Flash game: Proximity

Let's have something simpler. Proximity is a game with a simplistic, almost crude interface. The game can be configured somewhat, but it can be played right away.

The battle takes place on a hexagonal grid - and that's where the strategy categorization ends. It is basically a logical game. Place randomly generated 'units' - numbers from 1 to 20 - on the grid. If the number is bigger than the some of the enemy numbers around, they turn to your color; if not, they stay. Your neighboring units/numbers will be made stronger. (This behavior can be configured otherwise.)

Of course, the computer opponent will try to do the same, so it is constant taking over of numbers, while the grid is slowly filled up. The game ends when it is full; the winner is the one with the most armies (number total) left.

The strategy is obviously to take over his, don't let him take over too much of yours and keep the final sum bigger. This is complicated by the randomly coming numbers. But even the small numbers can be useful - to prevent other numbers to be taken over. In the basic setting you can win basically any time.

So, it is a simple game for the occasional need. Still better than most.

Flash game: Nano War

If you don't have the time or will for the regular computer games, you can always try to find something on the net, where Flash games abound. Of course, most of them are incredibly crappy, not worth the five plus minutes it takes to get into them. Horrible graphics, lousy playability, hostile user interfaces, clones of clones of clones, you name it. But there are a few worth the time, for a quick game or a longer exploration.

One of them is Nano War.

It has a simple, but elegant interface, which is a rare sight in this area. The game principles are also simple. There are 'cells', which are small breeding grounds for your units, they multiply slowly, always by one. You can send a half of them (or more, if you hold down the mouse) to other cells. There are also many 'neutral' cells, which do not multiply their units, they are more of an built-in defense that has to be overcome. Combat is simple, it is always an exchange of one for one. You have to multiply your forces, as the enemy is doing the same, defeating him is the end goal.

The first levels are introductory, then it becomes increasingly difficult. It is easy to play with tactics until around level ten.

Points:
- the bigger cells generate units faster, but have usually stronger defenses, keep an eye out for them
- if you have the time, you can move your units between your cells so they can strike at their final target faster
- you can also concentrate large firepower in a cell, and move with it around, defeating several smaller targets
- right after the opponent attacks, his cells are weakened... which is the right time to take over his cells