HighFleet Review - One of the best games I have played.

This game blew me away
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[@sweetreamer5101]

Highfleet is a work of art. The dev remembered what makes a game great: immersion. The only complaint I have is that the 1v3 combat scenario limits how you can approach ship design.

[@Bishop1664]

The 1v3 style combat is the only thing putting me off picking this game up so far.. I've played alot of Star Sector and in that your whole fleet engages, and you can switch between which ship you control while the AI controls the rest

[@GangsterFrankensteinComputer]

It reminds me of this Net Yaroze game, Gravitation, but with RPG elements.

[@noise3312]

The 1v3 design actually does the game wonders. It lets you focus on maneuvering and it actually feels like you’re in the battle, less than directing it from above. Personally I like being in a small, fast ship dodging missiles and gunfire, weaving between enemies. If I had to keep track of 3 of my own ships it would be extremely stressful, not in a good way. Trust me, having only one ship is a mercy. You’ll be glad that’s all you have to worry about it.

[@sweetreamer5101]

@@noise3312 "Personally I like being in a small, fast ship dodging missiles and gunfire" yes that's the point the game design encourages that type of ship and discourages anything else especially since you're consistently outnumbered.

[@yourmanjimbo]

@@Bishop1664Starsector and highfleet are very different games though. Highfleet wouldn’t work with full fleet combat

[@Plague_Doc22]

Mac finally loves a game - game looks like it was made in 1995

[@Garycarlyle]

The golden age of gaming

[@MARIAREY5]

😂

[@teaser6089]

A certified zoomer comment

[@cyberangel82]

What gave it away? The fancy modern SVGA graphics (640x480)? Or that it ships on a CD (no more floppys)?

[@xtomvideo]

Probably the best looking themed UI since the 90's. It's a great game.

[@ViperGTS737]

i love this game, its like a fresh breeze in gaming, its hard to believe it was mainly made by one guy in Russia

[@TheObsoletist33]

These days I prefer that exact model as a dev team. They consistently make better games than 500 people at some software corporation.

[@sunnyjim1355]

@@TheObsoletist33 I disagree, generally... I've seen too many Steam early access games abandoned following that exact model... and don't pretend you haven't either.

[@Fiffelito]

@@sunnyjim1355 yes true . However how many memorable big studio games have we seen the last oh lets say the last 7-8 years? While early access is a big cess pool of garbage, even the minimum amount of curating from Valves part would have culled it but that would have required money and effort. We can cheery pick successes like stardew valley etc from early access just as we can cherry pick good triple A games like.... ...uhm.... yeah. Percentage wise it's pretty much the same if we take the liberty to disregard all asset flips, rpg maker tutorials, unity tutorial "games" ( you know the bare frigging minimum of curating). We're going to end up with the same 9/10 garbage, last one worth buying but won't have much replay value if any. It's the whole gaming industry as a whole. (Anecdotal, i personally know noone that actually play games newer than 5 years on PC, nintendo switch is another example where they opened the floodgates to pure garbage like green hell and "everyone knows it but noone plays it but it's always on sale" Siberia

[@roqsteady5290]

@@sunnyjim1355 that is no different from other forms of entertainment, such as films, genre books and so on.

[@TheObsoletist33]

@@sunnyjim1355 and those abandoned games were still more enjoyable than fully AAA releases. The Political Process, in my steam library has over 160 hours on it. Cant remember the last time I put that much time in any AAA game. Red Dead 2 probably.

[@kondor99999]

I can’t believe this game was made recently. It reminds me of the incredible Microprose and Avalon Hill games that I took for granted from 1992-2000.

[@mindsoulbody]

HighFleet game's PUBLISHER IS MICROPROSE SOFTWARE. 🤣

[@jokesterthemighty227]

@@mindsoulbody But only made by 1 russian guy, Konstantin. He only went with a publisher because of money issues

[@DubbleTwice]

Avalon Hill :D

[@RobVespa]

@@DubbleTwice - Brings back memories of their big box bookshelf games from the 80s... and hundreds of small cardboard squares.

