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The post-apocalyptic genre has always been a rich source of inspiration for entertainment, particularly in video games. While truly exceptional post-apocalyptic games are relatively few, titles like Interplay’s Fallout series stand out. Interestingly, Fallout itself drew inspiration from Wasteland, a game released over a quarter of a century ago, whose sequel, Wasteland 2, is the focus of this review. Developed by inXile Entertainment, led by Brian Fargo, the creator of the original Wasteland, Wasteland 2 successfully revitalizes the Desert Rangers saga. This review will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Wasteland 2, highlighting its compelling story, engaging gameplay, and thought-provoking dialogue.

Wasteland 2 Gameplay

Engaging Combat System

Wasteland 2 presents a dynamic combat system where understanding and utilizing the environment is crucial for victory. Positioning your squad strategically becomes paramount. Recklessly charging into battle without a proper formation is suicidal. Snipers can’t effectively engage in close combat, and melee fighters shouldn’t be relegated to the back lines.

Wasteland 2 Combat

The game retains the classic turn-based gameplay that made Fallout so beloved, evident from the very first moments. Nearly every action, from shooting and moving to healing and switching firing modes, consumes Action Points (AP). Effective AP management provides a significant advantage in combat. The number of AP each character possesses varies depending on their build.

Adding another layer of tactical depth, Wasteland 2 introduces an “Ambush” option, similar to the “Overwatch” function in the XCOM series. Ambushed characters automatically fire upon any enemies that move within their range, significantly expanding tactical possibilities.

The enemies encountered throughout the game range from lowly bandits to heavily armed soldiers and deadly mutated creatures of all shapes and sizes. The impressive AI ensures that enemies behave intelligently, adding to the challenge. For fans of the combat systems in both Fallout and XCOM, Wasteland 2 offers a near-perfect blend.

A Rich and Nuanced Dialogue System

Wasteland 2 excels in its dialogue system, reminiscent of the deep and impactful conversations found in the Fallout series. Beyond standard responses, players can utilize the Smart Ass, Hard Ass, and Kiss Ass skills to influence conversations. Choosing the right approach can unlock valuable information and alter the course of events.

Wasteland 2 Dialogue

The impact of dialogue extends beyond simple tips and tricks. It can significantly influence the reactions of NPCs, potentially triggering unintended conflicts or damaging relationships with crucial characters. Careful consideration of every word spoken is essential.

To aid players, Wasteland 2 highlights important keywords within conversations, drawing attention to crucial details and informing dialogue choices. A logbook and on-screen notes help keep track of conversations and objectives.

Beyond dialogue, players have considerable freedom in how they approach situations. Multiple solutions exist for each problem, encouraging creative thinking. Locked doors can be picked, bashed down, or even blown open with explosives. Encounters on the map can be resolved through combat or avoided entirely using the Outdoorman skill. This level of player agency enhances the overall experience.

Wasteland 2 Choices

Detailed Character Creation

Like many Western RPGs, Wasteland 2 features a comprehensive character creation system with numerous options for customization. Uniquely, players can create a full squad of four characters from the outset, requiring careful balancing of skills and abilities.

Wasteland 2 Character Creation

In addition to the traditional C.L.A.S.S.I.C. attributes, players can choose from a wide array of skills, including weapon proficiencies, lockpicking, and explosives handling. These skills are essential for navigating the world of Wasteland 2, overcoming obstacles like locked doors, trapped chests, and other environmental hazards. With a limited number of skill points to allocate, careful consideration is key to building an effective team.

Wasteland 2 Skills

Minor Drawbacks

Despite its compelling gameplay, Wasteland 2 suffers from a few minor technical and gameplay issues. Weapon jamming occurs with frustrating frequency, even with a low probability. While attachments can reduce this to zero, it can still be an annoyance. Other minor bugs include occasional dialogue freezes and graphical glitches when rotating the camera. Thankfully, these issues are generally minor and don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.

Wasteland 2 Bugs

Conclusion

Wasteland 2 successfully revives a classic franchise, offering a deep and engaging post-apocalyptic RPG experience. Its compelling combat, nuanced dialogue, and detailed character creation make it a worthwhile journey for fans of the genre. While minor technical issues exist, they don’t overshadow the game’s strengths. Wasteland 2 delivers a rich and rewarding experience that captures the spirit of its predecessor while forging its own path in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.