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CRITIK

Wargroove

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Wargroove
Item: Wargroove
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresIndie, Side View Perspective, Turn-Based, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 1, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperChucklefish

Overview

Wargroove is a turn-based strategy game for up to 4 players, in which each player takes control of an army and its commander unit to wage war on their enemies! Wargroove is extremely easy to pickup, with accessibility at the forefront of its design, and very difficult to master, with deep gameplay mechanics that complement strategic play.

Elsewhere

6.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Wargroove are quite varied. Many critics appreciated the charming and engaging aspects of the story. Critics like LevelUp and PC Games praised the simple yet engaging narrative, with well-developed and charming characters that kept players entertained. GameSpace on PC highlighted the well-written and charming story with humor and genuine heart, while TheXboxHub on Xbox One commended the detailed storyline involving commanders, alliances, and vendettas. Additionally, God is a Geek on Nintendo Switch noted that the character development for the main commanders and the cutscenes added depth and made the story special. On the other hand, some critics found the story lacking depth and originality. Cultured Vultures on PC described the story as uninspired and lacking depth, while Game Revolution on Nintendo Switch mentioned that the story followed typical Fire Emblem-style tropes with few surprises. IGN Japan also criticized the lack of depth in the narrative, stating that it mainly served as a backdrop for the strategic gameplay. Gameblog.fr on Nintendo Switch noted that the storyline was a standard fantasy heroic tale involving different factions and characters, lacking in innovation. These critics felt that the story did not offer anything particularly unique or compelling. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Wargroove's story has its strengths in terms of charming characters, engaging scenarios, and well-developed lore, it also falls short in terms of originality and depth. The narrative is often described as serviceable but not groundbreaking, with a mix of cliched elements and enjoyable character interactions. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald appreciated the character-driven storytelling and focus on relationships, while others like GameSpot and Metro GameCentral highlighted the forgettable nature of the conflicts and the minimal character development. Despite some criticisms, the general sentiment leans towards Wargroove offering a decent story that complements the strategic gameplay experience, even if it may not be the main highlight of the game for all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Wargroove's story. Some praised its charming characters and engaging narrative, while others found it lacking in depth and originality. The story is seen as serviceable but not groundbreaking, with enjoyable character interactions but cliched elements. Overall, Wargroove offers a decent story that complements the strategic gameplay, though it may not be a standout feature for all players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Wargroove, highlighting its strategic depth, engaging mechanics, and challenging tactical decisions. IGN Japan commended the emphasis on unit balance, player strategy, and diverse range of units with unique abilities, while GameCrate appreciated the tactical combat reminiscent of Advance Wars and Fire Emblem, where positioning, terrain advantages, and critical hits play crucial roles. The inclusion of commanders with special abilities, such as Grooves, added an extra layer of strategy, as noted by Meristation and Gameblog.fr. The game's turn-based system with RTS-like elements, as mentioned by PCGamesN, provided hardcore strategy with smoothed edges, appealing to fans of the genre. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in Wargroove's gameplay experience. Trusted Reviews mentioned difficulty spikes in later levels and user interface issues impacting the overall experience. GamingTrend highlighted the slow pace of battles and potential off-putting difficulty spikes for some players. XboxAddict noted the steep difficulty curve and mental challenge the game presents, which might not be suitable for all players. These criticisms suggest that while the majority found the gameplay to be strong, there were areas that could be improved for a more seamless and enjoyable experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Wargroove's gameplay. The game successfully captures the essence of turn-based tactical strategy, offering a mix of familiar mechanics from classic titles like Advance Wars while introducing new features and mechanics to keep the gameplay engaging and fresh. Critics appreciated the balance between strategic depth and accessibility, with a variety of units, commanders, and gameplay modes providing ample content and replay value. The challenging nature of the game, combined with the nuanced troop interactions and tactical decision-making, contributed to a rewarding and immersive experience for players, as highlighted by DarkStation and RPGamer. Despite some minor issues raised by a few critics, the overall sentiment is that Wargroove delivers a top-tier gameplay experience that appeals to both genre veterans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Wargroove's gameplay for its strategic depth, engaging mechanics, and challenging decisions. The game shines with unit balance, player strategy, and unique abilities, reminiscent of Advance Wars and Fire Emblem. Commanders with special abilities add layers of strategy, offering a rewarding experience for fans of the genre. Some critics note difficulty spikes and user interface issues, but overall, Wargroove impresses with its mix of familiar mechanics and new features. The game strikes a balance between depth and accessibility, providing ample content and replay value. While some improvements could be made, Wargroove offers a top-tier gameplay experience for both veterans and newcomers.