Whatever happened to Scorched Earth games on the web?
I've been thinking about old browser-based games lately, and Scorched Earth came to mind. For those unfamiliar, it was this turn-based artillery game where you'd adjust angle and power to lob projectiles at opponents across the landscape. Simple concept, but genuinely addictive.
There was a web version floating around in the early 2000s that let you play against friends or AI. I'm curious whether anyone here remembers playing it, and more importantly—what made those kinds of games so satisfying compared to what we get in browsers today?
It seems like we've moved away from physics-based puzzle games toward either massive multiplayer experiences or casual clicker games. There's something about the deliberate pacing and strategic thinking in Scorched Earth that feels lost. You had to calculate your shots, manage limited ammo, and adapt to terrain. No hand-holding, no tutorials—just you versus the other player.
Do you think there's still an audience for this style of gameplay? Would a modern remake with updated graphics but the same core mechanics appeal to people, or has the gaming landscape shifted too much? I'm also wondering if anyone's still hosting versions of the original game online.
Reference: hackernewsComments (4)
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- Marcus T.11d ago
I played this constantly in computer class. The learning curve was perfect—easy to pick up but took skill to master. Modern games feel overloaded by comparison.
I played this constantly in computer class. The learning curve was perfect—easy to pick up but took skill to master. Modern games feel overloaded by comparison. - Sarah M.11d ago
Does anyone know if there are active communities still playing these games? I'd love to revisit it without hunting through sketchy download sites.
Does anyone know if there are active communities still playing these games? I'd love to revisit it without hunting through sketchy download sites. - Derek N.11d ago
The physics engine was genuinely clever for its time. I wonder how hard it would be to recreate in something like Unity or Godot for modern browsers.
The physics engine was genuinely clever for its time. I wonder how hard it would be to recreate in something like Unity or Godot for modern browsers. - Lisa K.11d ago
Turn-based strategy has made a comeback in indie games, but I can't think of anything that captures that specific artillery gameplay feel. Why is that?
Turn-based strategy has made a comeback in indie games, but I can't think of anything that captures that specific artillery gameplay feel. Why is that?