History VideoGame / SigmaTheory

[[caption-width-right:350:Pictured: "Robber", one of the multiple agents in the game]]

''Sigma Theory: Global Cold War'' is an espionage thriller game developed and published by Mi-Clos Studio (whose previous credits include ''VideoGame/OutThere''), and released for the [[UsefulNotes/IBMPersonalComputer PC]] through UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} Early Access on April 18, 2019.

[[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture In the near future]], a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising radical new technologies. The world’s superpowers realize that these new developments could destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries overnight, or even grant immortality. However, this discovery — called [[TitleDrop “The Sigma Theory”]] — can only be harnessed by [[ImpossibleGenius a handful of scientists]]. You are placed at the head of your country’s Sigma division, with the objective of ensuring that your nation comes out on top of the new Cold War that the Sigma Theory has now unleashed. To achieve this, your government has granted you powerful resources: a cadre of the world’s most elite covert agents, advanced tactical drones, and -- of course -- [[TheSpymaster authorization to use diplomacy and subterfuge with the other nations' Sigma teams]].

* BareFistedMonk: Agent Shaolin, da. Raised in a Shaolin monastry and Martial Arts expert.
* BattleCouple: At the start of a run, the player can choose their spouse, all of which are possible agents.

* CrusadingLawyer: Agent Espoir, an idealist lawyer who doubles as TechnicalPacifist.

* {{Expy}}: Thomas Breckenridge, aka 'Maestro', an elite British agent who is an expert in seduction, guns, and cars. He's clearly a Film/JamesBond expy.

* IntelligenceEqualsIsolation: Several agents (Gamera, Double K, Mystery, Enigma and Troyan) display both high Intelligence (often paired with hacking traits) and socially-inept traits such as 'Loner' or 'Weak-Willed' which render them inefficient at converting scientists into double agents.

* EveryoneLooksSexierIfFrench: when playing France, the first agent picked by the player gains the seduction trait as a bonus.

* BalefulPolymorph: One possible event is a scientist asking for your permission to leave to experiment with animals for a few days; if you give them carte blanche, [[spoiler:the scientist becomes Agent Wolf, a human-dog hybrid that appears more beast than human]].

* CorruptCorporateExecutive: The Ortega Circle, a terrorist organization representing the [[UpToEleven 0.0001%]].

* CorruptCorporateExecutive: The Ortega Circle, a terrorist organization representing the 1%.

* AllChinesePeopleKnowKungFu: when playing China, the first selected agent has the bonus trait 'Black Belt'.

[[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture In the near future]], a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising radical new technologies. The world’s superpowers realize that these new developments could destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries overnight, or even grant immortality. However, this discovery — called [[TitleDrop “The Sigma Theory”]] — can only be harnessed by [[ImpossibleGenius a handful of scientists]]. You are placed at the head of your country’s Sigma division, with the objective of ensuring that your nation comes out on top of the new Cold War that the Sigma Theory has now unleashed. To achieve this, your government has granted you powerful resources: a cadre of the world’s most elite covert agents, advanced tactical drones, and - of course - [[TheSpymaster authorization to use diplomacy and subterfuge with the other nations' Sigma teams]].

* ComebackMechanic: Hooray, you got 15 Sigma Points and can now get started on the ultimate Sigma Theory which will win you the game! But to do that, you need to pull scientists from your Sigma research to work specifically on this final theory. And unlike the earlier Sigma techs, the theory itself doesn't help you in any way before it's finally complete. So while you're busy with the theory, your rivals who are behind can keep unlocking the remaining Sigma techs and reaping their benefits - and now you're at the top of their hit list. Luckily, this cuts both ways, as you yourself can (and in fact must) keep gaining new Sigma techs when an AI player hits the big 15 first.

