Wargroove 2 – Game Review

Colorful characters from "Wargroove 2" gather on a tropical beach with the game's logo prominently displayed in the foreground.

Wargroove 2 is the exciting sequel to the original Wargroove, developed and published by Chucklefish. The first game, released in 2019, quickly gained a following for its charming pixel art and strategic gameplay. Wargroove 2 builds on that solid foundation, offering new challenges and features that will thrill both newcomers and returning fans.

Set in a colourful world filled with quirky characters, Wargroove 2 invites you to dive into turn-based strategy battles. Whether you’re a fan of the original or just discovering this series, there’s plenty to look forward to. Strategy fans, let’s take a look at what makes Wargroove 2 stand out and why it deserves a spot in your gaming library.

A Whimsical Journey Through Aurania

Wargroove 2 takes place on the isle of Aurania across three distinct campaigns, each filled with colourful characters and unique challenges. You’ll meet a variety of factions, including adorable rodents called the Faahri, who are searching for powerful artifacts. This quest sets the stage for a series of tactical battles that test your strategic skills.

As you progress, you’ll uncover the secrets of Aurania and its inhabitants. Each character has their own personality, making the interactions feel lively and fun. The writing is filled with humour, which had me smiling and laughing on more than several occasions.

Something that I found interesting and really liked about the story are the codex entries you unlock along the way. These entries give you background information on each commander and unit. You get insights into the personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, which can be very valuable. And, if you are new to the series, these codex entries act as a guide to the game’s history, making it easier to understand the ongoing conflicts and the motivations of different factions.

Strategic Challenges Await

Wargroove 2 offers a mix of turn-based strategy and tactical challenges similar to games like Advance Wars and Fire Emblem. You can choose from three different campaigns, each with its own unique storyline and objectives. The game allows you to jump into any campaign, so you can take on the challenges in the order you prefer. I like this because it allows you to pick challenges that fit your skill level and interests. This makes the game easier for new players and, at the same time, gives more options for more experienced players. Furthermore, it allows you to try out and experiment with different gameplay styles.

You control a variety of units, each with its own strengths and weaknesses that can really affect your strategy. For example, cavalry units can move quickly to reach enemies, while scouts can navigate tough terrain and uncover hidden areas on the map. Additionally, each faction has its own twist on standard unit types. For example, a swordsman might be called a swashbuckler for the pirate Outlaws or a dreadsword for the Felheim nation. This is yet another gameplay element, which makes you think carefully about each move and how to use each unit’s abilities to outsmart your opponents.

Conquest Mode

One of my favourite modes of the game is Conquest mode. In this mode, you choose a commander and take on a series of missions. Each mission is set on a larger world map, which makes it feel like an adventure. As you complete missions, you keep resources that you earn. This means you need to think carefully about how to use your resources wisely. Conquest mode also features a roguelike element, where each run feels different. You can explore various paths and face different challenges each time you play. I really like this because it keeps gameplay fresh and exciting, I never knew what to expect.

Map and Campaign creator

Wargroove 2 features a robust map and campaign creator that lets you design your own levels. You can create unique maps and put them together into a full campaign. This tools gives you a lot of customization and the freedom to share your creations with others, making it easy to bring your ideas to life.

Local and online multiplayer fun

Wargroove 2 supports local and online multiplayer for up to four players. This means you can team up with friends or battle against them. This adds yet another layer of replayability and ensures that you’ll keep coming back for more fun for a long time.

Steep Challenges and Lengthy Quests

It’s also worth noting that, for newcomers, there are a few things about Wargroove 2’s gameplay you’ll want to know about. First, Wargroove 2 has a steep difficulty curve that can catch you off guard. You start off easy but quickly face complex battles. Second, missions can take a long time to complete, sometimes lasting nearly an hour. If you make a small mistake near the end, you might have to start all over again, which can be frustrating.

Game screen from Wargroove 2 showing a character profile for a bird-like unit called "Ritrooper" with stats and abilities listed, all set in the strategic world of Wargroove 2.

A Colourful, Nostalgic, Fresh, and Modern World Awaits

Wargroove 2’s pixel art style feels cozy and reminiscent of classic games from the Game Boy Advance era. The game’s art style is not just nostalgic; it also feels fresh and modern. The graphics are colourful and each character has a unique design, making them memorable and fun to interact with. The game features a variety of settings, from forests to dark catacombs, which affect your strategies on the battlefield.

The soundtrack is catchy and fits the game’s playful tone perfectly. Each battle is accompanied by upbeat music that keeps you motivated. Sound effects, like the clash of swords and character voices, add richness to the gameplay.

Wargroove 2 has a wide range of characters, including cute animals, human pirates, and even talking plants. The voice actors bring a fun and charming energy to their lines, which fits perfectly with the game’s cheerful style. This is especially important in a turn-based strategy game, where characters can sometimes feel dull.

Wargroove 2 Is a Solid Choice for Anyone Who Enjoys Turn-Based Strategy Games

Wargroove 2 builds on the foundation of the original game and introduces some fresh elements. The game offers a charming mix of colourful characters and strategic gameplay that strategy fans will appreciate. You can dive into three different campaigns, each with unique challenges and objectives that keep the experience interesting. The addition of a roguelike Conquest mode adds variety and replayability, allowing you to test your skills in new ways.

While the game does have some minor issues, such as a steep difficulty curve and lengthy missions, these don’t take away from the game’s overall fun. The pixel art style adds to the game’s charm, making each fight on the battlefield fun to watch. Wargroove 2’s multiplayer options, letting you challenge friends both locally and online is another feather in its cap. The map and campaign creation tools offer endless possibilities for those who want to create their own content.

Overall, I feel that Wargroove 2 is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys turn-based strategy games. It combines humour, strategy, and creativity in a way that makes it worth your time. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the series, this game has something to offer everyone.

Wargroove 2

Review by @4ScarrsGaming

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Summary

Wargroove 2 is a fun sequel that expands on the original game’s charm and strategy. You can explore three different campaigns filled with quirky characters and tactical challenges. The new Conquest mode adds variety with roguelike elements, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting. While it has a steep difficulty curve and long missions, the colourful pixel art and multiplayer options make it a great choice for strategy fans.

4.2

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4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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