Artillery Deluxe is a turn-based strategy game focused on artillery duels between two opponents on destructible terrain. Players select weapons, adjust aim and power while factoring in wind, and fire projectiles that alter the battlefield with each impact. The core loop emphasizes careful planning and adaptation over ten volleys, where scoring rewards accurate hits but penalizes self-inflicted damage.
Gameplay
Matches begin with opponents drafting ammunition in turns from a shared randomized pool of 40 weapons. These range from standard shells and volleys to guided missiles, lasers, and devices that reshape terrain. Each selected charge fires only once, requiring decisions on immediate use versus conservation for later volleys. Projectile trajectories depend on angle, power, and optional wind effects, while impacts create craters that change positioning options for subsequent shots. Hits accumulate points, but damage to a player's own artillery subtracts from the total. The player with the highest score after exactly ten volleys wins the duel. Procedural generation creates varied battlefields across multiple terrain styles, and repositioning becomes essential as the landscape evolves.
Game Modes
Single-player options pit the user against AI opponents across ten difficulty levels, allowing progressive challenges in controlled settings. Local two-player duels support shared use of one computer for direct competition. Network play includes LAN connections and direct online multiplayer sessions between two participants. A dedicated practice mode grants access to the complete weapon set with unlimited shots for skill refinement without scoring constraints. All modes operate on the same foundational rules of drafting, aiming, and volley-based scoring.
Customization and Controls
Players adjust several options to suit preferences and hardware. Keyboard controls are fully remappable, while gamepad support activates during battles. Volume sliders separate music from sound effects, and visual toggles manage screen shake intensity along with bright flash effects. Interfaces support both English and Russian. These features maintain focus on the duel mechanics without unnecessary complexity, ensuring accessibility for casual sessions or extended practice.
Multiplayer Considerations
Online matches establish direct connections to the host, which may require UPnP configuration or manual port forwarding on some networks. Certain CGNAT setups can block these links entirely. Local and single-player experiences function completely offline, providing reliable alternatives when network conditions vary. The emphasis remains on precise, turn-based exchanges rather than real-time coordination.
Is It Worth Playing?
Artillery Deluxe suits players who appreciate deliberate strategy in short, contained matches built around weapon selection and environmental adaptation. Its drafting system and limited volley count create meaningful choices without lengthy commitments, appealing to those familiar with classic artillery duel formats. The range of AI difficulties supports solo progression, while local and network options enable direct head-to-head play. With no established player base or post-release updates confirmed at this stage, the experience stands on its core systems of terrain alteration and scoring tension. Those seeking a focused, experimental take on turn-based artillery will find consistent depth in the 40-weapon pool and procedural fields.