[@europeansovietunion7372]

@@jokesterthemighty227 I remeber his other game Hammerfall / Hammerflight, very good game as well

[@trueseeing]

Can't help but agree, this game is special. Full of soul and an obvious passion project refined to a masterpiece. It's good to have Microprose back.

[@sethenan]

"Masterpiece" what a joke.

[@yarikmedvedev5199]

@@sethenan well, he stated his opinion. What if he found something that makes it so? I found in-game mechanics annoying at some times, but immersion, soundtrack and the message behind it was...yeah, i will jsut say it has given me an experience of complete videogame product. I was satisfied and quite touched

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

@@sethenan Must be nice thinking your own point of view is superior to everyone elses. It's not but don't let that get in the way of your overextended ego.

[@sethenan]

@@mobsiesixsixsix9785 I am superior. Thanks for noticing!

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

@@sethenan As I said, all that is superior is your ego. I guess you simply don't grasp what that means.

[@Kamil2142]

the UI artist did a bang up job with this one

[@whitejack9032]

Isn't this done by one guy?

[@tankerd1847]

I don't know. I get the retro appeal to it and it definitely looks cool, but I feel like it covers a bit too much of the map for my liking. Minor gripe though.

[@therealsteelchill]

​@@whitejack9032 one guy with minor assistance for coding and portraits/event art

[@whitejack9032]

@@therealsteelchill I see.

[@maximvsdread1610]

Alright Mack. You've sold me on this. I've never seen nor played a game like this but, I'm given it a go. Thanks Mate.

[@davidryan5482]

Did you play it? Good?

[@maximvsdread1610]

@@davidryan5482 Nope not yet. I've downloaded it though.

[@marko-1987]

Any good waiting to give it a spin

[@beltempest4448]

I’ve played it lads. Genuinely brilliant game. So unforgiving and immersive. Really draws you in. First few goes will likely be met with catastrophic failure but that’s okay it’s a real learning curve. Like Mac says, successful pirate raids and ambushes on enemy fleets is really satisfying. The game is full of lore also you really get swept up in it all. 10/10 for me for enjoyment. Also the sound design… brilliant

[@Andrei5656]

Hearing Mack go from the full panic mode during the discovery stream of Highfleet to confidently saying the combat is easy, I did not expect that. I love this game and I'm just happy you reviewed it even if its not a brand new game. I suggested it in the comments a few times over the years so i'm finally happy you got to experience the game, mack. Cheers from France.

[@Hanky.SSCorp]

I remember when Sseth did his video on this So stoked you're having a great time with it man. It's an absolute gem

[@MrSaywutnow]

You know a game is good when two of your favourite KZbin critics are both singing its praises.

[@robertrenato]

Wow! That's probably the most excited and enthusiastic I saw You about a game:) It really is a gem, especially immersionwise, the UI and sounds should be a lesson for every game to get right!

[@ParaFox404]

I've been waiting for u to cover this, knew you'd love it

[@ParaFox404]

hehe I bet know who you watched to learn that, cause I did the same

[@NIL0S]

This gave me such strong Dune vibes.

[@TranquillityOfficial]

Congrats on 300k Mack!

[@VasilisFouk]

I was surprised when I saw the thumbnail on this video. I thought KZbin recommended an old Mack video for some reason. I was surprised when I saw that the video is brand new. Mack, Highfleet is hands down a gem of a game. It's amazing. The amount of immersion, the attention to detail, the SOUNDS. It's all great. And because people may wonder about it, you can perfectly play without tampering with ship construction at all. An advice: If you go deeper researching about HF, you will start seeing posts about adding this and that in ship construction. Some of these will break the game balance and make it easy. I suggest either playing with default ships (changing only weapon loadouts if needed) or if you must tamper with the ships don't check out builds of the internet. It's going to mess the game for you. You can start messing with the ships after finishing the game.

[@BMC2]

The sound design in this game is one of the best I have ever heard.

[@B.D.E.]

Sound is way too often underserved. I'd say it's equally as important as graphics for immersion, if not more.

[@MyKirill1]

There is a overhaul mod for the game I downloaded that but then only used the sound files which make the weapons sound even better!

