When I heard that “Freedom Wars” was finally breaking free from its PS Vita prison after over a decade, I was pretty stoked to dive back in and see how much of this game actually holds up and how much has been romanticized in my memories over time. Originally released in 2014, this dystopian action RPG was one of the standout titles on Sony’s ill-fated handheld. It was a game I cherished back then, one of the few reasons I held onto my Vita for as long as I did. For those unfamiliar with the premise, “Freedom Wars” thrusts you into a bleak future where humanity’s dwindling resources have led to a draconian system of governance. Being alive is considered a crime punishable by a one-million-year prison sentence. Your only chance at reducing your time is by undertaking perilous missions, fighting massive foes, and reclaiming resources for your oppressive overlords. The stakes couldn’t be higher: survive the battlefield, or rot in your cell forever. It’s a grim setup that immediately drew me into its unforgiving world, making the missions feel like a desperate bid for freedom.
Central to the gameplay is the Thorn, a versatile grappling hook-like weapon that is both your lifeline and your most powerful tool. Whether scaling colossal enemies, ripping resources from their armored shells, or zipping across the battlefield, the Thorn is indispensable. Pairing it with the AI-controlled Accessory, your cyborg warden turned ally, adds another fun little mechanic to the mix of the game. These mechanics, combined with the game’s fast-paced combat, create a frenetic and rewarding gameplay loop, even if it can get somewhat tedious. This remastered version brings some nice new upgrades to the table, starting with a much-needed graphical overhaul. High-resolution textures and 4K support do bring some new life into the game’s desolate prison cities and war-torn battlefields. While it’s clear that the game’s origins lie on a handheld system, the visual upgrades make the environments and enemies a lot more modern and I suppose more acceptable for older games coming back for another round. I couldn’t remember this feature in the original, but I believe they added adjustable difficulty settings, so that’s another welcome improvement. I always appreciate when a game can lend itself to be more accessible for all types of gamers, as well as newcomers and still offering a challenge for veterans.
One of the standout changes is the revamped weapon crafting system. The original’s crafting mechanics were notoriously convoluted, often bogging down the pacing. The remaster simplifies this process without stripping away the depth, which allowed me to focus more on the action. Unfortunately, not all of the game’s rough edges have been smoothed out. Melee combat, for example, still feels imprecise and unwieldy, a lingering issue that even the remaster’s polish couldn’t fully fix. Having said that though, it is still better to play on an actual controller than the buttons on the Vita back in the day. “Freedom Wars Remastered” is still fun to play, but the aging can show in other areas too, such as the mission structure which can feel repetitive, especially during longer play sessions. Many of the objectives boil down to variations of “defeat this giant enemy” or “rescue that resource,” which can grow tiresome over time. While the story remains compelling, it’s often overshadowed by the grind-heavy gameplay loop.
The multiplayer component, a highlight of the original, also makes a return. Coordinating with friends to take down massive foes can be really exciting. I’m sorry to report none of my friends own this game, so playing with strangers had to do. Even still, this is still very much a highlight. It’s a bummer that this remaster doesn’t introduce significant new content to expand on this feature, this is for the most part a polished up-rezzed port. While the updated visuals and quality-of-life tweaks are appreciated, they don’t fully mask the game’s dated design choices. That said, the heart of “Freedom Wars” remains intact. It serves as a reminder of why this game was so beloved on the Vita, even if it doesn’t completely escape the limitations of its past. “Freedom Wars Remastered” is both a nostalgic trip and a modern reimagining of a cult classic. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best way to experience a game that deserves to be remembered. For fans of the original, this remaster is a welcome return to a world that’s as brutal as it is captivating. And for newcomers, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the Vita’s hidden gems, now brought to life on a bigger stage. Even with its flaws, it’s a game worth fighting for.
8/10
For more information, visit HERE.
Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
More Stories
PROJECT TACHYON Demo Impressions for Steam
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Exploration System Fundamentals Featured by Ubisoft
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Release Community Update