Let me get right to the point: Warside developed by Kraken Games, is simply not my cup of tea. And there are plenty of reasons.
First off, I can’t explain those reasons without laying a foundation of the basics of the game and how it starts us off. Warside is a side-scrolling shooter that has lite RPG elements. We’re allowed to choose from four characters/classes at the start: Faceless, Huntress, Guardian and Mercenary. Settling on a character will then allow selection of a sub-class: Assault, Destroyer, Infiltrator and Medic. After characters are chosen we move on to semi customize them — I say “semi customize” because there isn’t much variety to choose from. Think of it this way: it’s like a 2D side-scrolling Team Fortress 2 in its initial character personalization, but transferring the controls into this view can leave a lot to be desired for new players.
Warside does have a fairly good training program/tutorial, and though its optional it’s almost impossible to get moving through the game without it. The controls are basic WASD keyboard, with left-clicking providing shooting and the mouse aiming. But the fast-paced nature of the game will potentially leave some players spending more time learning than enjoying themselves, at least initially.
Now, I understand the need for PVP mode for many games as players love competition with others, but can we at least have a single-player campaign in the process? Warside‘s lack of one is glaring, and things are that much more difficult to progress through if the game suffers from a lite online community. Multiplayer PvP robs us of understanding just who these characters are and why we’d play as them, as the game features no character development or any sort of origin.
With all that said, the rest of the gameplay is surprisingly good. The co-op mode is fun when teams are available, and the PVP is intense and satisfying, especially when our team is working together efficiently. The PVP variety is minimal (a deathmatch and capture the flag are dominant) but remains enjoyable.
Here is where the lite RPG factor comes into play. We gain experience with each game you play, whether it’s co-op or PVP, and unimportant of mode or map. Collecting enough XP unlocks items and modifiers, but we can also shop for our gear and weapons if we choose to go that route. There is also a crafting system that takes personalization of items one step further.
As much as I love side-scrolling platformers — I could play a certain blue bomber or a plumber in a mushroom kingdom for hours on end — Warside never holds me for a long period of time. It feels fine on short sessions, and is especially nice to play every once in a while if I need something quick, but it won’t keep me engaged beyond that.
Warside is currently available on PC via Steam.
This review is based on a code for Steam sent to SideQuesting by the publisher.
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