8-Bit Armies is a real-time strategy video game created by Petroglyph Games. It was released on April 22, 2016, for Microsoft Windows and Xbox One. The game was also released for PlayStation 4 on September 21, 2018.

Gameplay

8-Bit Armies is a real-time strategy game that copies the look and play style of older RTS games. It includes a singleplayer campaign and a multiplayer mode where players can compete against each other or work together with the AI. The game uses simple graphics that resemble 8-bit retro-art with blocky, 3D-like shapes. The gameplay is similar to the classic Command & Conquer series, as some of the original developers of that series now work for Petroglyph Games. Players begin by building a headquarters, which they use to expand their base and create military units to fight opponents. Resources are collected using oil trucks and refineries. Units and buildings are constructed through a menu on the right side of the screen. The game is set in a modern scenario with common military units like tanks, artillery, and rockets. When the game was first released, only one faction was available, but the developers announced plans to add more factions later.

On August 28, 2016, Petroglyph Games released two free DLCs: one introduced a second faction called "Guardian," and the other added a new campaign featuring that faction.

In the same month, Petroglyph Games also launched a spin-off game called 8-Bit Hordes. This game uses the same engine as 8-Bit Armies but includes a fantasy-themed setting. Another spin-off, 8-Bit Invaders, was released later and features a science-fiction theme with a high-tech human faction and an alien faction. The games allow players to compete against each other in multiplayer battles using all factions from all three titles.

Release and reception

The game 8-Bit Armies was released online on April 22, 2016, on Steam and GOG.com. Players and reviewers had mixed but mostly positive reactions. Many noted that the game is inspired by the classic Command & Conquer series, with simple gameplay and old-school graphics. The real-time strategy (RTS) style of play was praised as the game's main strength. However, some critics pointed out that there are not many different options: only one group of players is available, the story has no clear or unique plot, and the gameplay might feel repetitive. The music, created by Frank Klepacki, who previously worked on Command & Conquer, was generally well-received. Overall, reviewers described the game as a nostalgic experience that lacks enough variety to keep players interested for a long time.