WARTALES 100 Hour Review

[@roqsteady5290]

I also have Shiro’s previous game Northgard and they have been updating it non stop since it released in 2019. So we can expect the same with Wartales. It is remarkable game, but feels a little unfinished in some respects - inventory tabs are a pretty obvious QOL feature, I would have thought.

[@OttoResolve]

@Roq Steady I was taking a look at Northgard and wondering if it was worth checking out. A friend of mind recommended I try Wartales, otherwise I probably would have never played it. That's great news that we can expect regular updates for Wartales. As good as it is, you're right, some parts feel unfinished right now. I am excited to see what Shiro does with the game next.

[@norbertlipusz3892]

This game really needs more variety when it comes to ranged and mounted classes. There are 6 classes in the game right now and only 1 of them is ranged (or 1,5 if we count the harpooner specialisation of the spearman) and it's not like there are no options without introducing magic. Crossbowman, cavalry archer, slinger, musketeer, scorpion or some kind of artillery requering a tinkerer to operate. For mounted combat heavy and light cavalry and cavalry archer (again) could be options.

[@OttoResolve]

@Norbert Lipusz I absolutely agree. There are plenty of untapped options. Hopefully we will get a bit more variety in future updates. I like your ideas, musketeer and scorpion would be some units in particular that I would enjoy. Thanks for the comment.

[@roqsteady5290]

I think in most RPGs the devs try to keep the number of units on the battlefield under control, because otherwise combat requires a lot of micro management and takes a long time to resolve each battle. Wartales is more about exploring and world building than it is a strategic war game or even something more tactical like the total war franchise. And the game may only have 6 main classes, but each class has 3-4 sub classes, so that is quite a lot for the devs to balance already.

[@ianellis3278]

Maybe mount the Boar or wolf I'm sure my Alpha would like that.

[@norbertlipusz3892]

@@roqsteady5290 I don't think balancing should be an issue because there are a lot of sub classes sure, but all of them have only one ability unlike for example in World of Warcraft, which has 12 classes and 35 specialisations, all of them with several unique abilities, or 30-40/class. It is not well balanced, but variety adds more to the game than it takes away, making it better. And the other thing is Wartales (unlike WoW) is not a multiplayer game, class balance is not that important.

[@Dyanosis]

I disagree with bringing more modern inventions (like guns) into the game. So no Musketeer or artillery. But I do agree 100% with the rest of this comment that the lack of ranged hurts gameplay.

[@sabnock31]

The ability to create different parties in this game is phenomenal. I'm on my 400th hour of playing and currently running with a crew of only two normal people, Ranger built into poisoner and Archer with beast control perk. Then there are copious amounts of Plague Rats that reproduce each time I'm on a rest, they apply damage taken debuffs and some (I'm already level 12, using some mods to lvlup faster, because it is tedious task) even apply poison on attacks dealt and taken. Of course, I should mention that there are five Plague-ridden zombies that work as my main tanks and creating poison clouds that consecutively heal Plague-ridden, Plague Rats and damage enemies. You can stack up to 8-12 stacks of poison on some enemies in the first turn. And DOT effects in this game are OP.

[@OttoResolve]

Shoot @sabnock. That's freaking awesome mate. Sounds like a badass party you've got there.

[@Kebabje96]

This review is like one of those things you didn't know you wanted, so great stuff! I wouldn't mind more videos like this, though I would recommend maybe going for bulletpoints instead of a script. In my experience with presenting it's really character that has people listening to you, and you need to be really really good at reading a script in order to never lose character whilst doing so. The words logos, ethos and pathos come to mind from my high school philosophy classes, if that makes sense :^)

[@OttoResolve]

Cheers, thanks big guy @Kebabje96. I've got a few ideas for some Total War videos that I could make with a similar format. I'll try and go with the bullet-points instead of the script next time. I find the script helps me from doing a hundred or so takes but it definitely doesn't come out as natural. Logos, ethos and pathos, words of wisdom, let me see if I can figure out what they mean and put them to good use.

[@Kebabje96]

@@OttoResolve hahahah I get that 100 takes part, that's basically what happened with my bachelor's final presentation. Maybe just try to find a nice balance between having a script and improvising, because in essence it only becomes bad when you write out full sentences and you just have to give yourself to the freedom to make up the little words, as those are easy to trip over. And I also think it's best to prioritize making errors in words over errors in character, so don't beat yourself up over briefly thinking about what to say or maybe not making perfect coherent sentences. It's the same as how a bad joke told with comedic character is better than a well written joke told shyly. Just enjoy telling the people what you want to tell them!

