There are plenty of strategy games out there but it’s been a long time since we have played a mechanized strategic game, especially on an isometric hexagonal field. The Front Mission series is currently on indefinite hiatus, and the release of Left Alive last year wasn’t the best reason to convince Square Enix that the franchise should come back. With no sight of a tactical mech-based strategy game, the people behind Warborn have stepped onto the battlefield to provide something refreshing, familiar new, and exciting. Warborn is an ambitious tactical hexagonal strategy game that has plenty of depth and engagement for grizzled veterans of tactical games but is also remarkably open to players new to the genre.
Warborn takes place deep in the future, in a Sci-Fi universe very much inspired by the likes of Robotech and Gundam Wing. Political turmoil and conflict are a daily occurrence, and a massive war breaks out amongst the colonized systems. From the perspective of four commanders, players embark on a massive campaign, one that will test their skills in combat against dangerous foes and decide the fate of the colonized systems.
Similar To Front Mission
Warborn is a turn-based strategy game that takes place in an isometric view on a hexagonal battlefield, very similar to the earlier Front Mission games. Players embark on a massive single-player campaign, encompassing 40 missions across incredibly different battlefields. Players fight from the perspectives of four different commanders, each with their unique Variable Armors, Warborn’s terminology for mech. Each commander takes charge of their army, which consists of a bevy of different Variable Armor classes. From Infantry to Sniper to Assault, each class of Variable Armor provides its tactical advantages and disadvantages. Other variable armors provide extremely advantageous abilities, such as swords for melee attacks, or explosive mines that can be concealed and detonate on an unsuspecting enemy foe. Each unit has its array of attacks, but more importantly, can either deliver defensive buffs to allied units or launch attacks that negatively affect the status of the enemy team. An Aegis unit can provide defensive buffs, whereas a Sniper unit can grant a buff that increases the accuracy of shots. As a hexagonal strategy game, players march across the board and launch attacks on a more angled combat perspective. This is significantly different from the grid-based strategy games of titles, such as the Fire Emblem franchise.
When CP is high, Dusk Overdrive can be activated, greatly bolstering the status effects of each unit. The CP meter builds over time through combat and can become a huge advantage when employed properly. The SP meter displays the points that can be used to purchase units. The more powerful the unit, the higher the price. Securing command posts on the field is essential to building more units and gaining an advantage over the enemy. Players can deploy the Commander onto the battlefield in their exclusive Variable armor. These Variable Armors are incredibly powerful but can be destroyed.
Strategy Is A Difficult Genre
Warborn accomplishes the remarkable feat of being a strategy game that can be sunk into without overwhelming players. The genre of strategy is a difficult genre to ease into, primarily due to the various mechanics and systems a player may need to be familiar with before embarking on their journey within the game. Games, such as XCOM and The Banner Saga, while strong strategy games, can tend to overwhelm the player through the various systems to be learned. Warborn doesn’t necessarily hold the hand of the player but certainly doesn’t leave the player to fend for themselves. This is in large part thanks to a clear UI and control scheme, as well as an assortment of strategic mechanics that make the game a challenge but not impossible. Selecting units, maneuvering their positions, and making a decision feels tight, refined, and clear. The UI also shows status and attack possibilities clearly to the player, giving the player all the information needed to make an informed decision in combat.
Warborn is exceptional, and once it hooks into you, it doesn’t let go. Constantly challenging and outsmarting the enemy is thrilling and euphoric, especially where one small choice can lead to a victory or a defeat. The weapons and abilities of each mech is fascinating to use and easy to learn, especially when employed by the enemy. Every battle feels grand and epic like it was plucked straight out of an anime. It’s a thrill to see and experience. Some battles can last a long time. Fortunately, players can save mid-battle and pick up where they left off. Outside of the campaign, multiplayer is available, both against bots and live players, and a level editor presents itself for players looking to tinker with Warborn’s assets and create their anime battlefield.
Relishes That 80s Look And Feel
One of the biggest draws to Warborn is the bright and vivid visual style of the game. Warborn is greatly inspired by the likes of 80’s and 90’s space anime. While the story sequences don’t feature voice acting, the overall look of the game greatly relishes that look and visual feel. Obnoxiously long hair, big eyes, charged looks of aggression, all give the Commanders a sensation of character. The same style is applied to the units on the battlefield, as they move, attack, and defend. Warborn certainly looks like an anime and sounds like one too. The sound effects are appropriate for each moment, from classic laser fire to over-the-top explosions.
Closing Thoughts
Warborn certainly isn’t perfect. The units and Commander Variable armors change, but the overall combat remains the same. A few more movements or special attacks could have been woven into the overall game. Voice acting or animated cutscenes could have fleshed out the story of Warborn as well. Perhaps, if the development team really wanted to dive deep into its anime inspirations, a unit that transforms into a jet, or a unit imitating the Wing Suit Zero combat system could have been implemented to really change up the flow of Warborn. However, these shortcomings do not compromise Warborn in any way. Warborn is an extraordinary mech-focused tactical turn-based game that should be in the library of every player, especially if they describe themselves as anime enthusiasts or mech enthusiasts. Its presentation, gameplay, and overall tactical flow make Warborn a true winner in the indie game scene.
A PlayStation 4 copy of Warborn was provided by Raredrop Games for the purpose of this review.
