Item: The General
Rating: 83
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

83/100

The General is a classic 'strategy-lite' game that manages to pack a surprising amount of tactical depth into a very minimalist package. As an expert in turn-based strategy, I found the core mechanic—choosing between building your army, researching tech, or launching attacks—to be a masterclass in resource management. Every turn feels like a high-stakes decision.

The game's simplicity is its strength; without the distraction of complex graphics, you are forced to focus entirely on the numbers and the positioning of your rivals. The AI is aggressive and will punish you for leaving your borders weak or ignoring your scientific development. It’s the kind of game that rewards multiple playthroughs as you learn the optimal build orders to survive the early game onslaught. It’s a perfect, cerebral time-waster for anyone who loves the 'grand strategy' feel of games like Civilization but wants a session that lasts ten minutes instead of ten hours.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

310914488

$1.99 4+★4.5 8 reviews

Author : Sean O'Connor

Pubish Date : Thu Apr 09 2009

Last Update Date : Thu Sep 23 2021

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 2.1.1Thu Sep 23 2021

- fix for issues with iOS 15
In this version of the classic board game you lead your troops into battle against the computer opponent in a race to capture your enemy's flag before he gets yours. Initially you can't see how the enemy has positioned his troops and he can't see yours which gives ample opportunity for bluffing and deception from both sides.
"4 out of 5. We recommend the program to board game lovers." - Download.com
"It's like chess spliced with Minesweeper and Guess Who. Bearing in mind how important subterfuge and bluffing are in the original game, the silicon opponents provided are remarkably sharp." - EuroGamer.com
For the latest news on all my games follow @SeansGames on Twitter!
Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
In this version of the classic board game you lead your troops into battle against the computer opponent in a race to capture your enemy's flag before he gets yours. Initially you can't see how the enemy has positioned his troops and he can't see yours which gives ample opportunity for bluffing and deception from both sides.
"4 out of 5. We recommend the program to board game lovers." - Download.com
"It's like chess spliced with Minesweeper and Guess Who. Bearing in mind how important subterfuge and bluffing are in the original game, the silicon opponents provided are remarkably sharp." - EuroGamer.com
For the latest news on all my games follow @SeansGames on Twitter!

Ratings & Reviews

4.5 out of 5 with 8 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

The General is a strategic simulation that puts you in command of a global superpower. In this turn-based conquest game, you must balance military might with economic stability and scientific progress. Recruit soldiers, buy advanced weaponry, and manage your population's morale as you navigate the dangerous waters of international diplomacy and total war. With dozens of unique countries to play as and a challenging AI that adapts to your tactics, The General offers a deep, rewarding, and highly replayable strategic challenge for fans of the genre.

Features

Deep turn-based strategic gameplay

Dozens of nations and scenarios

Challenging AI with adaptive tactics

Comprehensive economy and tech management

Tips

Early Game Survival

Don't spend all your gold on an army immediately. Invest in your 'Population' and 'Industry' for the first five turns to ensure you have a steady stream of income for the mid-game. A larger economy will eventually allow you to out-produce any aggressive AI neighbor.

Promotion Videos

Sin�ad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U (Official Music Video) [HD] - YouTube

News on this game

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Sean O'Connor Obituary - 2021

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Legacy.com - Mon May 01 2023

Sheila O'Connor avis de d�c�s - Ottawa, ON

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Ottawa. Beloved wife of the late James C. (Jim), mother of Michael (Lesley)...

Dignity Memorial - Fri Nov 01 2019

Shaw enlists gamers in a 'Tree Spree' for Earth Month

The internet service provider touts it gaming bona fides in a way that offsets the emissions from devices.

strategyonline.ca - Thu Dec 01 2022

Coming into View: TC company is top seller of video borescopes in North America

TRAVERSE CITY — For a company specializing in looking in difficult places, ViewTech Borescopes is incredibly inconspicuous.

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Gameplays

Research Priority

Focusing on 'Science' early can give you a massive technological advantage. Upgrading your weapons can make a small army much more effective than a large, low-tech force, saving you gold in upkeep costs.

Q&A

Victory is achieved by eliminating all rival nations through military conquest or by becoming the dominant superpower through technological and economic milestones.