[@gnoel5722]

I am so happy you cover this game. It is a masterpiece.

[@HeiseSays]

It just came on sale and I had $100 of steam birthday money waiting to be spent. The intro pushed me over the edge.

[@Iymarra]

Seeing ELINT light up like a Christmas tree makes me panic in a very particular way.

[@mantra1229]

Mac I wanted u to know you are my favorite reviewer. Ever since total biscuit passed away I have struggled to find a consistent reviewer who tries a lot of different things, expects high quality and is unwavering. He can never really be replaced, but your reviews definitely fit the need. Much love

[@brave-smoke]

whos total biscuit?

[@mantra1229]

@@brave-smoke he was a great youtuber and games critic, he died of cancer years ago. Give his channel a look, his content is still great.

[@mantra1229]

@@brave-smoke his best series was the "wtf is" series where he does a review of games similar to what mack does

[@brave-smoke]

@@mantra1229 Thanks a lot Mantra, will do. Hoping all is well on your side!

[@RoaringAnaconda]

I love your videos. For me, if you like the game I like it and I can safely buy it, that simple. You've simplified my life and are entertaining af. You deserve more subs, but maybe they don't deserve you. Keep the content coming.

[@antonb8687]

You just made me double check that I had subscribed, and lo and behold, I hadn't. I share your sentiment about this channel totally. Been watching so many videos now that I feel a bit guilty haha! Subscribed!

[@YukoValis]

ah yeah this gem. It reminds me a lot of the original Fallout. Just that feeling of old school hardware in a hostile area with an interesting world.

[@HertzBlut]

With a happy Mack and a 35% discount this was an instant buy. Cheers for this. Dark Ale, motorsports and a listening to a Mack that is smiling all the way through a review.. these are the things that makes me fecking happy.

[@markruff3378]

When this game came out in 2021 I said "Hey Mack, you have got to review Highfleet!". I always knew you would love it.

[@avsrule247]

I love these hidden gems

[@timmeh69er78]

Thanks Mack. Gonna definitely check this out now you showed me it. Always trust your judgement

[@m.r.o.]

Can't help but be proud of both the developers AND Mack😊

[@jayvanburg3943]

Right, you need to play Starsector, there is no doubt about it. The combat and studying, learning every ship and systems is a lot like Highfleet. You can trade, explore on a galaxy map like mount and blade, and combat..oh the combat, you fit and build all your ships in your fleet and take on anything you want. stay small to outrun patrols or pirates, of build a mega fleet that most fleets are wary of engaging. you can take direct control of a ship in battle, a cruiser, a small frigate anything. or play it like an RTS. The world map is also one big 4X game where you can set up colonies and expand the map. it is amazing Mack. if you like Highfleet please give it a try. these will be the two best games you will play this year. See you in two weeks again.

[@fl4shblade]

"hey hey there people! epilepsy warning, you have about 3 seconds!"

[@gtabro1337]

I’ve always preferred 3D games over 2D, maybe because I grew up when it was the hot new craze. So for me to say “I was addicted to Highfleet for a month straight when it got released” is a beyond rare occasion. Fantastic title.

[@HubertCumbadale02]

Old skool Microprose. I still play 'Terror from the Deep' from time to time

[@heatbankrep]

man first off i am SO flabbergasted to see that name alone, MICROPROSE. f... EA, f.... UBI, thats a name that brings back memories and traditional gaming values and experiences.

[@TheVVumpus]

For sure - Microprose F117a was my first PC game and sim. On my 386dx 25MHz with 4MB RAM. LMAO

[@heatbankrep]

@@TheVVumpus FALCON 4.0 on win 98 my dude...

[@onanthebarbarian4842]

Most of the standard designs are fairly inefficient. Some of the cruisers have their bridges in very vulnerable positions, and if you get those with your Tarkhans it's often better to either convert them to support craft (such as missile carriers, or even slapping a flight deck on top) or to just sell them outright. One of the best ways to guarantee success is to figure out good designs and start with them in your fleet. Remember, the retrofitting you can do in ports is limited by time and money, but when you start a new run you can bring anything you like. One simple design is to combine scouting capability with fuel capacity and speed. Your scouts need range and speed anyway, and this way you can pair them up with interceptors to ambush trade fleets.

