although somewhat time consuming depending on which scenario and how much upgrade you have invested on certain type of units. This game delivers …
- [4]
I have no idea how this game could receive a 73% positive rating. It does have potential but despite constant crashing has so many design flaws that it is mediocre at best. The tutorial is a prime example. Instead of explaning the game it manages to run you through a "click this, click that, Horray you won, now you know the game" routine. Nowhere in this game the stats are explained. Hmm my warrior has an attack of …
- [5]
This game had much potential but the simple (close to non existing) battle-mechanics totally ruin the game for me. There is no interaction for the player no "game" in the battle mechanics -whatsoever. On top you can watch the battles after knowing the outcome - what makes no sense for me. I made my point in the early access time and was told this would change - it didnt. The nice art style is in vain. I dont …
- [9]
This game is meant for phones. Thats it. Thats all you need to know. The UI, the game mechanics, everything was designed to be used primarily on a smartphone. As such, its a subpar PC experience no matter how you look at it. It was just brought to Steam to make some extra cash, but even the port isnt that stable. 1/10
Summarised from 34 of the 104 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
47% of the 83 Steam reviewers we collected recommend Strategy & Tactics: Dark Ages. The complaint that keeps coming up: frequent crashes and bugs. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Reactions
60 of 103 · most liked firstI have no idea how this game could receive a 73% positive rating. It does have potential but despite constant crashing has so many design flaws that it is mediocre at best. The tutorial is a prime example. Instead of explaning the game it manages to run you through a "click this, click that, Horray you won, now you know the game" routine. Nowhere in this game the stats are explained. Hmm my warrior has an attack of 19 and a defense of 20 ... what does that mean? Yeah it´s better than an attack…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →We are thrilled to officially host this week's #TurnBasedThursday! #gamedev, please share you turn-based game in the thread! RPG, Strategy, Tactics, Roguelike... we want them all! 🌟 Make sure to like❤️, share🔄 and wishlist✅ any gem you find in the comments!
neutral · AI labelView post →This game had much potential but the simple (close to non existing) battle-mechanics totally ruin the game for me. There is no interaction for the player no "game" in the battle mechanics -whatsoever. On top you can watch the battles after knowing the outcome - what makes no sense for me. I made my point in the early access time and was told this would change - it didnt. The nice art style is in vain. I dont understand the devs creating a game called strategy and tactics without battles.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Nice game, a bit like rome total war with auto battles Devs idea of medium difficulty is a bit trollish, 2 of the levels you're like wtf this is impossible. Can be done tho Replayability is decent, you have the armoury to upgrade units and the pantheon where you can retain favourite generals. Levels can be replayed and you get same amount of money etc Couple glitches, Had an issue where if your windows desktop scaler wasn't set to 100% when at 4k you had mouse issues, devs seem to have fixed…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game is very simple and you win by using cheeze tactics like buying merc armies and riots to destroy ememy since your own troops will never get the job done. It also crashes a LOT. and in my current game it crashes every turn and riots do not work (they crash it). I regret purchase even at 45% discount. has some potential if not so buggy and full of cheeze tactics.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game delivers some depth in thinking your strategy and tactics in terms of choosing the most effective formation and unit combination. The game might seem a bit difficult at first but once you start grasping the battle mechanics, the game becomes pretty easy to beat although somewhat time consuming depending on which scenario and how much upgrade you have invested on certain type of units. This game delivers some fun and challenge while providing a reasonable challenge and replayability…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game features a small number of scenarios (eight); while the missions have plentiful secondary objectives that add some replay value, the general plan in each is fairly scripted based on the fixed starting conditions. Most scenarios give a huge economic, territory, and military advantage to the opponent; there is no skirmish mode where each faction is given equal footing to begin with. The benefits for the AI cannot be adjusted, as there are no difficulty settings. The only resource in the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game, although sold as full released, is abandoned; only 9 scenarios available (including tutorial scenario), no editor, minimal battle mechanic, few different types of units... don't buy it, in a standard FREE game-demo there is far more content than in this half finished game.