# Battle of the Bulge — user reviews > 51 indexed App Store user reviews of Battle of the Bulge by Slitherine Software UK Ltd., rated 3.51/5 from 59 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/battle-of-the-bulge/id521833787/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/battle-of-the-bulge/id521833787.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 27 · 4★ 7 · 3★ 7 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 13 ## Newest reviews (10 of 51) ### 4/5 — Spa - it’s a game about Spa *2023-03-08* Seems like there is no room for any creative thinking. Capture/hold Spa. ### 3/5 — No Sound *2021-12-07, version 2.36* Zero music or sounds from the game. And yes, I checked all the settings. ### 4/5 — Great Game But... *2018-04-25, version 2.36* The app determines when the game play is over which is rather annoying. I should be able to continue gameplay irrespective of the presupposed outcome. ### 4/5 — A Bug *2017-12-05, version 2.36* Fun so far but there doesn’t seem to be any means of closing out the history screen during the first battle scenario. One must close the app and restart it. ### 3/5 — Sigh... *2017-08-22, version 2.19* ... ### 4/5 — Still iffy. *2017-02-07, version 2.19* So I finally switched to the new version as not many were left to play the original. Plays better than the initial reviews. AI has been lobotomized, I just surrounded about 10 divisions. Much more difficult to understand multiplayer system compared to original Game Center. I will say that once you figure out the multiplayer, there are a lot of good players online. Let's hope they improve the AI for the next update. ### 2/5 — Sleek, smart and fun until the new update happened. *2015-09-20, version 2.14* The new update is really clunky, slow, and with no obvious benefit over the original. The devs should have spent more time testing and tweaking. Completely ruined the game. I wish there was a way to revert to the original version. This was my 5-star review before the update: This is perhaps a model of how iPad turn-based war games should look and feel -- there is a lot to like about this game. Looks great, plays well, incorporates the iPad touch screen brilliantly into gameplay. The beauty of this game is how it managed to simplify very complex concepts and variables but still provides a deep and nuanced experience. The only downside to this game: the AI is fairly easy to beat. There are no difficulty levels and I wish gameplay actually lasted a bit longer, it seems to be over before it began, but that's probably because time flies when you're having fun! Flip side: Multiplayer is fun and challenging. Looking forward to see what this studio comes up with next! ### 4/5 — Very good but not "amazing" *2014-02-15, version 2.0* A very good, very accurate turn based WW2 strategy game. A few negatives: there isn't any tactical skill or action. Also, never ever ever attack CCA. The balancing of units needs work. CCA is basically indestructible and ridiculous--consistently 3 elite full strength panzer units will fail against a 2 bar CCA . The Elsenborn Ridge (spelling) is also almost impregnable. I just don't believe the balancing is always what they show or above board. It's like the developers will only allow so much reinventing of the battle and then certain units just won't die so you are stuck on a certain path. And allied infantry do seem much stronger against armor than appropriate as another reviewer said. Also, it's not really that replay able. Sure you will play it a lot for about a week but then it's done cuz you've tried every commander and learned what units can be beat. Anyway, overall a very good iPad strategy game just annoyed by the balancing. I will buy the Russian campaign. ### 5/5 — The future of war gaming is here. *2013-10-19, version 2.0* BotB is a fantastic, playable, beautiful game for those fans of classic war games. Now that the game is universal, I can carry it around and play a round when I'm on the subway or waiting for my breakfast (As they say, the best war game is the one you have with you). The graphics are are great and the gameplay is simple enough yet offers quite a challenge. Playing online vs. people via Game Center is a lot of fun, but the AI is worthy opponent too. Anyway, BotB is well worth the money and I can't wait for them to produce more games of similar quality (*cough* Market Garden *cough*). I'll buy whatever they produce. Thanks, Antonio M. Rosario P.S. Full disclosure - I was a Kickstarter backer for this game and I also play tested it. I also know two of the producers of this game personally (from my young days of play testing games for them at another game publisher), but I've not been paid or compensated in any way to write a good review for them. I've loved war games since I was a teen and once I saw they were considering producing one for the iPad, I was all on board. If you're a lover if this genre, then this game (and, hopefully the ones they'll produce in the future) is really worth your time and the few bucks it will cost. Truly. ### 5/5 — Superb game, frustrating Crashes!! *2013-09-14, version 1.2* The game itself it awesome in every sense of the way, but the crashes involved in Multiplayer is seriously drawing down the overall appeal of the game. I gave it 4 stars only because I appreciate the developers making such a thorpuhly enjoyable and historically correct game! I am currently serving in Iraq, an sitting on a VERY slow internet connection, so deleting an reinstalling the game when it crashes is nit an alternative to me! Draw a few guys from your current developing games and fix this issue or I womt feel compelled to put down money for your future games. If you do, you will have a customer for as long as the company exits. Peace, out. