Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review

In the near future, a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising, new technologies. Suddenly the world's superpowers realize they could have the power to destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries or even gain access to immortality.
Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review

Introduction

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War comes from the creators of the award-winning sci-fi game Out There. Although this game does not only come from Mi-Clos Studios but comes from  FibreTiger and Goblinz Studio as well In the near future, a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising, new technologies. Suddenly the world’s superpowers realize they could have the power to destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries or even gain access to immortality. The player is placed at the head of their country’s Sigma division, with the objective of ensuring that their nation reaps the benefits of Sigma Theory before anyone else. Therefore, achieving this is the player’s top priority and with powerful resources, such as a cadre of the world’s most elite covert agents, advanced tactical drones and their own skills in diplomacy and subterfuge; at their disposal success is guaranteed. 
 

Story

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War is a new take on the spying genre and it is set during a futuristic global cold war. In the near future, a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising radical new technologies. The world’s superpowers realize they could have the power to destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries or even gain access to immortality. However, this discovery called The Sigma Theory can only be harnessed by a handful of scientists and the player’s objective is to acquire as many scientists as they can to utilize Sigma technologies for their country of allegiance. Although Sigma Theory does involve traditional spy genre tropes, which were given a well-deserved freshness that added an immersive quality to the game.

gameplay

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War has as many facets to rival a diamond and it may be just as hard as well. Sigma Theory is a turn-based strategy game with a focus on micromanagement. These aspects are both developed and managed through the player’s actions, the orders given to their agents and their relations with the in-game NPCs.

 

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review. World Map.

Controls

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War is a turn-based strategy game. Therefore, its controls are quite simple and easy to grasp, given all the player needs is a mouse. The player’s use of a mouse will involve navigation of the map, placement of agents, giving out orders and so on. This is done by moving their mouse and confirming actions with a simple left click on the action of choice.

 Tutorial

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War had quite a thorough tutorial. Although the tutorial is not explicit about its existence, players are made aware of the game’s mechanics, how they work and given a chance to interact with said mechanics. Furthermore, the tutorial happens in sequences, meaning each time a player performs a certain action a dialogue box from their in-game character will come up on the screen to provide an explanation.

Recruitment

Recruitment is important in Sigma Theory, as agents are the player’s lifeblood. The player has to recruit a team of four special agents from fifty unique unlockable characters to support their missions. Each comes with their own story, motivations, and traits that define their behavior during missions. In addition, with particular characters the player will have to convince them to join their team, thus it is important to pay attention to their files if the character decides to ask why they should join their team.

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review. Meet the team.

Espionage

Once the player’s team is ready, they can assign them missions around the world to gather scientists, discover compromising documents on local politicians, and more. Furthermore, the player needs to exploit their agent’s abilities to seduce, manipulate and bribe if targets are to be persuaded to their side or neutralized. In addition, some characters have arrest warrants in particular countries and it is vital the player does not send them to these countries.

Counter-espionage

In Sigma Theory other nations will also use their agents to infiltrate the player’s country and seize their scientists. Therefore, the player will have to track, capture and interrogate them to gain information on their enemies. Thereafter, the player can then exchange them for ransom when they are no longer useful.

Exfiltration

The player can order their agents to exfiltrate scientists recruited to their cause during gripping turn-based exfiltration phases through the world’s greatest capitals. Furthermore, the player will have to choose the position of their drones wisely, as they will support their agent during these delicate missions.

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review. Exfiltration it's necessary.

Diplomacy

In Sigma Theory, diplomacy is the key to the player achieving their goals. The player will meet their foreign counterparts, which will either set back or further their objectives. This is done through the use of flattery, threats or blackmail. Furthermore, the player can also recover their captured agents, advance their research, and much more through the game’s diplomacy mechanic.

Tech Tree

In Sigma Theory: Global Cold War the theory is the cause of this cold war. Therefore, the player has to rally scientists from around the world to their cause to discover new technologies which will lead to gaining a necessary edge and change the world. This means the player could discover mind control, perhaps destabilize the world economy, invent robot soldiers, and much more.
 

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review. Path to greatness.

GRAPHICS AND AUDIO

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War is a turn-based strategy game, meaning graphically and audially it could deliver quite well. Sigma Theory certainly does deliver on both ends.

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War Review. Time to hack.

 
Graphically, the game uses modern graphics and embeds it with espionage aesthetic. This aesthetic improves the theme of the game, as it adds an immersive quality to it. In addtion, the character portraits and busts were quite polished, however, they lacked a liveliness which could have added more to the game. 
 
Audially, the soundtrack for Sigma Theory comes from award-winning composer Siddhartha Barnhoorn (Out There, Antichamber, The Stanley Parable). The music manages to be fantastically espionage in terms of the atmosphere it creates and the sound effects accompanying particular actions build upon this aspect.

CONCLUSION

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War is a solid standout in the turn-based strategy game-category. It is a game working as an espionage turn-based strategy that focuses on micromanagement, with a unique premise for its story. This is built upon more by its modern graphics with an espionage aesthetic along with this, the music manages to be fantastically espionage in terms of atmosphere. Other noteworthy aspects of Sigma Theory is its implementation of espionage mechanics, such as recruitment, diplomacy and so on. These mechanics made the micromanagement of the game quite engaging since the player needs to weigh the benefits and consequences of their actions.

 

PROS CONS
 + Modern graphics with an espionage aesthetic  – Unlivily character busts
 + Original soundtrack  
 + Unique story premise   
 +  Thorough tutorial
 + Impressive implementation of espionage mechanics  
+ Slight replayability  
8.8
Great

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