Nuclear Option
Action
Indie
Simulation
Early Access
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Steam Workshop
Partial Controller Support
Includes level editor
Family Sharing

Fly near-future aircraft with immersive physics on intense battlefields, facing land, air and sea threats. Wage war against AI or other players with an array of potent weapons. Wield tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, capable of annihilating anything in their path.

Developers: Shockfront Studios
Publishers: Shockfront Studios
Release Date: Oct 15, 2023
Price (USD): $19.99
Current Players: 623

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(95%)
soundtrack
weapon variety
damage models
accessibility
arcade and realism balance
targeting systems
performance issues
controls
tutorial
map variety
Overall, the game is received very positively, with players praising its soundtrack, weapon variety, and balance between realism and arcade elements. Many appreciate how it acts as a bridge between hardcore simulators and more accessible arcades, offering a unique mix that is easier to pick up but still rewarding to master. However, there are notable performance issues in multiplayer and some controls and balance concerns that detract from the experience for certain players. Despite these issues, the game has a strong community and positive developer support, indicating a promising future.

Positive Points

  • Many players praise the game's soundtrack for being highly enjoyable and fitting well with the gameplay experience.
  • The game is appreciated for its mix of realism and accessibility, making it easy for newcomers to jump into while still offering depth.
  • The physics and damage models are frequently cited as being impressive and satisfying, enhancing the overall combat experience.
  • Players appreciate the wide variety of aircraft and weapons available, providing diverse playstyles and roles.
  • Negative Points

  • The game suffers from performance issues, particularly in multiplayer, where frame rates can drop significantly with higher player counts.
  • Some players find the controls, especially for helicopters, unintuitive and challenging to manage effectively with certain peripherals.
  • Criticism is directed at the lack of a proper tutorial or onboarding process, making it difficult for new players to grasp game mechanics quickly.
  • There are complaints about the lack of variety in maps and missions, with some players desiring more content to keep gameplay fresh.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game's balance between arcade and realism is both praised and criticized; some players love the mix, while others feel it leans too much in one direction or the other.
  • Opinions on the targeting and weapon systems are divided, with some players enjoying the simplicity while others wish for more depth.
  • Common Themes

  • A frequent theme is the game's role as a middle ground between hard simulators like DCS and more arcade-like games like Ace Combat.
  • The addition of nuclear weapons is a unique feature that stands out, often mentioned for its significant impact on gameplay and strategic depth.
  • Community and developer interaction receive positive mention, with players noting active development and community-driven content.
  • Updated 1/23/2026, 12:01:31 AM UTC