Iron Harvest 1920+ journeys to a new level in the release of the new DLC, Operation Eagle. This time it brings a new faction and a new campaign to its sky-high approach to the battlefields in this steampunk alternative world. Last year, when the base game of Iron Harvest 1920+ was released, it brought back the much-missed genre of gaming that was RTS games and was certainly one of the best games of 2020 in my eyes. Now the developers over at King Art have come back again to expand the world of Iron Harvest, with this new, high anticipated downloadable content.

For those who are not familiar with the world of Iron Harvest, I recommend checking out my previous review of the base game along with my thoughts on the game’s controls, graphics, and music.

Iron Harvest 1920+’s new DLC offers the new Usonia faction; with over 20 new units along with three new playable heroes, and the continuation of the game’s heavy story-driven narrative with an all-new Usonia Campaign (Singleplayer & Co-op). The huge game changer that comes in the new DLC though is the introduction of air units for all factions. As you may have guessed the Usonia faction is based on the good old US of A.

Starting your journey sometime after the ending of the main campaign of the base game and picks up with the Yanks fighting in Alaska against Rusviet forces targeting oil interests which threatens American supply. Leading from that introduction, the rest of the new campaign is fought in the deserts of Sadia Arabia, allying alongside rebels. Just to make a note before starting the Usonia Campaign you should try and finish the base game campaign of the other factions as the new DLC does give away a few spoilers.

But let’s get into what the new DLC offers, not just the new faction and campaign. Leading the charge is a variety of new units. Leading the attack are impressive units such as the Z-25 ‘Samson’ flying carrier and the ZR-3 ‘Revere’ that unleashes a barrage of unguided missiles towards enemy air or land defenses. Usonia does not just dominate the sky but they also have new land units that can hand out their fair share of damage towards the enemy.

The new M-29 ’Salem’; this multi-gunner mech can make short work of infantry units on the battlefield. Not to mention M-8 ‘Attucks’, a stealth artillery tank that can sneak past enemies to attack unexpectedly. Many of the infantry units are the same as the other factions in the way the game mechanics work but I do have to say with all the Usonia units, they all have very unique accents that stick out very well. Also, worth mentioning is the reveal of a secret faction that is tied to Usonia with the ability to harness the power of Arabia rebels, from sword-wielding Hashashi to War Camels.

As usual with Iron Harvest, the detail in all the game’s units and environments still amazes me. Even when zooming in close or when an area is obliterated with a barrage of missile fire it is graphically a sight to see. The implementation of air units, however, does pose a whole new challenge to the dynamics of the game. As previously, using cover or clever unit positioning can be important.

Now, air units have the ability to completely negate these factors all together, forcing you to strategise all-new tactics. So, for veteran players of Iron Harvest, the new DLC is certainly a game-changer for not just versing AI in the campaign but others in Multiplayer.

Overall, Iron Harvest 1920+: Operation Eagle has taken to the skies with me, just like the base game. Staying true with its solid gameplay, its core fundamentals, and its well-integrated with classic RTS mechanics. Operation Eagle continues to evolve the world of Iron Harvest not just in the game’s compelling story but also with the overall gameplay.

Written by: Simon Hayward