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →According to the tags on store page, this is a "sandbox RTS grand strategy atmospheric real-time with pause dark fantasy RPG strategy" game. These tags are completely wrong and deceiving. This is only a "minor" (casual) strategy boardgame, for there's nothing to do beyond the simplest supremacy/domination victory by moving and killing pieces.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →pros great hand drawn artwork good music that suits the game nice maps, in both size and artwork lots of unit variety and upgrades interesting formations system cons battle system that happen without you being there that you can only watch in an after action report you already know if youve lost or won before you watch the battle which makes watching the battles very dull tutorial that treats you like youve never played a strategy game before that i was unable to skip,...i really hate…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →About to start the first playtest match of Javier Romero’s “Poland Reborn” for Strategy & Tactics magazine. This game covers the independence struggle of Poland, 1919-1921, centering on the Russo-Polish War but also other border conflicts. #boardwargames #boardwargaming #russopolishwar
neutral · AI labelView post →This game is meant for phones. Thats it. Thats all you need to know. The UI, the game mechanics, everything was designed to be used primarily on a smartphone. As such, its a subpar PC experience no matter how you look at it. It was just brought to Steam to make some extra cash, but even the port isnt that stable. 1/10
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Welcome to match 2 of "Alfred the Great" (playtest phase, forthcoming from Decision Games Strategy & Tactics 372). I have the Vikings this round, @nopipbutcpip.bsky.social is playing the Anglo-Saxon side. Today we're experimenting with several optional rules (pillage and Danegeld).
neutral · AI labelView post →This not a strategy game, it is a moblie game relying almost entirly on scripted events and bull---- starting balance proportions to feign difficuly. Its boring, frustrating and has all the stragetic depth of a limp d--k.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game has potential however does not come close to living up to it. Apart from the glitches and crashes, the game mechanics dont make much sense, there is no real information about troop types/advantages or why the force that suddenly invaded from nowhere right in the middle of your stronghold that was garisoned with troops can kick your ass even though they have half the attack points and dont look like they should have any real advantage. I love hard to win games, but I hate games…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Agree with all the reviews that tutorial is terrible and strategy is minimal. Looks pretty, but gave up on the tutorial, especially after I realized it sold for so much.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →New arrival today (I have a problem I know!). Strategy & Tactics Magazine #358 with the pack-in game Battle of Pensacola 1781 designed by Javier Romero.
neutral · AI labelView post →My Napoleonic gaming 'moment' is in full swing. Today'game: Reves de Gloire, a solitaire game recently published in Strategy & Tactics. Rules need interpretation but otherwise it's pretty good on the emergent narrative front, particularly if you know a bit about the period.
positive · AI labelView post →What a mistake to buy this. I didn't believe all the reviews about crashing, but this game crashes every few minutes. And I have a high end computer. Don't waste your money,. Terrible!
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Nice job Herocraft y'all make some good strategy games out there. Good to see that you guys are still making great content👍 Although controls are confusing as hell but it's a nice game overall.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Buggy as heck and crashes even just when attempting to change screen resolution. The tutorial gives so little information, I feel as though I'd be better off just attempting to trial and error my way through learning the game. Unfortunately, I can't recommend the game in this state. Pity.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Our interview with Javier Romero designer of Bosnian War 1992-1995 in Strategy & Tactics Magazine #351 from Decision Games. theplayersaid.com/2025/04/21/i...