[@istvansipos9940]

the game is great. THe story though... I don't know why the devs wasted any time on it. The best example: A lady praying in a church. You ask her with the ONE dialogue option you can "choose", she says something short (leading you exactly nowhere) then she "has to go". She is obviously afraid and wants to avoid any involvement. And the quality voice acting makes it very clear, by the way. I totally understand her attitude. I just don't understand the 0 option the game offers to stop her / to make her talk. threat, charisma, money, honest or deceitful promises, violence, blocking the exit, catching her with a fast merc / a wolf, etc etc etc... She just goes. And findng her? Also 0 option. She is basically a random text message dressed as a church goer. the "Just name your price" sentence is also a gem in this category. For you, obviously in this game, cannot name your price after the npc literally told you to do so. the story at many parts is so frustratingly pre-written, such a one-way street, that ANY content would have been a better use of the devs' time. For example magic in this otherwise great sandbox. Hell, just 1 more province and a few more items would have been way more valuable than the entire story.

[@ianellis3278]

Excellent game I was getting a bit bored with S.O.T.F and Wartales came across my path so I've been playing it a cpl of weeks now It has a good old fashioned gaming feel to it and there is plenty of room for tweaks and improvements hopefully not to to much that it takes the shine of its natural playability, but plenty of space for it to grow. Good review by the by =D .

[@OttoResolve]

Cheers, thanks @Redashbull, I appreciate it. Now that you mention it, Wartales does have a bit of that old school gaming feel to it. That's probably a big reason for the games appeal. I'm looking forward to seeing the game grow as well. Thanks very much for the comment.

[@timm8998]

What is sotf?

[@ianellis3278]

@@timm8998 Sons of the Forest

[@Dyanosis]

That's a run-on sentence if I ever saw one. Holy cow man.

[@AtomicGT55]

The issue with Wartales is that after about 20 hours, almost every fight feels the same, with constantly reused strategies and tactics (at least on the default setting). Several enemies get more abilities, but I found that they rarely factored into my strategy in any meaningful way.

[@OttoResolve]

@AtomicGT That's a fair comment. I'm interested to see how things play on the new 'extreme' difficulty. Hopefully the AI pulls off some new tactics. Thanks for the comment.

[@Dyanosis]

For $35, if this game had a mage and cleric (and maybe paladin) class, it'd be an instant buy. I'm on the fence though. I like what I've seen from many who've already played... but I'm worried that it won't be the same experience playing as watching (as is normally the case with a lot of games). It seems like the game is very based on melee style combat and lacks any real ranged style. Either the devs will add it and they just haven't yet (as those mechanics can be a bit challenging to represent AND balance) or they've decided that's not the direct they want this game to go. Not saying there's anything wrong with them not having caster classes, but I do feel that it's missing something just being melee focused. That said, this game looks and feels a lot like DOS and DOS 2 (Divinity Original Sin for those who aren't familiar) or Baldur's Gate III. I get a lot of DOS 2 vibes from the combat with the environment effects and the idea of how the combat flows. I'm sure they don't want their game feeling like a moderate clone of a game like that, but every game is basically a clone of some other game with some features having some artistic license taken. I do really like how the crafting looks and the fishing is different. The last thing I'll say is that the game is very muted. The environments are interesting (like the snowy mountains with snow storms and fog) and then the forests or grasslands... but everything feels very muted. The way the characters look. The gear crafted. The cities. I think that's one thing that's holding me back is that, for such a high price tag, the game seems "meh". One other thing I'll say is that the "camp" feature seems nice, but it's not all encompassing like a camp would actually be. Where's the anvil so you can craft outside a city? How about an apothecary table to brew potions and salves? I hope they'll add these things in as it seems weird for a game, that encourages exploration, to force you to visit a city for things your party should be able to do out in the world. They don't stop you from cooking at your camp. Or laundering stolen items (and honestly, how the hell are you laundering items in your own camp?? Cleaning them somehow without using any materials?).