* TechTree: A limited variant. Sigma Theory research is divided into five fields: Neuroscience, Health, Finance, Robotics, and Astrophysics. Each tech of a field is learned in a set sequence, with each subsequent tech being worth one more Sigma Point than the last. Interestingly, unlike most 4X style tech trees, only the ''first'' nation to research a tech gets its benefit. In another difference, the final Sigma Theory (and associated victory) doesn't require you to research ALL the way to the end of the tree - you simply need 15 Sigma Points worth of earlier techs.

* TheJudge: Agent, well, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Judge]]. A former judge of the Hague court.

* ChooseYourOwnAdventure: Most of the gameplay is making decisions, whether it's dealing with a diplomat in order to exchange resources, or providing suggestions to an agent escaping enemy territory.

* {{Expy}}: Thomas Breckenridge, aka 'Maestro', an elite british agent expert in seduction, guns and cars is clearly a Film/JamesBond expy.

* DoomsdayClock: The state of the world is tracked by one, and if international conflict (not just the player's actions) causes it to strike midnight, it's [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt game over]].

* TechTree: A limited variant. Sigma Theory research is divided into five fields: Neuroscience, Health, Finance, Robotics, and Astrophysics. Each Tech of a field is learned in a set sequence, with each subsequent Tech being worth one more Sigma Point than the last. When a total of fifteen Sigma Points are gained, the ultimate Sigma Theory discovery becomes available to research, requiring one specialist of each field to complete in reasonable time.

* ThereCanBeOnlyOne: As the game progresses, the nations in last place will regularly drop out of the game. At first, this will be because they have abandoned any hope of catching up in the Sigma race, but later in the game, it can be because someone else's latest Sigma tech allowed them to [[EasilyConqueredWorld annihilate the losing nation in literally ONE day]].

* OldMaster: Agent Saint is a 90-year-old Brahmin with a black belt and the verve of a man half his age.

* SkillScoresAndPerks: Every agent has a Strength score, an Intelligence score, and a variety of different traits that can positively or negatively affect specific missions. Though agents cannot level-up, a player's actions during a run can add positive traits to an agent's profile.

* ThereCanBeOnlyOne: As the game progresses, the nations in last place will regularly drop out of the game. At first, this will be because they have abandoned any hope of catching up in the Sigma race, but later in the game, it can be because someone else's latest Sigma tech allowed them to [[EasilyConqueredWorld conquer the losing nation in literally ONE day]].

[[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture In the near future]], a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising radical new technologies. The world’s superpowers realize they could have the power to destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries or even gain access to immortality. However, this discovery — called [[TitleDrop “The Sigma Theory”]] — can only be harnessed by [[ImpossibleGenius a handful of scientists]]. You are placed at the head of your country’s Sigma division, and your objective is to ensure that your nation reaps the benefits of the full Sigma Theory before anyone else. To achieve this you will have powerful resources at your disposal: a cadre of the world’s most elite covert agents, advanced tactical drones and, of course, [[TheSpymaster your own skills in diplomacy and subterfuge]].

* AllChinesePeopleKnowKungFu: when playing China, the first selected agent has the bonus trait 'Martial arts'.

* BloodKnight: Some agents have Traits such as "Nag", which means they'll never factor in collateral damage, or "Bloodthirsty", which means they'll always prefer an option involving killing than a peaceful path. One agent that always begins with both of these is Shiva, a former WildChild meant as a sacrifice to [[Myth/HinduMythology Kali]].

* DoomsdayClock: The state of the world is tracked by one, and if international conflict (not just the player's actions) causes it to strike midnight, it's game over.

* LegionOfLostSouls: Agent Tiger and Agent Kepi Blanc are former soldiers of the French Foreign Legion. Predictably, both are strong fighters with the Survivor trait.

* MutuallyExclusivePartyMembers: The player can only have one agent with the "Elite" Trait in their starting team (although further Elites can be recruited later, even if they're replacing a non-Elite agent).

* SkillScoresAndPerks: Every agent has a Strength score, an Intelligence score, and a variety of different Traits that can positively or negatively affect specific missions. Though agents cannot level-up, a player's actions during a run can add traits to an agent's profile.