[@Heldermaior]

This game is basically the best thing new microprose has put out for me. I want this dynamic campaign in Sea Power.

[@Garycarlyle]

Imagine playing this but the UI are real instruments. All the read-outs and dials. That would be nuts. :)

[@synaco7055]

Like a sim racing rig but an analogue highfleet cockpit. Hang on, I am going to ring the hacksmith.

[@C05597641]

What is stopping you printing a screen shot and using a pencil and compass on it?

[@redmonkey001]

It already has those, so enjoy!

[@rustin9938]

Been watching the channel for a few years now so I trust your word so i instantly went to steam and bought it after the 35 second mark lol, wanted this game forever was just on the fence but that's really i needed to know. Cheers

[@battlemode]

If you like this I'm interested to know what you think of Starsector, another game with excellent immersion and combat

[@sammyblaze4234]

oh my god i am so glad you are still here and posting reviews! i just watched a review of this is the police 2, posted 4 years ago and was afraid, you maybe stopped making them, to me you still are the most underrated game reviewer out there. it is so entertaining to listen to you ans enjoy your dry humor a lot!

[@dispater5023]

Holy fuck. Ive been looking for a game like this for a long time. Thanks Mack!

[@ranek1990]

Hey hey people Glad more people get to know about this game. A real gem.

[@TheOnlyJohnAbraham]

You know it's good when one of Mack's cons is "damn, I can't play it tomorrow"

[@hombregatoooo]

Really glad to have found this review. I was stunned by what I saw when this game first came out, but the reviews I found then made the game sound pretty rough around the edges and I got talked out of buying it. This one gives me the confidence to try it for myself. And, that's why I prefer negative nelly criticism to wholesome cheerleading. When the curmudgeon says something is great, I can actually believe it.

[@hikeskool]

Didn’t Sseth review this one thanks hope this helps have a Great weekend all 👌

[@jp_charland]

Haven't heard you this lit for a review in a long time

[@oleyullah]

It doesn't look like something up my alley but I may buy it just because Mack is fawning over it. For the sake of supporting good game developers and their ideas.

[@pin00ch]

Ditto.

[@ageoflove1980]

I love how often in older games learning the UI is actually an essential part of the gameplay. I think that is essential for immersion because what you do, i mean literally, which buttons you press and how you press them has a direct relation to what happens in-game. I guess now all the games need to be console friendly so thats no longer a thing because obviously navigating menu's with a controller is an absolute nightmare.

[@hanskurtmann6781]

I don't normally watch gaming videos but I do love these demo types as at least I get an idea if I would like a game or not. Thanks for all you do as your videos are to the point and unbiased. Keep it up!

[@Schizm1]

The 3d UI in this game is work of art. I played over 80h of HighFleet last year. Fantastic game

[@jaxvonmay8488]

Totally agree with your review. It has a soul. The Soviet-era Afghanistan vibe, the biblical cities and the retro steampunk flavor aside, it's quite deep indeed. One thing is its frigging hard. I must have started 50 campaigns, never ever finished. ADVICE: PLAY EASY MODE to learn the ropes at least.

[@stormhammerx]

I was hoping you'd review this incredible game, Mac. Glad you liked it!

[@DustDedo]

Same, this game is soo awesome!

[@jonathanj.3695]

This game reminds me of Carrier Command 2. It has similar gameplay where you play as a commander on the bridge of a main carrier ship where you can deploy and strategize with your units as you fight for resources on these islands and at sea. By the way, you should check out Carrier Command 2 as well!

[@MrFreedomGotAnAK]

"The manual is huge" SOLD!

[@coolersmoke]

3:36 Mack, that quick & quiet impersonation of Bill Paxton in Aliens was not lost on me ;)

[@B.D.E.]

You should follow Robbaz, he seems to play all the games that you eventually end up trying and liking.

[@Chrisbajs]

Doesn't look like my cup of tea, but it's so nice to listen to an enthusiastic Mack.