[@OttoResolve]

I just noticed this comment was held for review for some reason. I apologize for not responding to such an in depth and articulate comment. If you're still on the fence @Dyanosis about purchasing the game I would recommend maybe picking it up when there's a nice sale or something. I definitely think it's worth a playthrough. Obviously it's not perfect but Wartales is a fun experience. Upper Echelon gaming has a much more succinct review than my own. I would encourage you to check it out. He has a great perspective on the game. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5a4o2WLetB4aMk I completely agree with you. Mage, cleric and/or paladin classes would really spice the game up. The devs could also introduce mounted characters for more diverse play as well. I have also heard the game compared to Divinity Original Sin. Wartales is obviously a little bit more of a toned down version combat wise. We don't get that explosive magic and spells. I agree with you, range is a bit lacking. Surely they could add some more unit types to add a bit of diversity for ranged combat. Crossbows or even riflemen or something. I will say though that the archers do become overpowered at the higher levels. The camp feature is great but again, you're right. It would be nice to be able to forge and craft while encamped. And laundering does seem a bit ridiculous now that you mention it. The muted feel of the game is probably it's weakest quality. The characters don't pull you into the story as well as other RPG's are able to. Sill, despite it's faults, I would say Wartales is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

[@ammys.292]

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[@mrhippo828]

I am playing this game and I am struggling to enjoy it after spending so much time on battle brothers. Its the same as when I played dark souls I couldn't get into skyrim. Its not that I think the game is bad and I like the studio north guard is quailty. I'll spend more time and see if my mind opens.

[@OttoResolve]

@mrhippo That's a fair point. I've never played Battle Brothers myself but I've heard the game is held in very high regard. I may just have to give it a try one of these days. It's tough for games of the same genre when there is one title that really stands out. I have the same issue with Total War, after playing so many hours on their games I find it tough to get into other grand strategy games. In any case, I hope Wartales warms up to you. Thanks for the comment.

[@taomahNEGEV]

Just a simplified Battle Brothers.

[@OttoResolve]

@Taoma H That's what I've heard. I'm going to have to give Battle Brothers a playthrough.

[@taomahNEGEV]

@@OttoResolve Remember you should retire with honor only when your company is finally able to meet the challenges of the Kraken, the Sunken Library and the Black Monolith. Enjoy.

[@chadthunderjock6520]

Is this game better than Divinity: Original Sin II?

[@OttoResolve]

@Chad Thunderjock I haven't played Divinity, so I can't give you an honest answer. From what my viewers tell me, the combat in Divinity is second to none. I'm not sure if Wartales' combat matches up. Wartales doesn't have as much fantasy elements either. Still, nice medieval old school atmosphere here with plenty of customization and micro management. I'll have to put Divinity on my long list of games to play.

[@timm8998]

It is a very different game, hard to compare.

[@Dyanosis]

DOS II has magic. So... no? But I'd also say that it's not accurate to try to compare this game to DOS II. They serve different purposes and have different objectives.

[@Dyanosis]

@@OttoResolve If you like this game and its style of combat, you'll like DOS II. The problem with DOS 2 is the crafting is nothing like this one (there's no minigame to it). It's much simpler. What sets DOS 2 apart from this game the most is the environmental effects. Breaking a barrel of oil and then lighting it on fire. Using water and then electricity to electrocute a bunch of your enemies. That and the fantasy aspect (since it has magic).

[@CBlade0]

How can you possibly have this much time to play games?? I'm super jealous.

[@OttoResolve]

Haha. Don't ask, it's a long story. Sadly I won't have as much time to game in the weeks and months ahead. Wartales was and is a ton of fun though, 100 hours well spent.

[@Dyanosis]

Also, considering that you have no experience other similar games in this genre, I feel like your 9/10 rating is inaccurate. If you are rating this game just by itself and saying "Would I buy this again and put another 100 hours into it", then okay. But you're basing this on this game vs what it has that makes it stand out from others.

[@OttoResolve]

@Dyanosis I can't argue with you there. My rating was a bit generous as well as biased. I plan to do a follow up review when I hit 1000 hours. I'll make sure to keep your point in mind when I make the video. Thanks for the criticism.

[@thomaswiseman6062]

Liar. The review is less than 8 minutes

[@OttoResolve]

Lmao! Damn it, you got me there mate. Thanks for the comment @Thomas Wiseman, this made my day.