{"id":183553,"date":"2022-02-18T10:22:04","date_gmt":"2022-02-18T09:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=183553"},"modified":"2025-07-01T20:55:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T03:55:58","slug":"diplomacy-is-not-an-option-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/diplomacy-is-not-an-option-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Diplomacy is Not an Option review | Exciting RTS fun"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Diplomacy is Not an Option<\/a> is a real-time strategy (RTS) game<\/strong> you can buy or play for free as a demo. It launched on February 9, 2022, with Door407 listed as the publisher and developer. The title is only available on Windows<\/strong> for the moment, providing an intriguing storyline with simple gameplay mechanics. It\u2019s worth noting that the early access version only has a few maps available<\/strong> and not the full version as yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may not seem like much at first glance, the game holds several qualities that become more appealing as you progress. If anything, the intro has a hilarious video that gives you a good indication of what you\u2019re in for. So sit tight and enjoy the medieval ride<\/strong> as we take you through our Diplomacy is Not an Option review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diplomacy is Not an Option story<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve played similar fantasy RTS games, you\u2019ll know that there are usually detailed stories behind them. For instance, Warcraft III<\/a>, StarCraft II<\/a>, Age of Empires III<\/a>, and Endzone: A World Apart <\/strong>(one of my favorites) are all excellent examples where the plot is essential<\/strong> to other gaming elements in these titles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you can expect from the mysterious tale in Diplomacy is Not an Option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Lord in a disgruntled kingdom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you start the main campaign<\/strong>, you discover that you\u2019re a lord of a small area. Pay close attention to what happens in the opening scene, and you\u2019ll quickly feel sorry for yourself. You\u2019re bored, and your family and servants only need you for your money. There\u2019s nothing to do\u2026.until\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People<\/strong> in your kingdom have become disgruntled<\/strong> and are rebelling against you. Most people would be terrified at such a thought, but not you. You see an opportunity to rise up from the mundane and defend what\u2019s left of your land<\/strong>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Others need your help, me lord<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After you play the first mission, your kingdom is at peace for the time being. However, others across the land need your help<\/strong> with similar rebellions and attacks, starting with your uncle. What started as you just defeating boredom suddenly turned into a call for a hero<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting and tone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The story is set in medieval times<\/strong> when tournaments, hunting, and enjoying massive feasts with gorgeous maidens dancing around the fire were still a thing. There are a few comic moments where you\u2019ll have a chuckle, which is a good thing among the stress of planning your next strategic move. To add some fantasy, you\u2019ll even have a bit of magic to play with, such as summoning your ethereal forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long does it take to play Diplomacy is Not an Option<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It depends on you how long it takes to play Diplomacy is Not an Option. The campaign has several chapters<\/strong>, each longer than the one before. If you don\u2019t get a stage right the first time, you\u2019ll have to try it again with a better strategy. It can take you several hours<\/strong>. However, the early access and demo games only have a few chapters available, so we expect the full game will take a day or two to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Diplomacy is Not an Option gameplay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this section of our review of Diplomacy is Not an Option, we\u2019re going to take you through several gameplay elements<\/strong>. We\u2019ll also try to add some tips to make it slightly easier to play so you don\u2019t need to repeat any levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning how to play Diplomacy is Not an Option<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, we recommend you play the tutorial<\/strong> before you start the campaign. Diplomacy is Not an Option doesn\u2019t show you the ropes in the latter, so it\u2019s a good idea to see how commands work and where all the functions are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having said that, we noticed that the tutorial isn\u2019t as detailed as it could have been. As avid RTS gamers, we tested some commands we\u2019re familiar with RTS classics like the Command and Conquer<\/strong><\/a> series. While Diplomacy is Not an Option says you can select groups<\/strong> by clicking and dragging <\/strong>over them, you also have the ability to double click on an archer to select all the units. It helps if you\u2019re already experienced at games like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various game modes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Besides the tutorial, there are two primary game modes<\/strong>. The first is the campaign<\/strong>, which presents a map listing all the available chapters. You\u2019ll need to complete one to unlock the next one, while you can also replay those you\u2019ve already beaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second mode is called Endless<\/strong>. When you\u2019re not in the mood to progress with the story or you\u2019ve completed it, you can try building and defending your kingdom with no end in sight. It unlocks all research and units without worrying about campaign progression. At the moment, we only see a single-player version<\/strong> with no multiplayer options as yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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User interface and commands<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with most PC RTS games from indie developers, Diplomacy is Not an Option has simple controls<\/strong>. Click a unit, tell them where to move or attack, and send peasants out to collect food and resources. Most of the work is done by clicking or dragging<\/strong> and rarely needs input from the keyboard, which gives you freehand a chance to bang your gaming desk in frustration when you lose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some advanced functions<\/strong> in the command panel at the bottom of the screen. You can use magic, craft buildings, send archers into towers or walls, or perform research. There\u2019s an excellent skill tree<\/strong> for your kingdom, an element we love in RTS games. However, you\u2019ll probably only experience the full glory of it later in the story or in Endless mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Diplomacy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gameplay performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The minimum requirements<\/strong> for Diplomacy is Not an Option is as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n