[@Tclans]

Mac, you forgot to mention the brilliant chaotic music. Tanc a Lelek is a straight up masterpiece! Besides, the sounds design is flat out awesome.

[@poseidon2120]

Mack's number 1 favorite for 'Game Of The Year' closely followed by 'Big Ambitions'

[@blakej6416]

Just bought it on the steam sale. If Mack says a game is good, you know it is!

[@taureanwilliams2900]

Immersion is king. Graphics only take a game so far. This game looks superb.

[@ozz13283]

Great to hear you finally reveiw this! Didn't think you would be disappointed! Thinking of diving in again myself now! 👍

[@benjaminh1034]

I bought this when it first came out and while I loved the immersion, the learning curve was crazy difficult. I'll have to get another go since there's probably a lot guides out now. It was super niche when it first came out, but I remember thinking Mac would love this. Glad to see you discovered it.

[@LaymensLament]

see this is an actual video game, like the experience of video games used to be. they used to be exploration of the games mechanics and usually the games world. the problem today is that in 9 of 10 cases you know whats going on beforehand. thats why roguelikes are so popular. last newer game that really hit that double exploration feeling was dark souls (before it became a genre).

[@LeonKakashi]

I bought this because of your review and Mack I'll tell ya. You're spot on. Now I know why I needed to do all the D = S * T. Only thing I wish, was better manuals on the ELINT distances.

[@_fruitnveg]

Loved your parking at the end there Mack, Reminds me of my own playthroughs :P

[@mauritz8501]

Game came out a while back. One of my top 3 games I have played. Keep going back.

[@neutchain7838]

Exceptional sound and art design. On that regard reminded me of Frostpunk. I bought it when released and still playing it, probably game of the year for me from 2022.

[@chainerscalleri6931]

So glad you found this game mate. I accidentally found this gem and then realizing it was released ages ago. Very challenging, very fun. Watched your live stream the other day so good.

[@_Makanko_]

It's a superb game. Your first blind look at this game on stream was hilarious. I guess some of us knew the moment your started this on the stream this would be a great game for you to enjoy. Hope you have a great time with the ship building and the rest of the game.

[@Bangkokian1967]

Thanks mate! I bought this when it first came out purely because it was a Microprose game (my fave dev from back in the day) I had never gotten around to playting it though, but after watching your video, I'm going to dive in and watch some KZbin videos to get some hints and tips on it

[@colinoboyle5866]

When I got COVID summer of 2021 I had to quarantine for a week and I straight up would just wake up then play this game then go to sleep and repeat

[@89334726]

Oh my, the Beast is back! All the fun memories from the 90's with copy protections Microprose used to have, be it F-19, Airborne Ranger or Pirates. The games were great, too.

[@darken2417]

I always appreciate when game devs take the time to make their game immersive.

[@joppek77]

I've had my eyes on this game for a while since it seems like "my cup of tea". This glowing review means that I _really_ should pick it up. :)

[@Gilambesh]

My mind was blown at the point the control panel actually works. All the buttons do stuff and its all meaningful. In 2023. Gave me real memories of the good old days (pre 2014).

[@NotsagF]

The revived Microprose has been on a roll so far, all of them absolute bangers.

[@paulie-g]

This isn't a Microprose game as such, they didn't fund its development or work on it in any way. Current Microprose is not really a full-fledged publisher, the name was bought out of bankruptcy/IP hell by some old Microprose people from back in the day. They are just collaborating on 'publishing' this game long after it debuted, afaik. Super stoked that they are trying to revive Microprose though by whatever means possible.

[@SMOKEY-Junior]

You deserve 1mil subs 👍 brilliant work mate

[@synaco7055]

I have been playing this game on and off for about a year. I concur Mak, it's fucking awesome. Since you were talking about your most satisfying occurrence let me give you mine: for me, nothing compares to the moment when your 500KG HE bomb lands perfectly, pierces the top armour and blows the fuel tank. You can end a big bad ship in 1. Chef's kiss.

[@rosskelly4618]

I knew you'd love this! I told you to play it about a year or so ago on here

[@koffieslikkersenior]

I love that you found this :) It's an absolute blast.

