First Strike

First Strike is an RTS where Judgement Day is in the palm of your hands. Players control a nation with a nuclear arsenal powerful enough to blow the planet to pieces. The problem? You're not the only one.

The way First Strike works is relatively similar to the great 2006 indie game Defcon, where you could also start nuclear Armageddon at the touch of a button. On this occasion, though, you can expand your area of influence by conquering other territories, researching new technology, or building new ballistic missiles, among other things. Once nuclear war begins, you can even try to neutralize the other nations' attacks on your territory.

At the start of a new game you have to choose which nation you want to control. Playing as the USA is like playing on "easy", since they have the most advanced technology: while playing as North Korea is like playing on "hard", thanks to its small size and lack of resources. Once you have chosen your nation, you just have to choose between the different "superweapons" at your disposal and start playing.

First Strike is an excellent original strategy game, incorporating core elements from the 4X in a much faster and brutal premise. What's more, the graphics are superb.