Nature fights back in the newest hack and slash level progression game, Warlander, by Clock Drive Games. The path you take is like an interwoven web of possibilities and has potential for replayability. It is almost like a combination between the strategy game FTL’s procedurally generated levels, and Warframe’s close and personal swordplay with mobs of enemies.
We are dead and our people have been burned out of their homes. As fate would have it, we are given an opportunity to change the course of events. We make a pact with the Will of the Forest and are motivated by the promises of vengeance for life that was taken away by followers of the false god. Our deity friend sounds intense and all-powerful, so I constantly question our motivation beyond blood and vengeance. As a risen champion of the forest, we now have roots jetting out of our body and can wrap around like armor. Other than the mark of nature on our face, we are gifted a talking sword that glows brighter than a glow stick. When we ask him questions he gets angry.
The gameplay is pretty easy to master. We have a health bar and a stamina bar stacked on top of each other. Your attacks, rolls, and blocks require a certain amount of stamina to take effect. (I do need to note that you move somewhat slowly, but I’m not sure if that is intended) You can also sort of aim at the enemies as you hack and slash, which allows for limb dismemberment and decapitations. You don’t even need the tutorial to get started because the mobs come at you one at a time in the first couple of missions. It is structured like a horde mode and ends after X amount of rounds. As we progress, we gain experience points and perks, which help tailor our experience, from more hit points to attack speed. I would prefer more than 5% increases. I feel like you can really change people’s experiences with leveling/perks that radically affect their gameplay experience. Another thing to consider are the objects we can interact with. There are health orbs in crates and pots, but there are also explosives which can ruin your day if you hit them.
I enjoy the level design so far. Everything is straightforward, so getting lost is never an issue and you can find enemies thanks to a red/orange arrow at the top of the screen. I mentioned before that the progression is sort of linear, but you can navigate your path with an idea of how difficult your campaign is going to be. If you’re ever in any doubt, look for the glowing green portals to take you further down the path.
As far as the art style, effects, and animation go – I really like the ultra-saturated fantasy aesthetic. It vaguely reminds me of Kingdoms of Amalur’s style. The voice syncing could be a little better in the intro cinematic, but that’s just me being picky. Going off that note, the voice acting is great, but it can feel choppy, usually in between certain sentences. I still feel worried about the Will of the Forest, almost like I don’t want to see his bad side if I fail.
Overall, I had a pleasant experience so far. I haven’t beaten my campaign yet, but it is definitely worth taking a look at. I was definitely entertained, and I felt like I had everything I needed (story-wise/motivation) to keep moving. I think a fair rating for this title is an 8 out of 10. It’s not the greatest hack and slasher of all time, but I think it has potential to stick out with some post-launch improvements.
Check Out the Warlander Trailer:
Warlander is available for PC via Steam for $14.99 USD/EUR.
For more information, please visit: https://www.warlandergame.com/
Steam Review
I like to think of myself as the average Joe who grew up alongside video games. I have fun playing strategy games, RPGs, shooters, sandboxes, the whole shebang! Every game provides an experience whether it strikes you as profound, mundane, or someplace in between. I'd like to weigh in my two cents before you spend a single penny.
More Stories
My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery Releases for PC and Consoles
Arena Breakout: Infinite Closed Beta Impressions
Indika Review for PlayStation 5