neutral · AI labelView post →This game has huge potential and interesting mechanics. All ruined by two things: 1) NO SAVES. You need to complete each scenario in one sitting, you can't close the game and resume on the other day. 2) CRASHES. You can expect at least one crash every couple scenarios. Usually at a late turn... which means all progress lost (see reason #1). Due to these two shortcomings this game is not worth the time or the money. I seriously regret buying it.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Horrible tutorial. Do not pay more than $5 USD for this game. I quit plqying because of the tutorial. Lazy bunch of developers here.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I can't play it. Each time i click on the play button i get.... Marmaladev8.80 An Error Has Occured could not find s3e.icf, either embedded or as an external file Marmalade Runtime opens and close directly before i seen any Words in that "Popup Box". No files corrupted. s3e.icf is, with 4kb, in the game directory. I copied it to ALL subdirectories (together with a other s3e file) but it brings nothing. Don't know how to fix that problem :o( So the thumb down. If it is fixed in the future…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Interesting turn based game with very good art work.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game does not bring a lot of innovation to the table. I don't think a game necessarily needs to innovate, but I did think this game was going to be so different from any other strategy war game. I do not like the current iteration of the combat system. Right now, combat seems to just, happen, and then you can choose to watch combat after the fact. For a game with "Tactics" in the title, I was really hoping for the ability to put those tactical skills to use in game. There is some strategy…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →4 new additions to my #boardwargame library, all Strategy & Tactics (Decision Games era) magazines w/games; issue 195 (Clash of the Eagles - Borodino & Friedland), 200 (French Foreign Legion), 205 (2nd Boer War) & 208 (Back to Iraq 3rd edition). #wargaming #boardwargaming
neutral · AI labelView post →Just as i began to enjoy the game it bugged out and refuses to start up. its a good game and its a shame that it stopped working. I've waited forever for a patch but it hasnt come yet Would play again if they fixed it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do not buy. Interface is awfull. There are several factions on the map, and it is not clear - who is enemy, who is friend, who is neutral. Would I be able pass throw that territories without declaring war to someone? What should I actually do to "raise a riot" to pass tutorial? The battles are not tactical, they just go on by temselfs, you should just put troops in some order. And this rules are also not clear. Even if they are clear, they are like "bad wether, light infantry +-1 to defense +-1…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good core mechanics and gameplay No sandbox mode or map generator but it's early acces so waiting for it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Crashes a lot. Cannot access the options, trying to do so causes a freeze then crash. Starts windowed to where I cannot see everything. Crashes. Can't change resolution/make fullscreen (alt+enter doesn't work). Crashes. Devs don't respond. Junk, save your money. PIT PEOPLE IS IN EA NEXT MONTH!! Amazing game.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Today's #boardwargame session; first playtest match of Decision Games' upcoming "Alfred the Great" (Strategy & Tactics 372). I have the Anglo-Saxons, @nopipbutcpip.bsky.social has the Vikings. It's the Viking playerturn of Game Turn 1. The Anglo-Saxons successfully cleared a town...
neutral · AI labelView post →***$5.00 Sale**** Pros- Simple and refreshing -Quick and hardly time consuming -Very easy to learn -Various abilities and generals/units to choose from Con- If youre into more technical strategy games this is not for you -Would not buy for more than $5.00, wait for a sale. (unless this game recieved more content since its in early access)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I like the game very much, and I would absolutely support more with money as long as I see some sort of update to the gameplay, maybe the graphics. Please update with some new things! Maybe diplomacy with the other countries so you can switch sides of something! Please, it's such a great game and become so much better! Thank you for all the hard work!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Very good and simple game focused on generals, formations and strategic movements (not single battle tactict, but it's OK for me). Very interesting also the weather and the place of battle modifiers. IMO this game should be a base for a napoleonic or civil war era wargame.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Summer 1915 and the East Front is taking shape. Solo playthrough of the old Strategy & Tactics magazine World War 1 game from 1975. :) #boardwargames #boardgames
neutral · AI labelView post →Morlan's shorts: There's some fun to be had.. if you were gifted the game or found it heavily discounted! A casual type of (strategy) game to spend a little time while taking a break from another game! Limited actions between turns; basically recruit/attack/move to square (and build a storage/fortification if square permits) and not much "strategy" or relations regarding other factions. Just attack and conquer.. You have to win (not just play) each scenario to unlock the next, which is a big…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is excellent and very addictive. I hope in the future there will be additions and improvements. For example, the possibility of upgrading locks (moat, palisade, etc.). In general, there are many ideas. I wish the developers more fantasy and courage))
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is promising, but it crashes constantly. At least once every half hour or so of play. Until this is fixed, it doesn't really matter how good the game is as it is too frustrating to play and I would not recommend it. If these crashing problems are fixed I will update this review.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A fun stragety game but buggy and crashes all the time.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Playtest season 2026 has begun! With @joea64.bsky.social, we are playtesting Romania 1916, expected to be published next year in Strategy & Tactics issue 371. The game covers the 1916 Romanian campaign, starting with Romania's August offensive and carrying through to December.
