Headquarters: Cold War

The main pros of the game

• Unique Setting: The game is set in the Cold War era, which is less commonly explored in strategy games, providing a fresh thematic experience.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Players appreciate the straightforward controls and fast-paced turn-based strategy, which encourages tactical thinking and careful movement of units.
• Unit Variety: The game includes a good mix of units, such as helicopters and different types of infantry and tanks, adding depth to the gameplay.
• Core Unit Progression: Players can carry over core units between missions, allowing them to upgrade and customize these units, which enhances player investment.
• Visuals and Design: Many users praised the graphics, animations, and the overall visual appeal of the game, noting that it looks better in motion than in screenshots.
• Fun Factor: Several reviews highlight that the game is enjoyable and provides a satisfying tactical experience, making it a good choice for fans of the genre.

The main cons of the game

• Bugs and Technical Issues: Many users reported game-breaking bugs and crashes that hinder gameplay, particularly in campaign missions, leading to frustration.
• Perceived Reskin: Some players feel the game is merely a reskin of the previous title (HQ: WWII) with minimal new content, which affects its perceived value.
• AI Limitations: The AI has been criticized for being "braindead" and not performing well in skirmish or player-made battles, leading to a less challenging experience.
• Balance Issues: Users mentioned inconsistencies in damage output and line of sight mechanics, particularly for anti-air units, which can lead to frustrating gameplay moments.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved Tutorial: Several players expressed that the tutorial is overly complex and not intuitive, suggesting a need for a more streamlined introduction to the game mechanics.
• Better AI: Users desire a more competent AI that can provide a greater challenge in skirmishes, as the current implementation is seen as lacking.
• Historical Accuracy: Some players feel that the Soviet campaign does not feel historically accurate, with gameplay experiences that do not reflect the expected challenges of that era.
• Unit Sound Design: There are complaints about reused sound assets from HQ: WWII, leading to a lack of immersion, especially regarding weapon sounds that do not match the Cold War setting.
• More Tactical Options: Suggestions include adding more ways to engage helicopters, such as allowing units with heavy machine guns to target them at short range or introducing upgrades for infantry.

Summary

• Overall, while Headquarters: Cold War has appealing elements and a solid base, the presence of bugs, concerns about its originality, and user interface issues detract from the overall experience for some players.

Summary generated on: April 13, 2026