It is a game packed with style, music, and difficulty. This review is here to present you with a complete breakdown of why you should give this game a try, if not for its outstanding gameplay, then for the amazing rhythm challenge it brings.
Rhythm-Based Gameplay Mechanics
Concept-wise, it is very original: off-beat magic has infected a fantastical world, and you need to control a team of five heroes in order to stop it. In practice, it is similar to Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics in terms of the strategic grid on which you position your fighters: the game is built around warriors, archers, rogues, etc.
What makes Wardrum so exciting is the way it approaches battle execution. As you pick an ability for a certain hero, you have to actually perform it in sync with the wardrum beat.
Each ability has a unique rhythm pattern that needs to be followed precisely. Basic attacks usually involve holding the key for drawing a bowstring and releasing it on the downbeat. Massive ultimate attacks, on the other hand, require multiple hits with very specific timings. Success means critical damage, while failure or inability to keep with the rhythm means the enemy will see your attack coming.
Deep Gameplay Layers and Progression
One thing that sets Wardrum apart from its peers is the perfect blend between rhythm mechanics and tactical elements.
- Music Changes Depending on the Status Effect: Unlike many rhythm games, Wardrum alters your gameplay experience depending on whether or not you get buffed or debuffed. The game changes key input order when you get confused, lowers the tempo when slowed, or makes you tap another key to reduce bleed damage.
- Complex Tactical Elements: You can lure your enemy off the edge of the map, trick him into falling into a trap, and set up several overlapping kill zones. The synergy among your characters is extensive and can result in creating amazing combos of abilities with custom rhythms.
- Permanent Progression System: The game has a roguelite mechanic, meaning you will lose many battles in your attempts to advance through it. However, you can bring back resources to permanently increase your character stats, unlock classes, and get trinkets.
Minor Issues with Gameplay Mechanics and Game Pace
However interesting and innovative it may be, the game has a few flaws that stem from being a full game that was originally supposed to be a part of early access.
Most notable is the game's difficult learning curve. Once the player passes the first act, it becomes significantly more challenging since enemy health pools become much higher. Coupled with the fact that you will need to focus on tactical movement in addition to executing attacks on time, Wardrum can be quite exhausting.
Moreover, the game has an easy mode that broadens the window of successful input actions, which can help those who struggle with keeping their fingers in line. The roguelite nature of Wardrum means that some players have noted that its pacing can be too long and slow.
As for the game's accessibility, some of the accessories available throughout the game don't add anything meaningful, but are mere numerical stat changes instead of providing game-altering effects.
Finally, the writing itself is mediocre at best. The game doesn't have any real plot, and the storyline is used solely to advance through fights.
Visually and Audio-wise Stunning
Visually, the game boasts stunning pixel art, featuring gorgeous lightning and extremely smooth character animations. Each character is unique in looks, moves, and behavior.
Where the game truly shines, however, is audio-wise. Wardrum features mostly tribal music accompanied by Mongolian throat-singing and a battle theme that smoothly transitions to the rhythm of your chosen ability. Prepare for the main theme to haunt your dreams!
Conclusion
With a perfect combination of genre elements and solid game mechanics, Wardrum is one of the most innovative games out there. While the difficulty of the game and its rather slow pace can disappoint some, it is worth every second of your playing time because of its outstanding approach to rhythm gaming.