PGC NEWS

This War of Mine, developed by 11 Bit Studios, creators of the Anomaly series, offers a stark and unsettling look at the realities of war from a civilian perspective. The game, originally released on PC, has made its way to iOS and Android tablets, presenting a unique survival experience centered around the struggles of innocent people caught in the crossfire of a brutal civil war. This review explores the game’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its narrative depth, distinct art style, and gameplay mechanics.

this-war-of-mine-danh-gia-game

A Story of Humanity Amidst Despair

This War of Mine’s greatest strength lies in its dynamic and multifaceted narrative. Each playthrough offers a different experience, shaped by the player’s choices and the randomized elements of the game. With twelve playable characters, each possessing unique traits, backstories, and emotional responses, the game presents a vast array of possible scenarios and outcomes. Katia’s love for coffee, Bruno’s nicotine addiction, Pavle’s speed, Roman’s proficiency with firearms, and Marko’s strength are just a few examples of how individual characteristics impact the gameplay and the group’s survival. Assigning tasks based on these traits not only increases efficiency but also affects the characters’ ability to scavenge for vital resources at night, where sometimes, the best option is to flee.

this-war-of-mine-danh-gia-game

The player is constantly confronted with difficult moral dilemmas. Should you help others when your own group is struggling? Is stealing justifiable in this desperate situation? Will you lie to save someone or adhere to the truth, even if it leads to their demise? Every decision has consequences, affecting the characters’ morale and mental well-being. Positive actions can boost their spirits and resilience, while negative choices can lead to depression, despair, and even suicide. This emotional depth and realism are what set This War of Mine apart from other survival games.

A Distinct Visual and Auditory Experience

This War of Mine’s striking black-and-white hand-drawn aesthetic perfectly captures the bleakness and desolation of a war-torn city. The stark contrast and rough lines effectively portray the harsh realities of survival, emphasizing the constant threat of hunger, cold, and violence. The game’s sound design further enhances the atmosphere, with the sharp crack of gunfire and melancholic melodies adding to the sense of loneliness, despair, and pervasive dread. The combination of visuals and audio creates an immersive and emotionally charged experience.

this-war-of-mine-danh-gia-game

this-war-of-mine-danh-gia-game

Room for Improvement on Tablets

Despite its strengths, the tablet version of This War of Mine inherits some shortcomings from its PC counterpart. The automatic save feature, which occurs only at the end of each day, can be frustrating. While intended to emphasize the permanence of choices, it limits the player’s ability to experiment with different strategies or explore alternate outcomes. A manual save option would provide greater flexibility and replayability, especially for those who have already completed the game and want to experience different endings.

this-war-of-mine-danh-gia-game

Another area for improvement is the lack of interaction between characters. Although they react emotionally to the player’s choices, they rarely engage in meaningful dialogue with each other. This absence of interpersonal dynamics detracts from the overall realism and emotional impact of the game. Conflicts, even when intentionally created by the player, are not explicitly addressed, further diminishing the sense of connection between the characters.

Conclusion

This War of Mine offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience, exploring the human cost of war in a way few games have attempted. Its compelling narrative, distinct art style, and challenging gameplay mechanics create a truly memorable and impactful experience. While the tablet version suffers from a few inherited flaws, primarily concerning the save system and character interaction, the game’s core strengths remain intact. This War of Mine is a must-play for those seeking a unique and emotionally resonant survival experience that goes beyond simple resource management and combat.