[@MisterRawgers]

I hope they bring it to console, looks great

[@pseudo.Random-KF]

2:47 "The default ships just aren't good enough" (meanwhile me, with a Sevastopol, a Kormoran, and 2 Yars mk 2's killing every strike group in the game and using the ships I got along the way to do the rest)

[@michaelnapper4565]

Hey Mack.... Look up a game called Spacebourne 2, and see what you think. It's being made by a single developer, it's only $20, and it's pretty damn impressive! You'll see what I mean. I would love to hear your take on this single devs work. I bought it, after simply watching a video, to support his work. Anyway, glad to hear you found a banger. Cheers mate

[@trashl0rd]

A real gem of a game. It oozes style, but it definitely has a steep learning curve.

[@ziggelito]

Love this game to death, i found the best way for sucess is to split your fleet, have the main fleet with your bigger stuff like carrier and sevastopool that makes its journey to kiva, then have a smaller raiding fleet with fast ships that capture nodes and merchant ships. Having the sevastopool fly around to every settlement you want to capture burns a lot of fuel. Also dont be afraid of incomming cruise missiles, just send some interceptors with missiles out to shoot them down

[@Teleport73]

Looks amazing. A small thing, but I love the rain effect down the screen. Please also check out 'Spacebourne 2' or 'Tunguska' soon.

[@radioman970]

sounds fantastic! Microprose and Team 17 stuff in my steam kicks ass. :D can't wait to get a change to play this. Thanks for the review.

[@CptSquirrel]

Good to see the review out Mack!

[@stefanb7015]

Loved the Alien reference.... as it happens its also used in one of the Alien pinball tables in PinballFX3, which happens to also rock.

[@Napoleon_4pcs]

I'm glad to see Microprose develop new games again! And really good ones at that.

[@-Markus-]

I dont think they actually develop any games, they are signing on a wide array of indie devs though which is in itself awesome. The big question is if these game will get much/any support after release though.

[@Napoleon_4pcs]

Yeah, I realised that after checking their webpage. This may well just be a lucky shot.

[@MichaelJ44]

Was watching this in your stream the other day Mac. The moment when you went off reading other websites reviews of this was hilarious. And that combat is just.. wow. Would you be able to public the live of this?

[@RobVespa]

Wow. I was not expecting these kudos. Perhaps I need to jump on this.

[@chrisdude2675]

I love everything about this game, the lore, the concept of politics, trade, strategy. But for some reason cant figure out how to get into it.

[@MichaelJ44]

I was like that with Kingdom come deliverance. It was everything I wanted, and I just never played it for long

[@i3uttazz616]

Mac - "I don't play 2D platformer metroidvanias because I grew up with those and growing up I thought that that's all we're ever going to have so I don't like them because of that." Also Mac - loves a game that's pre platformer, pre metroidvania and pre anything cool...

[@miketexas4549]

Looks like a sit down arcade I used to play at me neighborhood pizza parlor back in 1985.

[@taomahNEGEV]

Microprose shines once again. Looking forward to B-17 Flying Fortress The Bloody 100th.

[@BuzzaB77]

don't apologise for lack of other videos mate, It's a lovely change to hear you gush over summat!

[@noise3312]

Of all the games I thought mac would review, this was NOT one of them. I have around 140 hours in Highfleet and it’s a masterpiece in a lot of ways. Even the story is great and subverts expectations, the vibe and aesthetic is beautiful, it’s overall an amazing game. Glad to see that people are recognizing it.

[@ruimiguelcarreira3097]

You will need to come back to this review Mac, yhe shipbuilding aspect of the game is really deep. I have spent hours just making my own designs and understanding height of pieces and angles for the guns, fuel consumption, armor, etc.

[@everythingisfake7555]

It definitely looks beautiful. When skill and class trumped graphical fidelity, back to the 90s.

[@Desh727]

I knew mac would love this shit. I cant believe it took him this long to try it

[@mickles1975]

Microprose. Holy shit.

[@ThatGuyKal]

Microprose only stepped in recently. It's a great game though.