Starting a match of Defcon is a simple matter of choosing to join or create a game. Featuring several modes of play with various rule sets, such as an office version that stretches the game to six hours, there are enough options to keep things fresh. While waiting for humans to join, you can choose the amount of computerized Skynet-style players, as well as which territory you will represent. Each territory has its own natural geographic differences which can vary your strategy. North America is remote and made vulnerable by its size and coastal expanses, whereas Europe is surrounded by enemies and yet more easily defensible given its compactness.

You command your forces from the perspective of a zoom-able 2D world map. Scrolling is achieved through the keyboard (with a default of WASD) or the mouse, and is satisfyingly easy. Crisp neon lines brightly mark your nuclear rivals by color coding. Russia might be highlighted by a fashionable teal green, or America outlined in a sinister red, depending on your preference. A minimal interface unobtrusively peeks out from the bottom corner.

Once the actual game begins, and the timer slowly ticks down towards all-out attack, one is struck by an immediate sensation of paranoia. The fog of war is in full effect, and your view of enemy movement is limited. This feeling of isolation is not at all lessened by the chilling musical score. The serene sounds of a female chorus juxtaposed with the surreal noises of coughing, crying, and cold electronic music creates an innovative, yet appropriate tone of quiet hysteria. The world is coming to an end.