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The quality of level design is a cornerstone of any successful video game. While industry giants like the developers of Dead Space (2023) and Hi-Fi RUSH consistently deliver exceptional level design, smaller, less experienced studios often struggle with this critical element. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre. Recent RTS titles like Partisan 1941 (2020), while innovative, suffered from somewhat linear level design that limited strategic depth. Does War Mongrels, the latest offering from Destructive Creations (the team behind Daymare: 1998), fall prey to similar pitfalls? Let’s delve into this World War II tactical RTS and find out.

War Mongrels Opening Scene

War Mongrels thrusts players into the brutal realities of the Eastern Front during World War II. You control Manfred and Ewald, two Wehrmacht soldiers who desert during the Vitebsk-Orsha offensive in 1944. Trapped between Axis and Allied forces, they must work together to escape. Later, guided by new characters introduced in subsequent chapters, they join the resistance movement.

The narrative unfolds through well-paced dialogue and unexpected plot twists, allowing players to connect with the characters and their motivations. For example, the introduction of Lukas, a Polish Home Army soldier, and the subsequent revelation of the Ponary massacre provide powerful emotional anchors for the story.

Each chapter of War Mongrels introduces new environments and challenges, primarily focused on escape and assassination missions. The sprawling maps and meticulously crafted settings keep players engaged and eager to uncover the next chapter of the story.

Gameplay Screenshot

Engaging Gameplay Inspired by Classics

Fans of tactical RTS games like Commandos and Desperados will find much to love in War Mongrels. The game borrows heavily from these classics, offering a compelling blend of stealth, planning, and execution.

The characters’ diverse skillsets are central to the gameplay. Ewald, the muscle, excels at silent takedowns. Manfred can distract enemies with whistles and thrown objects and, in certain areas, can disguise himself as a Wehrmacht soldier. This allows for coordinated tactics, such as Manfred creating a diversion while Ewald eliminates the target. However, both struggle with climbing, limiting their vertical mobility.

Lukas Climbing

Lukas fills this gap. He is adept at climbing, allowing access to rooftops and other high vantage points. His ability to throw rocks and set traps makes him ideal for infiltration and multi-target eliminations.

The game provides clear objectives and solutions, guiding players through the levels. However, enemy patrols and sightlines introduce a significant layer of complexity. The long-range vision of most enemies requires careful planning and timing, making successful, undetected assassinations immensely satisfying.

Planning Mode

Similar to Shadow Tactics and Desperados 3, War Mongrels features a “Planning Mode.” This allows players to pause the action and queue up commands, enabling complex, synchronized maneuvers.

But what happens when things go wrong? War Mongrels introduces a unique “Combat Mode.” This shifts the game into a twin-stick shooter, allowing players to engage enemies directly. However, this alerts all nearby enemies, making it a high-risk, last-resort option, best used when an escape route is readily available.

Enemy AI Issue

Technical Shortcomings Hinder the Experience

Despite its strong gameplay foundation, War Mongrels suffers from several technical issues that detract from the overall experience. The most noticeable problem involves enemy AI. Alerted enemies will initially search frantically, but quickly revert to their normal patrols, even amidst the chaos they just witnessed. This undermines the tension and reduces the consequences of failed stealth attempts.

Other issues include occasional pathfinding glitches and problems with the “Planning Mode” when enemies are clustered too closely, making it difficult to select the intended target.

Storytelling Scene

Conclusion

War Mongrels offers a compelling tactical RTS experience with engaging gameplay and a gripping narrative. However, the technical issues, particularly the inconsistent enemy AI, hold it back from its full potential. Addressing these problems would significantly enhance the overall experience and make War Mongrels a must-play for fans of the genre.