I actually got this game for free and already considered not getting it, but it's super fun. The game looks great; it plays well; it's just really great. I love playing this on my quiet hours at work and even though I keep going bankrupt, I try, try, try again. Because that's essentially what the game is - trial and error
The game at first lured me with its unique setting and look. There was little in the way of contemplating whether or not I should buy it. That bell had struck immediately. I was eager to discover what this game was about. The music is pleasant and truly sets the tone for the lovely brush painted environment, drawing your attention to the background numerous times. It is dark and moody, yet hopeful at the same time as you make your journey across a vast destroyed world in an engaging Steam Engine. Your only goal is forward. And, as you embark on this solemn adventure, you discover new locations while gathering fuel to push on. Obstacles will hamper your way until you figure out a way around them. Weather will crush you under its weight. Along the way, you begin to realise what may have caused the gloomy destruction of the world you are blazing through. But most impactful is the absolute love I felt running that Steam Engine to the bitter-sweet end. I enjoy playing the game in my off-time as well as during work hours. It is short and sweet, fun and beautiful to look at. I am very excited for the second one coming soon and will most definitely endeavour to purchase that one as well.
I didn’t know what to think of This War of Mine when I first bought it. I was looking for mild entertainment when I had a little time to spare. The concept intrigued me enough. However, I never imagined that I would be gripped by this seemingly straightforward and simplistic game. The story is deep and compelling, the characters rich with their own unique talents, flaws and vices that provide a great challenge to gameplay. The very simulation of what people have to go through in a war-torn country is devastating and depressing, yet proves that one can find means of survival. To choose to save yourself or those that come searching for help make the game somewhat more realistic in content and concept, as each character has their own opinions in the matter and not all too friendly, as human nature is diverse. As life is about choices, whether you choose to help someone or are pushed to steal or kill for your own survival, I think this game really nailed it. The feature I love the most about the game is the construction of tools and stations to further improve your quality of safety and survival. I have always believed that one can always construct something out of nothing, aptly illustrated in the game. I do think that, it would have been an added quality of the game that, if a character who did not possess a specific skill like another character had, that constant use of a station or creation of a resource could grant them that skill, making for more efficient and realistic gameplay. Needless to say, this game was a poor choice for something that provides little entertainment, as I have clocked numerous hours and days playing, finishing one scenario after the other. I find pure enjoyment in every hour I spend and am quite surprised to say that, This War of Mine, competes against my other favourite games.
