Game: Wargroove 2
Genre: Strategy, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows))
Developer|Publisher: Robotality | Chucklefish
Age Rating: EU 7+ | US Teen
Price: US $19.99 | UK £16.75 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: October 5th, 2023
Review code provided with many thanks to Honest PR
Back in the Groove
Wargroove 2 is a strategy turn-based RPG (SRPG) that builds on everything that made the first game so beloved whilst adding an enormous amount of content to keep you busy for a very long time. The first game in the series filled an enormous void left by the Advance Wars series that had been left dormant for some time. While that series had a remastered release earlier this year of the first two Gameboy Advance games, it wasn’t anything new. Wargroove has more than made its mark in the genre. If you loved the first game, then this is a must buy or if you are new to the genre, this is a great entry point.
Some Things Should Stay Buried
Wargroove 2 is set some time after the first game. The story sees you follow three different factions, the micefolk, the rogue and the pirates, across their own separate campaigns, each with its own difficulty level. With each converging together at the end. You begin following the micefolk, who stumble across an ancient weapon which may not be the blessing they expect.
I’ve often said in reviews I’m a tad tired of the obligatory witty humour in video games, but Wargroove 2 got a pass from me. Maybe it’s the likeable characters, the vibrant pixel art style that resonates on TV or handheld, or the uplifting soundtrack which gets you pumped for the next battle. Knowledge of the first game doesn’t seem necessary to enjoy the plot, but if you do want to get up to speed on things, you can dig into the game’s lengthy codex to learn more about the lore.
Make Your Groove
The game starts with a few beginner levels, which act as the tutorial, getting you used to the game’s many mechanics gradually without overwhelming the player. One might say it gets you into the groove of things. Once this is complete, you can then choose your campaign and work from there. You can choose to keep with the easier campaign, which is recommended for newbies, or if you’re experienced with the series, you can jump into something more spicy.
Missions themselves are varied with different objectives. Most will require you to defeat the enemy army simply; others require you to capture buildings or reach certain points on the map. There is a nice variety to avoid the formula becoming stale. You command an array of units, all of which have their own strengths and weaknesses; these can be quickly viewed with a button tap on any unit on the map. Units include sword-wielding soldiers, archers, boats and many more, including some interesting surprises. Units can be healed or even replenished by capturing buildings. Keep in mind the enemy also has these capabilities.
Variety of Terrain
Every map has a variety of terrain, such as woodland, mountains and shallow water. Being strategic with each unit and making the most of each terrain can give you defence or attack buffs, turning the game into quite the advanced game of chess. If you do make a mistake, you can undo moves. The most important component of your army is your Commander. If units fall, it’s not the end of the world, but if the Commander does, it’s game over. The Commander is usually much stronger than the other units and even has a special ‘groove’ ability, which can be charged over time and, if used correctly, can turn the tide of battle.
The mouse Commander uses a special whirlwind ability, allowing you to throw entire units down holes. It took me a bit of getting used to since this was a move the tutorial didn’t explain very well. But with time and experimentation, I started to figure it out. Generally speaking, Wargroove 2 scratches that SRPG itch and will have you hooked for a ludicrous amount of hours. The campaign has a great deal, but the game offers even more content.
Conquest Mode
If you find yourself a little tired of the campaign, then you can dive into conquest mode. This turns the game into more of a roguelike experience. Choose your Commander and a set of units, then head off on a random assortment of battles to put your skills to the test. No need to worry about the story; just focus on the gameplay.
What makes this mode exciting is you’re not quite sure what to expect. Battles are totally random, so you’ll always need to mix up your strategy on the fly. If you’re lucky between battles, you may have a chance to replenish units or heal, but sometimes it’s the roll of the dice, and you may end up in a more sticky situation. This mode alone feels like its own entire game, and I kind of enjoyed it a little more than the campaign. It’s especially appealing to those who just want to jump in quickly. Like the main campaign, you can save your progress and return to it later, so there is no need to rush.
Get Creative
If that still wasn’t enough, you can even make your own levels, campaigns and even cutscenes. This feature was present in the first game, but it builds on the experience even further if you want to indulge your creative skills. I had a bit of a play around with the map editor, but there doesn’t appear to be an in-game tutorial.
Even without this, menus are quite clearly presented, and it’s not too hard to figure things out so long as you don’t mind experimenting. Although, one may want to head online for extra help. The only missed opportunity on Switch is the level creator doesn’t make use of touch controls. Once ready, you can share your levels with friends by literally throwing your Nintendo Switch at them. But, if you want to be more polite, you can just share it online.
If that wasn’t enough, there is also a multiplayer mode, local or online, should you want to make a game night of it with friends. Wargroove 2 is literally exploding with content; the only reason you may not be into its groove would be if you utterly hate the genre.
Conclusion: War Never Felt So Groovy
Wargroove 2 is extraordinary value for money. For less than a third of the price of a modern AAA, you’re getting one groovy SRPG. A campaign that is suited to newcomers and experienced players. Then you have the addictive new conquest mode, putting a fresh roguelike spin on things and even the ability to create your own levels and campaigns.
All these aspects feel carefully crafted with deep and engaging gameplay that will keep you busy for a very long time. This is all wrapped up with a colourful pixel art style and epic soundtrack. I found myself hooked to the gameplay even when I failed, keen to learn and change up my strategy next time. The game may not divert much from the first in terms of its gameplay, but that’s unlikely going to be a problem for returning fans. Wargroove 2 stands as one of the titans in its genre.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
