Warstride Challenges (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): September 7, 2023
- Publisher: Focus Entertainment
- Developer: Dream Powered Games
- Genres: Action Shooter
- Also For: PlayStation 5
Game Features:
I'm a big fan of games where you let your brain sort of shut off and let your muscle memory and instincts kick in. Warstride Challenges brings that and more to the table in a small but dense package that doesn't break the bank.
In Warstride Challenges, there are a plethora of levels where you fight through demons while also learning the optimal route to complete it in the fastest time. Each level has multiple difficulty levels that you can unlock. There is a lot of replayability here with even a single level providing opportunities to improve your skill and time.
The gunplay in Warstride is fairly simple and easy to pick up with the movement being very fast-paced. This ain't like a shooting simulator with weapon sway and tons of recoil, all you need to do is aim and shoot. With the free-flowing movement, all you need to worry about is running through levels as fast as you can and not missing your shots while doing so. I very much enjoyed being able to just jump in and let the gaming instincts I've built over the years just play for me.
As you unlock more levels, you will also unlock some abilities that definitely spice up the gameplay. There is a shockwave ability that basically clears any enemies in front of you and is also able to destroy some obstacles. The stomp ability allows you to do massive damage by ramming into the ground from a high vantage point. Different levels allow for different abilities which forces you to change up your playstyle and not stick to one strategy. Most levels allow for a time-slowing power where you can activate bullet time. This enables you to adjust your aim without the consequence of losing momentum and adding time to the clock. It is definitely the highlight ability for me as it allows for the levels to be more complex without making me feel like I have to study it in order to get a good finish time.
A small complaint I have that really affects gameplay is the enemy design. Each stage or level gives you a set weapon loadout. Sometimes it's only one specific gun but other times you have multiple. Having multiple weapons means you need to juggle between them in order to get a better time as some are better than others for certain demons. There is some variation between the different types of demons but I had a hard time learning which ones were killable with a headshot from a pistol and the ones that needed a shotgun to kill. Aside from that, the visuals are very nice with an arcade feel. My RTX 3080 ran this game with no sweat at max graphics with 144+ fps.
A game all about getting the fastest completion time needs to have great level design and I would say Dream Powered Games does the job for the most part. I can feel confident starting a new level and know that the level design will guide me through it without me having to slowly walk around and find the path. Nothing feels more epic than jumping into a brand new level and coasting through it as if you've done it a thousand times before. There are some levels where you need to turn around awkwardly or a door is unlocked and it isn't completely obvious. Some areas have annoying corners or gaps where you can easily trip up on and they don't seem like intentional level design. But for the most part, I found each level fun and engaging to run around in.
One of the larger challenges in Warstride Challenges is also one of the most rewarding. As appropriately named, the "Big Fun Levels" are a combination of the main levels you have completed where you basically do them again but back to back and in one go. It's a change in pace from the regular levels as it lasts a lot longer and requires more of your attention span but since you have already completed the individual levels, you use your muscle memory to complete them. It becomes pretty fun and satisfying to run through levels you've already mastered and let your hands just aim for themselves.
Warstride Challenges is such a nice break away from games that require strategic planning and sweaty competitiveness. Being able to compete against yourself and see the results feels great. Even with the $20 price tag, there is a lot of replayability and content here. While I am not skilled with level creating, I have tried some community levels and they are also a ton of fun to try out. If you like shooting demons like in Doom and love speedrunning, this is the game for you.
Verdict
- Fast Paced Gameplay
- Easy To Pick Up
- Great Level Design
- Lots of Replayability
- Level Editor
- Community Levels
- Enemy Variety Could be Better
- Some Levels Could Be Polished
- Basic UI
- No Narrative
