War World (Enhanced Edition) review

Last year, we reviewed at War World (published by Lighthouse Interactive), a fast-paced third person shooter revolving around Mech combat in 3 metre tall mechanized assault machines, we've also spoken with some of the developers on what we could expect in the Enhanced Edition of the game which should be available at local stores now. So it's time to dig a little bit deeper into the latest incarnation of the game.

A quick reminder

The Python KX5 in action

For those who missed the previous articles, or those who haven't played the demo version yet, let's summarize what War World is all about. War World is, as stated previously, a fast-paced futuristic third person shooter. You get to take control of a Mech, a 3 metre tall humanoid robot armed to the teeth with all other kinds of destructive toys, such as machine guns and rocketlaunchers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The game does have a background story, but luckily for us, War world focuses more on delivering great gameplay rather than a deep and intruiging plot. The gameplay is a mix between an FPS-based control scheme and a third person view, which has proven to be very addictive. The control scheme itself is fairly simple and easy to learn, so you don't need to be an expert at these kind of games to maneuvre your Mech around the battlefields.

The Oil Refinery

One of the strengths of War World is the ability to customize your Mech with around 50 different weapons systems, allowing you to create a unique setup for each combat situation that might present itself to you. To be honest, the design aspect of the game isn't as complex as in other Mech games as for example the excellent Mechwarrior series, but War World provides simple and fast-paced combat, so it actually stays true to its nature.

Graphics-wise, War World is able to render beautiful environments, even on low to medium end systems. Sound wise, the game could use some more variation though. The number of unique locations is a bit limited, and the maps themselves might feel a bit empty. But you probably won't notice this, because most of the time you'll be franticly dodging bullets and rockets, while trying to mow down some enemies yourself. You'll be able to quickly learn the layout of each map, and more importantly the locations of the power-ups.

This is War World in a nutshell. Needless to say we were very eager to see how Third wave Games could improve the game...

What's new then?

The Python KX5

Let's take a look at what additions the Enhanced version has to offer, besides the usual bugfixes and gameplay tweaks. First of all, there's now a total of 5 Mech chassis, which means we get to play with 2 brand new Mech types. The first new chassis is that of the Python KX5, a fast but pretty vulnerable Mech. Its abilities lie between those of the Panther 770 and the Thunder B2. Though slightly slower and not able to jump as high as the Panther, it can carry more ammo and is able to take more damage than its little brother. A good Mech to take into consideration if you're looking for a faster attack class.

The Assault T-1000

The other addition is the Assault T-1000, which can be considered as a toned-down version of the Leviathan. It's a bit faster than the Leviathan, but has a third less armor and can't carry as much ammunition (although the amounts are practically the same). The T-1000 doesn't cost as much as the Leviathan, but the difference is negligable if you need the extra firepower and armour. All in all, the T1000 is a goodlooking Mech, but can't really compete with the Leviathan as a defensive type of Mech.

Skydiving from one of the silos

Next to these new Mechs, there's also a new map in which you can get toe-to-toe with your enemies. The Oil Refinery is the biggest map you'll find in War World, and thanks to its size, it's perfect for matches with 10+ players. The setting is an abandonded oil refinery (hence the name), and offers a nice mix between open spaces and lots of cover. The map looks very nice and without a doubt meets the standards that War World already set for itself. A good map to practise your longdistance aim with the laser rifles.

Timeproven classics

The Assault T-1000 in action

In addition to the (Team) Deathmatch mode, there are 2 new gamemodes which will sound familiar to FPS-addicts. We're talking here about the Capture the Flag mode, and BombAssault mode. For those who haven't played a single FPS in their entire life, the objectives in these gamemodes are exactly as their name implies. In Capture the Flag, you need to capture several flags placed around the maps in strategic locations. The team who is able to hold these flags, wins the match. Because there are several flags placed around the maps, the fights usually aren't located on a single spot. You need to keep an eye on several locations, deciding which flag you'll try to defend or attack.

The Oil Refinery

In the BombAssault mode, you need to capture some explosives, and plant them in the opposing team's base. Unlike other games such as Counter-Strike in which there is an attacking and a defending team, both teams can plant a bomb. This means that you need to attack and defend at the same time. And this is where the several Mech chassis will come in handy if you want to be victorious. A couple of heavy duty Leviathans for the defence, and some faster Mechs for the offense for example. It's up to you on how you will outsmart the enemy.

Custom Game options

Finally, there is also the new Custom Game option, in which you can build your own matches against articifial opponents. There are several options which can be tweaked to your own likings, making it possible to create countless of matches. For example, you can choose the classes of the AI players, the level of difficulty, what map you'll be playing on. Too bad only deathmatch games are possible, it would have been nice if could createdsome CTF or BombAssault matches. All taken into consideration, the Custom Game option is a nice little touch for those who can't get enough of the already huge 100-level singleplayer campaign that War World has to offer.

The Enhanced Edition of War World offers some great additions to an already great game. Especially the new gamemodes add a lot to the fun. If you didn't try out War World in the past, be sure to download the demo and give the game a go. And even if you did play the game already, the new version is surely worth a second look.