War Hospital review (PS5)

War Hospital, developed by Brave Lamb Studio and published by Nacon, takes an interesting step in the simulation/management game genre by introducing a not frequently explored theme – managing a World War I field hospital. As Major Henry Wells, a retired British combat medic, players are thrust into the horrors of the Western Front, tasked with overseeing an understaffed and undersupplied hospital, the last hope for countless soldiers and the scene of sadness and horrors even on the best of days. We checked out the PlayStation 5 version.

The game’s premise is a departure from traditional simulation games, where the goal is often profit. Instead, War Hospital shifts the focus to human lives as resources, emphasizing the challenge of saving lives amid the chaos of war and the emotional toll that that brings. The positive aspect of this unique approach is the emotional weight it brings to the gameplay, turning the player’s success into a matter of life and death rather than financial gain.

One standout feature is the intricate management aspects that required of you, from handling incoming patients to surgery, recovery, and even managing the dead. The game introduces a complex system where every decision impacts the hospital’s functionality and the soldiers’ fate and morale. The moral dilemma of choosing who lives or dies adds a layer of depth rarely seen in management games, and if you gravitate more towards casual/fun management titles this might not be for you.

The narrative in the campaign unfolds through the player’s choices, and War Hospital’s developers have integrated real historical elements with the support of the Imperial War Museum, which enhances the authenticity of the World War I experience and will certainly appeal to history buffs. The constant threat of German attacks adds tension as well, forcing players to balance medical decisions with strategic choices to defend the hospital. Don’t expect RTS-type gameplay, but the game makes it clear you’re in a warzone.

However, the game is not without its flaws. Lengthy tutorials, though informative, may become overwhelming, and managing staff shifts can be confusing, leading to potential frustration. The gameplay mechanics shine in the complexity of patient management though, especially in the decision-making process surrounding surgeries. Assigning them is done based on severity, surgeon availability, and potential complications – all of which adds a layer of strategy and tension. The constant interaction with patients, from admission to recovery or more unfortunate outcomes, keeps the player engaged in the role of a hospital manager.

While War Hospital excels in its innovative mechanics, it does have a slow start with many tutorials, and the pacing remains an issue throughout the game. The lack of customizable options, both in difficulty levels and interface configurations, also limits the player’s ability to tailor the experience to their preferences – so this might be an acquired taste even though we (as genre veterans) enjoyed it.

Visually, the game presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses. The overall view and interface elements are satisfactory, but cinematic sequences during enemy attacks lack polish and fall short in terms of aesthetics – showcasing limited production values in that area. In-game, the muted color palette, reflecting the grim reality of war, is effective in setting the tone and immersing players in the harsh conditions you’re working in.

In conclusion, War Hospital delivers a compelling and emotionally charged experience by intertwining the challenges of managing a wartime hospital with impactful decision-making. While the game has a few drawbacks, its unique premise and engaging gameplay make it a noteworthy addition to the simulation genre.

Score: 7.0/10