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Video games are ubiquitous in modern life, an undeniable part of our culture. This industry, barely 40 years old, prompts the question: what did people do for entertainment before video games? Role-Playing Games (RPGs) trace their origins back to tabletop board games, played with dice, pencils, paper, and rulebooks filled with fantastical stories. More elaborate versions included multi-sided dice, or meticulously crafted miniature figures. Some high-end board games, played on detailed and expansive boards mimicking real-world landscapes, approached the level of intricate dioramas. Hours-long game sessions became immersive experiences thanks to these miniature worlds.

With the distinction between board games and video games clear, what happens when the two merge? What if someone creates a video game about playing a board game? Let’s explore Wartile, a unique title from Playwood Project Aps, and see if it successfully bridges the gap.

A Feast for the Eyes

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Wartile earns its board game comparison through its meticulously crafted diorama environments. Each level is a slice of a classic fantasy setting – mountain passes, dragon lairs, coastal cliffs – brought to life with stunning detail. From treacherous mountain paths to the interiors of dimly lit caves, Wartile consistently surprises with its artistic level design. One wonders if real-world dioramas could ever match the artistry and craftsmanship displayed here.

Each Wartile level represents a battlefield where players control a team of miniature figures against enemy forces.

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Set in a Viking world, the characters in Wartile will be familiar to anyone who enjoys Norse mythology and its snowy landscapes. The Viking warrior models are intricately designed, capturing the essence of each character class (axe warrior, swordsman, spear-wielding hunter), while retaining their miniature aesthetic. The detail in these figures is remarkable, from the texture of their clothing to the intricate designs on their shields.

Each diorama is meticulously crafted from every angle, providing tactical advantages for players while maintaining a high level of visual artistry with carefully chosen angles and cuts. It’s easy to imagine real-world versions of these dioramas commanding high prices due to their exquisite detail and craftsmanship.

Where Wartile Falls Short

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While Wartile captivates with its unique and stunning visuals, its other aspects fall short. Instead of embracing classic turn-based strategy, the game opts for real-time action. Each character, friend or foe, is controlled in real-time with delays for actions like attacking or moving. Movement is restricted to hexagonal tiles on the board, leading to frequent pathing issues due to level design or player error. Even when crucial items are visible, players must eliminate all enemies and reposition characters to reach them.

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This wouldn’t be a significant issue with a more intuitive control scheme. Unfortunately, the controls feel clunky, requiring selecting a character, choosing a destination, and then moving – or attempting to re-select if a mistake is made. A turn-based system would have allowed for more deliberate strategizing, but the real-time approach amplifies the impact of every mistake.

The card system, intended to provide support abilities, falls flat due to limited deck variety, randomness, and a cumbersome implementation requiring dragging and dropping cards onto characters. The inventory system is equally frustrating, difficult to manage, and filled with items inferior to those found during combat.

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Finally, the short playtime of fewer than 10 levels, encompassing only 6-7 diorama types, limits enjoyment and replayability. The underdeveloped narrative and limited character variety offer little incentive to revisit the game after completion.

Technical Information

• Developer: Playwood Project Aps
• Publisher: DECK 13
• Genre: Strategy
• Release Date: October 22, 2020
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

The minimum and tested system requirements were not available at the time of this review. This review was conducted on the Nintendo Switch version provided by Playwood Project Aps.