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Used to be amazing… *2023-01-04, version 2.36* …now a hot pile of steaming garbage. Needs major updates or removed from the app store, cannot even start a game. ### 1/5 — Buggy and ridiculous “AI” *2022-08-22, version 2.36* Save your money. Used to be enjoyable. Buggy like others mention. My big beef is the lack of AI logic. I’m not one to gripe about how tough a game may be but when the “computer” literally within the first turn wipes out any remote chance of winning its simply not fun. C’mon developers. What? Are you making money off of game points here in stead of sales? ### 1/5 — I've seen dumb choices in game before but none this dumb *2022-03-26, version 2.36* The colors of the map are green for vegetation and blue for rivers. The counters are also green and blue. It's impossible to tell who owns a territory unless you go to a seperate supply map, because you can't tell if the blue outline is an ownership indicator or a river. It's such a mind-bogglingly dumb design choice. Someone thought it would look cool to have the counter colors match the terrain, but they threw out usability in the process. It's annoying because it's a mildly interesting game but it's unplayable for me because of its visuals. The gameplay often frustrates because of the draconian limitations of movement, but that opinion may be colored (so to speak) by the frustration of thinking a blue line was a zone of control outline rather than a river one too many times. Please give a different counter color option. And of course since this is slitherine the game will soon be abandoned. I already had to buy Drive to Moscow twice. ### 1/5 — Abandoned *2022-02-20, version 2.36* The app has been abandoned and has an insane amount of bugs to where it’s unplayable. Don’t buy. ### 1/5 — Unhappy *2019-07-10, version 2.36* There are several issues with this game and I just downloaded it. The game uses about 80% of my screen. The letters and units are almost illegible. Tried following link for support and it doesn't go anywhere. ### 1/5 — Not functional *2019-05-03, version 2.36* I can’t read the rules because they are cut off on the side of the screen. This sis the same for the history section as well. It’s a shame. I enjoy the game but am unable to enjoy all of its features. ### 1/5 — Unplayable on an iPhone *2019-02-06, version 2.36* The text is unnecessarily tiny, all but impossible to read, and some of it cut off by the edge of the screen. This is clearly and iPad game and shouldn’t be sold as working on an iPhone. ### 1/5 — WARNING: Developer abandons updates *2018-05-31, version 2.36* I bought this game along with 2 other games they put out in a bundle. One called MOSCOW & the other called DESERT FOX. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to update my purchases but I cannot. Seems the developer didn't update so the games are worthless. BEWARE this game may too get abandoned after you pay. I would rate it no stars cuz I feel ripped off- LOSERS ### 2/5 — Two years since an update! *2019-12-03, version 2.36* This used to be a great game until it got bought out. Never any updates to fix the bugs. Wasn’t exactly a cheap app either. Just took our money and ran. Too bad. Still fun to play but the bugs and resulting scoring mistakes make me regret having ever purchased it. Lesson learned. ### 2/5 — New update buggy & with some bad design decisions *2019-04-19, version 2.36* The previous version of this game was one of the all-time best , indeed almost perfect, wargames on iPad on any other platform. This new update, which comes after the original game studio was bought by Slitherine, has some serious problems. Within 5-10 mins of play I noticed that the graphics seemed unstable with occasional sudden weird glitches such as screen shaking. The beautiful amazing elegant sound design of the original game has been messed with and spoiled e.g. with machine gun fire which is loud and goes on for far too long . There are interface formatting glitches not present in the original. And most alarming of all there I found what appears to be a major rule change (I hope it is a bug...) from the original - the change is about movement in the first couple of turns - the AI carried out 3 space strategic movement out of a contested zone ! ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — A Real Tabletop Style Game *2018-03-21, version 2.36* As an old Avalon Hill fan, I love the fact that the game has real tabletop rules that you can follow and understand. ### 5/5 — Balanced and Fun *2017-08-11, version 2.19* This is one of my favorites. I am close to 500 hours on it. It is easy to learn but hard to be good at. Play the AI till you think you are competent or even good. Then play against other players and you will go to a whole new level. The games play quickly and you have many scenarios to choose from. Well worth the few dollars to buy. See you online! ### 5/5 — The BEST war game in the App Store *2017-05-27, version 2.19* For war gamers, this is the BEST game app in the App Store. WELL worth the purchase price. Easy to play, but still complex enough to be challenging. I play against other players from all over the world. The straight-up "Battle of the Bulge" scenario works well. Unfortunately, the "Luck of the Draw" scenario doesn't work online, but the "Endgame" version does, and is a very challenging scenario. For new players - play against the AI for a bit, and