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