Iron Tide Command

Iron Tide Command is a proper thinking game. You build and position fleets across a chain of islands, and the fun comes from anticipating where the enemy will push next. It rewards patience — rushing almost always ends with a wrecked fleet and a lesson learned.

The interface took me a session to get comfortable with, but once it clicks, issuing orders becomes second nature. Supply lines are the real puzzle; stretch yourself too thin and you'll lose ships you can't afford to replace.

It's not a game you dip into for two minutes. Set aside a proper chunk of time, because the campaign battles can run long and pausing mid-fight breaks the flow.

What we liked

• Deep supply-line management
• Rewards careful planning
• Meaty campaign battles