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Wargroove have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and GameSpace, praise the game for its stunning pixel art, vibrant colors, and well-animated graphics that create a visually appealing experience. Critics like GameSpot and Nintendo Life appreciate the rich, pixel-heavy art style reminiscent of classic handheld games, with charming character sprites and detailed animations. The pixel art style, as highlighted by GameSpace and GameCrate, adds a retro vibe and infective charm to the game, appealing to fans of classic tactical RPGs like Fire Emblem and Advance Wars. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the Graphics and Visual Design of Wargroove. Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it criticize the character designs for being repetitive and, in some cases, difficult to recognize, especially in handheld or TV mode. Push Square mentions that the battlefield can become busy and hard to read at times, affecting the overall gameplay experience. GameCrate points out that the low-resolution icons in unit descriptions make it challenging to determine unit strengths and weaknesses, impacting strategic decision-making during battles. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Wargroove. The game is widely praised for its charming pixel art aesthetic, detailed sprites, and engaging animations that bring the world and characters to life, as noted by Destructoid and The Sydney Morning Herald. While there are some criticisms about repetitive character designs and readability issues on the battlefield, the majority of reviewers appreciate the cohesive and visually appealing experience that Wargroove offers. The game successfully captures a nostalgic feel while adding its own modern twist, making it a visually distinct and enjoyable title for fans of the genre, as highlighted by Trusted Reviews and TheSixthAxis.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Wargroove's graphics and visual design impress critics with stunning pixel art and vibrant colors, reminiscent of classic handheld games like Fire Emblem. While some find character designs repetitive and battlefield readability challenging, the majority praise the game's charming aesthetic and engaging animations. Overall, Wargroove strikes a balance between nostalgia and modernity, making it a visually distinct and enjoyable title for tactical RPG fans.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Wargroove are overwhelmingly positive. PlayStation Universe praises the music as sublime and catchy, fitting the graphical style perfectly, while GameSpace and LevelUp highlight the gorgeous soundtrack that complements the visuals and gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. RPG Fan and RPGamer both commend the game for its engaging sound design, top-notch voice acting, and unique musical themes for each Commander, enhancing the characters' personalities. Additionally, God is a Geek appreciates the character-specific themes that fit well with the personalities, further adding to the immersive experience. On the other hand, there are some mixed opinions regarding the sound design and music of Wargroove. Push Square mentions instances of audio skipping that can be distracting, while NintendoWorldReport notes that the music, although fine and suiting the aesthetic, may not have stood out as much due to the gameplay being engaging on its own. SpazioGames also finds the soundtrack less remarkable, often blending into the background, indicating a lack of standout elements that make it memorable for some critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wargroove excels in its Sound Design and Music aspects, with many highlighting the positive impact these elements have on the overall gameplay experience. Critics like Cultured Vultures appreciate the small details in the sound design that keep players engaged, while Twinfinite praises the infectiously catchy music tracks and detailed sound design that complement the gameplay seamlessly. The majority of critics appreciate the effort put into creating a soundtrack that enhances the epic feel of battles, with Vandal noting that the lively and varied soundtrack contributes to the immersive experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding blending into the background or instances of audio skipping, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics acknowledging the significant role that sound design and music play in elevating the overall quality of Wargroove.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Wargroove's stellar Sound Design and Music, praising the sublime music, engaging sound design, and character-specific themes that enhance the gameplay experience. While some mixed opinions exist, with mentions of audio skipping and less remarkable soundtracks, the majority agree that these elements elevate the game's epic battles and overall quality.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the gaming platforms, Wargroove seems to perform well across the board. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Jeuxvideo.com highlight the improvements brought by patches, such as additional features, clearer information on unit strengths/weaknesses, and new movement options. The Xbox One version, as noted by TheXboxHub, stands out for its smooth experience without any technical issues. The Nintendo Switch version, praised by Twinfinite, is also commended for flawless performance, with no significant technical problems affecting the gameplay experience. On the flip side, some negatives were pointed out by critics regarding certain gaming platforms. PlayStation LifeStyle mentions major difficulty spikes and the lack of cross-play on the PS4 version. Trusted Reviews and Multiplayer.it raise concerns about usability issues and accidental skips impacting gameplay on the Nintendo Switch. PC Games notes missing quality of life improvements like viewing enemy unit ranges on the PC version. However, most of these negatives seem to be minor issues that do not significantly detract from the overall gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Wargroove delivers a solid technical performance across multiple platforms. While some platforms