then challenge or accept a challenge against another player. Hugely rewarding and fun! ### 5/5 — I love it, for me: perfect! *2016-02-06, version 2.18* I just got this three days ago and no major issues or glitches running on a newer model iPad mini. It's very easy to learn yet deep to play, which is ideal for me. It's not overly complex, perfect for a more casual wargamer but might be too simple for the hardcore wargamer who's used to 20-page rule books. I play solo against AI and find it very enjoyable, addictive more like it. No experience with multi-player to comment on. I am hooked and am going to pick up the Moscow version next. Cheers ### 5/5 — Avalon Hill Lives Again! *2014-06-27, version 2.0* As an avid board gamer, I was absolutely thrilled to find this app which carries on the tradition of such great Avalon Hill games as Afrika Korps, et al. Realistic, with no overly unnecessary / chintzy graphics, intuitive, and provided with an excellent AI, this game is a must-have for both serious strategic gamers and those who want to try something a little different. There's a small learning curve, but you'll be surprised how quickly you catch on. I'd give it six stars if I could! ### 5/5 — Immersive strategy game *2014-02-20, version 2.0* Let me start off by saying I'm not an expert wargamer. I play this game against the AI sometimes, and also against my boyfriend through Game Center. However, this game has enough variation and complexity to pique a strategy obsession I didn't even know I had. I have played (and love) Axis and Allies 1942 Global (Europe and Pacific) and while this game is different in many ways (and is simpler), Battle of the Bulge will not fail to entertain and delight if you are a fan of AaA. If you have never played any strategy wargames, this game is still very accessible, since the rules are presented in varying formats. Here are just a few of the features I love about this game: player's guide, strategy tips, easy (although complex) rules, attractive and simple UI, and the included history (which makes for very interesting reading). On the whole I love this game. I already own Drive on Moscow and can't wait for Desert Fox/El Al. Worth every penny and then some! ### 5/5 — Excellent Game depending on AI mood *2014-01-30, version 2.0* A thoughtful, well crafted game that strikes a perfect balance between a historical simulation and easy-to-learn playability. Map graphics and context information are outstanding, play structure and sequence flow nearly flawlessly, and the various scenarios allow multiple reiterations of a game that never seems to repeat itself. If only the AI could be more logical and not make some very reckless moves that make winning a bit too easy at times... hence a very good 4 1/2 but not perfect 5 star rating. Maybe having an option to override some of the bad moves would help... Still, this game sets a new standard and will hopefully continue to evolve towards a flawless 5 rating some day! ### 5/5 — 5s on latest iOS *2013-12-30, version 2.0* I'm new to the genre, and found out about this development studio while looking into Panzer Corps (PC). It seemed, for a while, that there was a dearth of universal titles comparable to PC. And then there was this title: released in '12 exclusively for iPad and later optimized for all iOS devices. I read about the studio's deliberate, intuitive approach to product development, and its steadfast belief in providing nothing short of a full and complete experience for each purchaser. That experience has been characterized by an elegant simplicity that belies deeper complexities—a welcome addition to my collection of apps. I appreciate meticulous and intelligent approaches to gaming and can only hope for the continued success of studios such as this one. Thank you for bringing this sublime experience to both iPhone and iPad. Hopefully all of your future titles will take advantage of both devices as well. P.S., It would be fantastic if there were cloud saves which would allow one to pick up his/her game from a particular point on a different device (eg, iPhone progress from the day continued on one's iPad upon arriving home). ### 5/5 — Very we'll designed game *2013-12-02, version 2.0* I really like this game. The interface works very well, the rules are very clear and balanced, and the AI seems to be reasonably challenging; enough to keep the game fun through many replays. Although a pet peeve of mine is when developers don't include all of the content in a pay version of the game, which is the case in this game as well with locked AI personalities and locked maps that you need to purchase. It would be cooler if you could unlock those locked items by completing challenges in the game in addition to paying. But oh we'll, I suppose DLC is the world we live in now. Still a very good game worthy of all 5 stars. There aren't too many good games like this out there for those like me that enjoy a good strategy game. ### 5/5 — Great game! *2013-11-19, version 2.0* This game is very well done. I, like a lot of people may have had sticker shock at the price, but I sure don't regret buying it. The gameplay is great, as well as the interface. I have played a long time now and have not seen any bugs. The game is not hard to learn(took just a few minutes), but is not to simple as to make it boring. When you play this game as either the allies or the axis you really do get a feeling for the problems that both sides had during the battle. This is because they did their homework and got it historically correct. Well done!!!! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*