Set in an alternate history—a fictional late 1920s on the brink of the Spanish Civil War—this heavy artillery mission game made quite a splash at last June's Next Fest. Players were particularly taken by the atmosphere, noting that between the cutting-edge teleprinter for transcribing intercepted intelligence and the sheer weight of the massive heavy artillery, one could almost smell the acrid chemical haze radiating from the screen.

The backbone of this praise lies in the visceral recoil and booming report upon firing. It packs elements rarely seen in standard shooting simulators into a gargantuan walking turret, crafting a uniquely engaging experience. This is precisely why the dieselpunk-inspired heavy artillery simulation, IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator (hereinafter IRON NEST), has become so highly anticipated. As a bonus, the game builds its own distinct identity through the tactile satisfaction of manually operating control levers and dials based on command directives.

Crafted by developers Nick Talmers and Dominik Latos, whose long-standing love for mechanical contraptions and dieselpunk aesthetics drives the project, everything in this game takes place within the cramped confines of a heavy artillery unit. Having been in development for over a decade, the game masterfully weaves together complex simulation elements, where one must interpret communications received from a 5,000-ton class walking turret, calculate trajectories, and fire shells.

True to the dieselpunk concept, everything within the player's field of vision is clunky, grease-stained machinery. The entire process is interconnected, from receiving top-secret directives and frontline radio dispatches via the teleprinter, to measuring targets using operational maps and aerial photographs. Players must perform precision firing by manually operating mechanical calculators and elevation gear; should a mistake lead to a friendly-fire disaster, the outcome is far too severe to be scrubbed away by propaganda or paperwork.

Every time the player fires the walking turret, the heavy recoil and movement of the steel structure are rendered with chilling realism, matched by the sound design. Since procedures like handling propellant, loading shells, and setting coordinates all require manual manipulation of levers and dials, the immersion of this procedural manual operation is profound. Because the arc and range of the shell change depending on the amount of propellant, precise calculations are mandatory, as is the tactical judgment to read the battlefield and utilize various special ammunition types such as armor-piercing, smoke, and gas shells.

With all activities confined to the interior of the walking turret—and the state of the outside world often only graspable through text—the 'operational map' is far more than a simple distance calculator; it is a vital tool for surveying the battlefield. It becomes an essential aid in analyzing intercepted radio traffic and confirming changes in terrain resulting from artillery fire through aerial photographs. The scars and remnants of every shell fired remain permanently on the battlefield, directly impacting the overall success or failure of the operation.

On the level below the player's station lies a facility for the crew. Here, the player can access the main menu, operate a coffee machine, and check the Steam-integrated leaderboard. The coffee machine is particularly peculiar; much like operating the turret, the player must manually turn levers and manage pressure to brew a cup. As this serves as a tool to help learn basic controls, the game even provides scores and evaluations on the quality of the brew.

As the name suggests, the walking turret supports movement and stationary deployment. However, given its massive size, turning takes considerable time, making efficient time management during operations essential. Furthermore, mechanical failures can occur during operation; players must maximize their immersion by repairing these components, such as sealing broken valves, to restore functionality.

Every firing scenario is unique. The game supports a procedurally generated target system, ensuring that every battle presents a new situation. The official launch version will include a campaign spanning 15 regions, alongside two challenge modes with leaderboards. Additionally, players can unlock over 100 medals throughout their journey or encounter a customizable cat companion.

Beyond the gameplay, players can explore the alternate-history Spain of IRON NEST through a steady stream of incoming orders and in-world newspaper articles. Reflecting the era's sensibilities, the game features various details such as the conflict between monarchist power and republican uprisings, along with period-accurate mechanical nuances like military-grade hearing loss and functional war horns.

What testers praised most is the production value—specifically the recoil and heavy audio feedback when loading and firing. In particular, South Korean players with actual artillery service experience have lauded the game, noting how it brought back memories through its precise fire-adjustment and counter-battery fire mechanisms. IRON NEST officially launches on Steam on August 7 and includes official Korean subtitles.