SteamBirds

5 A wonderful top-down strategy.
Often overlooked among higher-standing flash games, Steambirds is a top-down TBS/RTS that really forces you to think about your strategy, unlike what some ignorant gamers think.

Steambirds is based on an alternate version of air combat in the first and second World Wars, adding a steampunk spice into it. Players take command of British Bristol fighters (which apperently is the only fighter plane the British can employ) and pit their varied abilities against the Germans.

Combat is divided into two stages, a preparation and execution stage. Players move each plane’s markers in the preparation stage, and in the execution stage all planes (both yours and the enemies’) carry out their orders. With this sort of combat system, players need to think carefully about their orders, which adds an element of puzzle into the game.

Graphics are very well done, and most of the time you won’t feel uncomfortable with the animation. Music is well chosen, and it really sets the atmosphere of the air battle.

Steambirds is, in the end, a most delightful game if you enjoy taking your time and using your brains. Great if you’ve got time on your hands.