may have minor issues like audio skipping on PS4, missing quality of life improvements on PC, or usability issues on the Nintendo Switch, these problems are generally overshadowed by the game's strengths. The introduction of patches, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral, has been instrumental in enhancing the gameplay experience by addressing various concerns and adding new features. The general sentiment is that Wargroove offers a stable and enjoyable gaming experience on all platforms, with each version having its own unique strengths and weaknesses, as noted by different critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Wargroove for strong performance on gaming platforms, with improvements like clearer unit info and new features. Xbox One version is smooth, while Switch version has flawless performance. Some negatives include difficulty spikes on PS4 and usability issues on Switch, but overall, minor issues do not detract from the solid gaming experience. Patches have enhanced gameplay, making Wargroove stable and enjoyable across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics found the replay value of Wargroove to be very good, citing the game's extensive content and diverse gameplay modes as key strengths. Critics such as GameSpace, GameCrate, and Nintendo Life highlighted the game's offerings of arcade mode, puzzle mode, level editor, online multiplayer, and player-created content, which collectively provide nearly infinite replayability. Additionally, features like customizable difficulty settings, comprehensive map and campaign editors, and the ability to share user-created content online, as mentioned by USgamer and Jeuxvideo.com, further contribute to the game's high replay value. The inclusion of various modes such as campaign, multiplayer, and creation tools like map editors, as noted by Game Informer and Game Revolution, ensures that players have a wide range of options to keep coming back to the game. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain limitations that could impact the replay value of Wargroove. Xbox Tavern mentioned that the online mode was disappointing, while DarkStation noted that online multiplayer may have difficulty finding matches. GameSpot highlighted the lack of online support for private matches and AI players as a downside. These issues, along with concerns about the less interesting Arcade mode and potential defeats due to game mechanics, as mentioned by PCGamesN, could potentially hinder the overall replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Wargroove. The game's wealth of content, including multiple gameplay modes, level editors, and online features, received widespread praise for providing players with a rich and engaging experience that encourages replayability. Critics appreciated the game's depth, customization options, and the ability to create and share user-generated content, all of which contribute to its long-term appeal. Despite some minor drawbacks, the general sentiment is that Wargroove offers a compelling and varied gameplay experience that ensures players will find plenty of reasons to return to the game time and time again.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Wargroove's exceptional replay value, praising its diverse gameplay modes, level editors, and online features for endless entertainment. While some noted limitations like disappointing online modes and potential gameplay issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Wargroove offers a rich and engaging experience with customization options that keep players coming back for more.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Wargroove, it is evident that the game received high praise for various aspects. Critics such as Destructoid, GameSpace, and Nintendo Enthusiast highlighted the game's content richness, deep gameplay mechanics, and diverse modes, making it a valuable addition to the turn-based strategy genre. The Sydney Morning Herald and PlayStation Universe also commended the game for its deep tactics, diverse play options, and engaging gameplay that catered to both newcomers and longtime fans of the genre. Additionally, critics like GameSpot and Nintendo Life emphasized Wargroove's strategic gameplay, replay value, and charming presentation, positioning it as a worthy successor to the beloved Advance Wars franchise. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Wargroove that could potentially hinder the overall experience. The Sydney Morning Herald mentioned "some annoying niggles" that need to be addressed, while Xbox Tavern noted that the game's harsh difficulty and complexity might not appeal to all players. Furthermore, GamingTrend and PC Gamer highlighted uneven difficulty spikes and a tendency for the game to drag on, which could be seen as minor issues affecting the overall enjoyment for some players. Despite a few criticisms, the overall consensus among the majority of critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Wargroove. The game is lauded for its engaging gameplay, deep tactical mechanics, charming visuals, and significant replay value. Critics like Screen Rant and RPG Fan consider Wargroove a modern masterpiece in the turn-based tactics genre, with the potential to become one of the greatest strategy games ever made. The game's ability to cater to both genre enthusiasts and newcomers, along with its well-executed imitation of classic titles like Advance Wars, solidifies its position as a must-play title with a strong appeal to fans of the genre. Overall, Wargroove's positive reception among critics showcases its success in reviving and innovating within the turn-based strategy genre, making it a standout title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Critics praise Wargroove for its rich content, deep gameplay mechanics, and diverse modes, positioning it as a valuable addition to the turn-based strategy genre. While some critics mention minor drawbacks like difficulty spikes, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing it as a modern masterpiece with significant replay value and broad appeal to both newcomers and genre fans. Wargroove is seen as a must-play title that successfully revives and innovates within the strategy gaming world.

