Unlike most other traditional real-time strategy games, where a main resource pool is used to produce units and buildings, "Conflict Zone" uses a unique system where innocent civilians are the centerpiece and that the two factions have two completely different strategies that offers a unique challenge to master. "Conflict Zone's" main innovation was the use of propaganda, which was crucial in the game, with money second. Coming in the form of "Popularity Points", players have to exploit the media in order to gain more PP to unlock units and buildings to help turn the fight in their favour, which faction the player may choose affects the way they are gained.