Prepare for the unexpected: ‘This War of Mine’ – A survival game with a deep emotional impact
Review: Prepare for the unexpected: ‘This War of Mine’ – A survival game with a deep emotional impact
Released in 2014 by 11 bit studios, “This War of Mine” is a survival game that offers a unique and emotionally engaging experience. Unlike most war-themed games that focus on combat and heroism, “This War of Mine” puts players in the shoes of civilians trying to survive in a war-torn city. With its striking visuals, compelling storytelling, and tough moral choices, this game stands out as a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
Immersion through Challenging Gameplay
“This War of Mine” revolves around managing a group of survivors in a makeshift shelter during a civil war. Each day, players must allocate resources, scavenge for supplies, and deal with various challenges that arise in the city. The game employs a day-and-night cycle, where players control their characters during the day to craft, cook, and fortify their shelter, and then choose a survivor to scavenge at night.
Scavenging is where the game truly shines. Exploring different locations, players encounter other survivors, both friendly and hostile. The encounters and choices made during these interactions have a profound impact on the storyline and the survivability of the characters. The game cleverly presents dilemmas, forcing players to prioritize their own survival against the greater good and moral dilemmas.
Aesthetics and Atmosphere
The game’s visuals make use of a hand-drawn, grayscale art style, creating a bleak and haunting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the environment is remarkable, capturing the devastation and despair of war. The sound design and the haunting soundtrack further enhance the emotional impact, making players truly feel the weight of their characters’ struggle.
Emotional Impact and Storytelling
“This War of Mine” successfully captures the human side of war. The characters are well-developed, each with their own background stories, strengths, and weaknesses. As players witness their struggles, emotions run high, and tough decisions must be made. Whether it’s stealing from the innocent or sacrificing one survivor for the sake of others, the game forces players to confront the harsh reality of war and its moral implications.
The game’s narrative unfolds based on the choices players make, resulting in multiple branching storylines and endings. This replayability adds to the game’s depth, encouraging players to reflect on the consequences of their decisions and explore different paths to survival.
Getting Started Guide: Tips for New Players
1. Take Care of Basic Needs
Ensure your survivors have access to food, water, and sleep. Prioritize basic facilities like a stove, beds, and water collectors early on. Without these, your characters will quickly become exhausted and lose morale, affecting their ability to survive.
2. Plan Scavenging Runs Wisely
Scavenging is crucial for finding supplies, but it’s also dangerous. Scout locations during the day to identify potential threats and valuable resources. Consider the risk versus reward before sending a survivor on a scavenging run, as injuries and encounters can have lasting consequences.
3. Balance Morality and Survival
“This War of Mine” presents moral dilemmas that test your characters’ humanity. Strive to maintain a balance between survival and moral integrity. Sometimes sacrifices must be made, but consider the long-term effects on your survivors’ mental well-being.
4. Craft and Trade Strategically
Crafting items is vital for survival, as it allows you to improve your shelter and secure resources. Pay attention to the recipes and prioritize crafting according to your immediate needs. Trading with other survivors can also be beneficial, but choose your trades wisely to avoid being exploited.
5. Experiment and Learn
“This War of Mine” rewards experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different strategies and choices to see how they affect the outcome. Each playthrough offers a unique experience, so embrace the challenges and learn from your mistakes.
Overall, “This War of Mine” is a masterpiece that offers a gripping and emotionally charged survival experience. Its thought-provoking gameplay, stunning visuals, and powerful storytelling make it a must-play for those seeking a deeply immersive war-themed game.