Shiro Games’ new game Wartales has officially launched on Steam, after spending some time in Early Access. It’s an open-world RPG game set in a medieval world where the Edoran Empire has fallen due to a plague, resulting in a world full of mercenary work, banditry, and thievery. The player leads a group of characters with unique specializations, recruiting new companions, customizing skills, equipment, and appearance, surviving and exploring abandoned mines, tombs, and camps. The game features turn-based combat that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking and can be played in a team of up to 4 players. It’s a PC exclusive, available now.
One of the strengths of Wartales is its focus on the mercenary life. The game doesn’t glamorize the life of a mercenary, but instead presents it as a challenging and rewarding profession. Players take on the role of a mercenary leader who must recruit and manage a team of fighters in order to complete quests and contracts for gold.
The game’s story is engaging, and it’s clear that Shiro Games has put a lot of effort into creating a world that feels lived-in and full of history. The game is set in a fictional world, which has been torn apart by war and political intrigue. Players will encounter a wide range of characters and factions, each with their own motivations and goals.
One of the standout features of Wartales is its four-player co-op support. Players can team up with friends to take on challenging quests and battles, making the game even more enjoyable. The co-op mode is seamless and works well, adding an extra layer of depth to an already engaging game. The tactical combat is especially satisfying and well implemented, though the mechanics can also feel overwhelming at first (when laid out in the tutorial). A large amount of weapons and skills add variety to the game, so once you warm up to it there’s a wealth of options to explore – with extensive crafting options as well.
Wartales features a visually stunning and intricately detailed world that immerses players in its medieval fantasy setting. The game’s hand-drawn art style brings the world to life with vibrant colors and intricate details, while the isometric camera angle gives a detailed view of the game’s environments. There are hints of classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights, but also subtle modern touches that can be seen in things like details on armor and weapons.
However, the game is not without its flaws. The combat can feel slightly repetitive at times, and the game’s difficulty spikes can be frustrating. Some players may also find the game’s emphasis on resource management to be too great, as it can affect the pacing of the game, as Wartales is a bit slower paced than other RPGs.
Overall, Wartales is a solid RPG that offers a unique take on the mercenary life. The game’s story is engaging, the visuals are impressive, and the co-op mode is a great addition. While the game has some issues with combat and resource management, it’s clear that Shiro Games has put a lot of effort into creating a world that players will want to explore. If you’re a fan of RPGs or medieval settings, Wartales is definitely worth checking out.
Score: 7.6/10
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