neutral · AI labelView post →2023 was the year of tactical RPGs We did it, gang Fire Emblem Disaeda (I dunno—the penguin game) Triangle Strategy Tactics Ogre remaster
neutral · AI labelView post →Don't buy this game unless you like rng and ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ AI. You wont recieve any notification if another nations declares war on you they just take what they wanted, the starting armies in EVER scenario are randomized aswell as the leaders. To top all this poor quality that belongs on a mobile, the AI will consistently flucuate in numbers (Which your own army lose strength for no reason.) I regret buying this game.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not historically acurate but just a fun goofy game to play.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Crash every 5 min.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It looks minimalist and stylish, but the game itself is mediocre. Gameplay better fits for a board game, but a quite simple one.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's one of the very few strategy games I've ever played, and to be honest it’s not exactly my game, but it’s not bad at all. Pros: Addicting gameplay Beautiful visual style OST is also good and very attractive Cons Glitches
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a modern version of Eidos game Braveheart. Riddled with bugs, completely unplayable.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →So refreshing in the genre, its great with its own style ! The game has its flaws, but most of all it is so unique ! The game is recommended for every fan of the genre, especially those of us who like to invest hours into alternative history ! :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →if you are using windows 10, Don't buy this game The game cant start up on steam/windows 10 - theire might be a fix to the problem sometime next week, but atm you are just wasting your money.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Interview with Javier Romero Designer of Battle of Pensacola 1781 in Strategy & Tactics Magazine #358 from Decision Games. theplayersaid.com/2026/06/29/i...
neutral · AI labelView post →...that the only way to get a feedback proposal passed by the Strategy & Tactics readership (in SPI's 1970's glory days) was for the game to involve NATO, nuclear weapons or Nazis in some way.
neutral · AI labelView post →this game is kinda fun but i got tired of it fast. you'll know who won a fight but can still watch them "fight" if you want to though watching it is no fun because units on each side all attacks at once. moving 1 space per turn makes the game overly slow and frustrating if you need your troops somewhere. i liked the idea of the 3 groups in fights but the way they play out every character feels the same. all attacks use the same hit animation and everyone dies the same. there's no real thrill to…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I would only recommend this game to very new players to wargames or players under 12. The reason for this is because the game is to simple, it offers little to no depth of play . pros: 1. Game is nice to look at 2. Easy to learn cons: 1. Game offers no improvements to your empire 2. Not even mildly realistic in concept. 3. No multiplayer 4. No editor 6. Have to play starting scenario in order to unlock any other map and so on…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Underwhelming. I feel like there is a good game here, but it's too clunky for me to stick around and find it. Maybe another game in the future will take the leap and reach its potential.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not recommended, gameplay like any chinese mobile game with strategy evolved.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is very, very simple at it's core. The most similar game that comes to mind for me would be Battle for Wesnoth. This simplicity however did not prevent me from having a decent amount of fun, once you get the hang of it you begin to realize that the difficulty is mostly related to scripted events, like friends becoming enemies or a single army spawning in the middle of your lands, but that still didnt stop me from enjoying the game. It's accurately priced, the possible sales make it…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I found it to be an ok game. A simple distraction from other games momentarily, I played through a few scenarios, but it was only ok. Overall I'd say 3 or 4 out of 10.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great game for those who are savy enough for the high level strategy games
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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