* BloodKnight: Some Agents have Traits such as "Nag", which means they'll never factor in collateral damage, or "Bloodthirsty", which means they'll always prefer an option involving killing than a peaceful path. One agent that always begins with both of these is Shiva, a former WildChild meant as a sacrifice to [[Myth/HinduMythology Kali]].
* BombThrowingAnarchists: The agents Ideal, a crypto-anarchist and Abertzale, a Basque separatist. The terrorist organisation Anti-Capitalist Brigades also fits the bill.

* CorruptCorporateExecutive: the Ortega circle, a terrorist organisation representing the 1%.
* CrusadingLawyer: Agent Espoir, an idealist lawyer that doubles as TechnicalPacifist.

* DoubleAgent: It's possible to convert researchers in enemy territories to your side, slowing down their research into Sigma Theory while advancing your own, though they will break ties if contact isn't made with their converter regularly. However, it's possible for the enemy to do this to the player's scientists as well, and your agents might outright leave and start working against you if a rival makes enough progress with their own research.

* EscapeArtist: elite agent Magician is a skilled illusionist with expertise in exfiltration and jailbreaking.

* GermanicEfficiency: when playing Germany, the first scientist of the country is efficient in all scientific fields.

* ImpossibleGenius: Sigma Theory research is only possible because of a limited number of scientists of different fields possessing this, which the player must coerce to their side to win.
* IntelligenceEqualsIsolation: several agents (Gamera, Double K, Mystery, Enigma and Troyan) display both high intelligence, often paired with hacking abilities, and socially-inept traits such as 'Loner' or 'Weak-willed' which render them inefficient to turn scientists in double agents.
* IntrepidReporter: the backstory of agent Padma.
* JackBauerInterrogationTechnique: Captured agents can divulge information if handled properly, with methods ranging from "light interrogation" to "waterboarding".
* JustLikeRobinHood: Agent Archer, who prior to his recruitment, was protecting farmers in his Korean hometown against the mafia.

* LegionOfLostSouls: two agents, Tiger and Kepi Blanc, are former soldiers of the French Foreign Legion. Obviously, both are strong fighters with the 'Survivor' trait.
* {{Macrogame}}: When first playing the game, there are only a few available Agents the player can choose to start with. However, by making progress and accomplishing certain milestones, new agents will become available for future runs.
* MiddleEasternTerrorists: The Caliphate of the Levant and agent Caliph, who has strong connections with the Islamic State and Daesh.

* MutuallyExclusivePartyMembers: The player can only have one Agent with the "Elite" Trait at any time.

* SkillScoresAndPerks: Every agent has a Strength score, an Intelligence score, and a variety of different Traits that can positively or negatively affect specific tasks. Though agents cannot level-up, a player's actions during a run might change the Traits an agent has.
* {{Socialite}}: Three agents fit the bill: Kim Joo-Sun, aka 'Aphrodite', Ece Gürdag, aka 'Green crescent' and Ruhi Aman aka 'Noble' are all described as members of TheBeautifulElite and their abilities revolve around people manipulation and soft power.
* TheJudge: Agent, well, Judge. A former judge of the Hague court.
* TheSpymaster: The role the player assumes in the game.

* WildChild: Agent Shiva was one, growing up in the wild after being abandoned in a temple.
* Yakuza: Agent Tsuba, member of the Yamaguchi-Gumi.

* IntelligenceEqualsIsolation: several agents (Gamera, Double K, Mystery, Enigma and Troyan) display both high intelligence, often paired with hacking abilities, and traits such as 'Loner' or 'weak-willed' which renders them inefficient to turn scientists in double agents.

* {{Socialite}}: Three agents fit the bill: Kim Joo-Sun, aka 'Aphrodite', Ece Gürdag, aka 'Green crescent' and Ruhi Aman aka 'Noble' are all described as part of TheBeautifulElite and whose abilities revolve around people manipulation and soft power.