CRITIK

Reviews

123 reviews found

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jan 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is a robust and content-laden package that is a must-buy for turn-based strategy fans.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jan 31, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is one of the best games I've played on the Switch and the perfect tactical game to get deep into while waiting for Fire Emblem Three Houses.

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3DJuegos

Nintendo Switch

Feb 7, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove impresses with quality, intelligent mission design, and variety of additional content, making it a compelling choice for turn-based strategy fans.

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Game Informer

Nintendo Switch

Jan 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is an outstanding title that builds on the genre with approachable-yet-nuanced tactics and a variety of content.

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RPG Fan

Feb 27, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove expertly balances engaging gameplay, charming graphics, immersive sound design, and abundant extras, making it a major contender for one of the best games of 2019 with potential to be one of the greatest strategy games ever made with minor tweaks.

Jeuxvideo.com

Mar 27, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is highly praised for its strategic gameplay, detailed graphics, extensive customization options, and replay value. It is recommended for fans of tactical games and is considered a gem in the genre.

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Twinfinite

Nintendo Switch

Jan 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is a must-play title for fans of the genre and Switch owners in general. Packed with content, charming, and polished, offering a great gameplay experience with high replay value.

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Pocket Gamer UK

Nintendo Switch

Feb 4, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is a generous, accessible, and thoroughly rewarding strategy game. It has charm, humor, and a well-executed imitation of Advance Wars. The reviewer is looking forward to future campaigns from the developer.

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Jan 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is highly recommended for its deep and diverse strategy gameplay, replay value, and charming presentation, standing as a worthy successor to the Advance Wars franchise

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Jul 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Wargroove is a fun, beautiful, and well-designed game that stands out in the current gaming landscape. With its strategic gameplay, stunning visuals, engaging music, and strong replay value, Wargroove is definitely worth the time and investment for players looking for a unique and enjoyable experience.

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