Freedom Wars Remastered Review (SoulStrive)
Freedom Wars is a 10-year old game originally released for the PS Vita. Its game mechanics, as well as the progression in the game still have aspects of how it was originally designed on a portable system, with a few tweaks here and there, while also giving veteran players some new ways to play, thanks to animation cancelling and weapon upgrades revamp. Keep in mind that original players would be playing on short burst and/or on the go, so, this game as a lot of repetition, as well as story segments that might be a drag to go through since some players are more action focused than story focused. While I'm a fan of the game and some of the combat, I can't say that this is a game that is for everyone. I bought it a full price since I wanted to support the re-release and hopefully have a sequel, but this doesn't not mean that it's a $40+ game. I would put it at $25 or less. However, if you are looking for a hunting style game that has a unique spin on things, then I fully recommend this game.
However, no game, whether newly released or re-released comes without any flaws. This game has some. But for what its worth, if you have some buddies to play with, this game will keep you entertained for the duration of the story. Now, in terms of gaining your freedom, that is up to the individual to serve it's Panopticon.
For the Greater Good!
Score: 7/10 (Solo), 8 with friends.
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Not so TL;DR
Gameplay comments:
Combat has been pretty much kept untouched for this re-released with the exception that you are now able to cancel attack animations, whether its by using a range weapon, such as an AR or a big anime sword like an Caliburn. This core mechanics helps in not only speeding up the action on the battlefield, but also grows the DPS of the game by a substantial margin in both the beginning, mid and especially by the end when you learn how the upgrades work in this game. This feature can make or break the game, as the original missions were highly challenging, especially on the endgame, but now, after several hours of gameplay, I've encountered players that can easily one or two shot/power slash through enemies like they are no threat to the existence of humanity.
Things you liked:
- Combat is fun, even with new players that have never even heard of this game (one of my friends joined me and is still having a blast with me after 30 hours of gameplay.
- Changes to upgrades have been streamlined. However, there's more room for a more user friendly menu navigation and explanation. New players might feel like they don't know where certain things are.
-Progressing feels good despite being repetitive for it's outdated progression mechanics.
- Originally Japan exclusive, you can customized your Accessory with custom responses that might be hilarious to hear depending on what you type. Limited on the options on where and when the Accessory says the lines, but hey, I'll take it.
- The punishments, although ridiculous, serves greatly to impose the feeling of dread that the characters are going through the story.
Things you didn't like:
- Accessory voices might not say words accurately, but it helps with the dystopian future premise of the game.
- There's is no voice chat, and not having the ability to even type a message in the game, instead relying on the pre-made messages in the lobby is a pain in the butt, especially during combat mission where you would like to communicate with the team on what to do and especially to the new players, who are starting or getting into the game.
- Lack of cross-play - For game a not so well known, this is probably the biggest factor on why it might not have a sequel. We live in an age that there has been demonstrated that cross-play is essentially to not only the longevity of the game but also, to facilitate the finding of a room. Since the numbers, to my understanding, on the PC side are quite low, finding a lobby, much less creating one and waiting for new people to join, is not so fun.
- Deadly Sinner Mode - Although it was a surprise feature revealed a few days before the release of the game, it leaves a lot to be desired. Might be a fun challenge for those that think they need more punishment.
Issues:
First crash happen after 55 hours of gameplay and after the first small 20Mb~ update while playing a End Game mission. Before that, no issues whatsoever. The second crash happened when initiating a multiplayer mission.
- I have a 3080ti and although the framerate is locked at 60fps (i don't know if I can change that as of writing this review), it is frustrating to see that the frames freezes hear and there, for less than half a second. No biggie for me, but come on, it's a 10 year old game on a 3080ti.