5th Fleet

Game review

5th Fleet translates the strategic depth of the board game of the same name into a digital format, offering a hex-based wargame experience set in the geopolitical tension-laden waters of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The game is structured to accommodate two players, each representing a war party that could encompass several different countries, making it suitable for head-to-head strategic battles that can scale in complexity depending on the scenario at hand.

The game unfolds in a strictly turn-based manner, with each day divided into six rounds to mimic the passage of time and the strategic rhythm of naval warfare. These rounds are further broken down into three distinct phases dedicated to submarines, ships, and aircraft, respectively. This division ensures that players must plan and execute strategies across different domains of naval warfare, from underwater subterfuge to surface ship engagements and aerial dominance.

5th Fleet employs two main types of map screens for strategic and tactical planning. The strategic map provides an overview of the entire operational zone, delineated into various areas of interest, while the tactical map zooms in for a detailed view of specific areas, allowing for precise maneuvering and engagement planning. The gameplay mechanics revolve around essential commands such as moving units to desired hexes and launching attacks, where players must decide the type of weapon to deploy against specific targets. The importance of logistical planning also comes into play during extended matches, where replenishment of naval units becomes a critical aspect of maintaining combat effectiveness.

Aircraft movements are plotted on the strategic map, adding another layer of planning that requires players to think broadly about their air assets' deployment and coordination with naval units. The game's reliance on abstract symbols on the maps to represent various military units and actions places an emphasis on strategic thinking and planning over graphical fidelity.

In single-player mode, 5th Fleet offers ten increasingly challenging scenarios that pit the player, predominantly taking the role of the American fleet, against adversaries primarily represented by Russia. These scenarios are carefully designed to test the player's strategic acumen across a spectrum of conflict intensities and operational contexts, from limited engagements to full-scale warfare.