Developer: Shiro Games
Publisher: Shiro Games
Available on: PC (Steam, GOG)
Review system: PC - Wartales: A Journey of Strategy and Adventure
Wartales: A Journey of Strategy and Adventure
I have recently immersed myself in Wartales, a captivating tactical RPG that truly pulls you into its richly crafted medieval world. From the moment I started playing, I was hooked by the challenging turn-based combat that rewards careful planning—every battle felt like a well-orchestrated puzzle waiting to be solved. Building my squad from a diverse array of character classes, each with unique abilities, gave me the freedom to experiment and develop my own tactical approach. Beyond the heat of battle, the game’s robust systems for crafting, gathering, and trading added layers of depth that made my journey feel both strategic and immersive.
Skelmar Invasion DLC – A Tactical Gem with Refined Depth
Building on the solid foundation of the base game, I found that the Skelmar Invasion DLC takes the experience to an entirely new level. This expansion not only introduces fresh enemy types and dynamic battle scenarios but also brings innovative siege combat mechanics that completely redefined my approach to large-scale engagements.
Engaging Turn-Based Combat
Wartales has always excelled with its intricate turn-based combat. In my playthrough, each skirmish demanded foresight and adaptability, pushing me to maneuver my squad with precision. When you make mistakes the game will punish you, losing a squad member in combat means you lost their fighting ability and any crafting job you had assigned to them like blacksmith or alchemist. Losing valuable experience and crafting skills could result in a significant loss as you have to spend time and resources to level another class. The Skelmar Invasion DLC upped the ante by introducing new foes and challenging environments, keeping every encounter unpredictable and engaging.
Dynamic Siege Combat
One of my favorite additions in the DLC was the dynamic siege combat. I got to orchestrate full-scale assaults on enemy fortifications by employing battering rams to breach defenses and launching arrow volleys to decimate foes. This fresh mechanic added a thrilling strategic layer that let me dismantle enemy strongholds with calculated precision, making every siege a standout moment in my campaign.
Squad Customization
The ability to mix and match character classes and abilities allowed me to tailor my team exactly to my play style. This freedom, reminiscent of classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, made each encounter feel both personal and strategically diverse. You can try to win through big tanking brutes or pinging your enemy from afar with archers and crossbowmen, even incorporate animals like war ponies and wolves into your squad, the choices are endless.
Robust Crafting, Gathering, and Trading
Complementing the combat and customization is the game’s robust crafting, gathering, and trading system. I enjoyed refining my gear, collecting resources, and engaging in trades that felt integral to my progression. Every decision I made in managing these systems contributed significantly to the overall success of my journey. You can also decide to go down a darker path with stealing and raiding trader caravans, just realize that guards and other NPC’s will treat you differently as your wanted level increases.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Reflecting on my own playtime in which I did observe a few bugs alongside what I have seen in other players’ Steam reviews, here is what stood out:
Pros:
Immersive Tactical Combat: The depth and challenge of the turn-based battles consistently kept me engaged, with each encounter feeling fresh.
Extensive Squad Customization: Tailoring my team with a wide variety of classes and abilities offered both strategic flexibility and personal expression.
Rich Crafting & Trading Systems: The intricate economic mechanics enhanced not only the narrative but also the tactical gameplay.
Innovative Siege Mechanics: The introduction of siege combat—with battering rams and arrow volleys—brought a new strategic layer that elevated large-scale battles.
Fresh DLC Content: Expansions like Skelmar Invasion, The Pits, The Tavern Opens, and Pirates of Belerion have continuously refined and expanded the game’s core mechanics, keeping the experience dynamic and evolving.
Cons:
Steep Learning Curve: I did find that the complexity of the systems could be challenging at first, but overcoming this only made the rewards more satisfying.
Minor Bugs & UI Quirks: Occasional performance hiccups and interface issues popped up, but they rarely detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Pacing Variations: Some exploration segments felt a bit slow; however, I appreciated the deliberate pace as it allowed for more thoughtful tactical planning.
Expanding the Experience: Additional DLC Options
Wartales continues to evolve with a variety of DLCs that add even more dimensions to its roleplaying universe. Along with the release of Skelmar theses other DLC’s are also available for purchase:
The Pits: Enjoy brutal arena combat where gladiatorial battles test your squad’s resilience and strategic prowess in high-stakes scenarios.
The Tavern Opens: This DLC lets the player experience the social side of Wartales. Local taverns become bustling hubs where new characters can be recruited. Uncovering intriguing side quests and further immerse players in the game’s rich narrative.
Pirates of Belerion: Setting sail for coastal adventures and clashing with cunning pirates can add a refreshing twist to your existing tale. The maritime challenges and new enemy types keep the gameplay dynamic and exciting.
Final Thoughts
After spending a significant amount of time with Wartales and its various DLCs—including Skelmar Invasion, The Pits, The Tavern Opens, and Pirates of Belerion, I can confidently say that this game is a must-play for any tactical RPG enthusiast. The engaging turn-based combat, deep squad customization, and robust crafting systems are already impressive on their own, but the addition of dynamic siege mechanics and diverse DLC content has elevated the experience even further.
For me, every journey in Wartales has been a richly rewarding adventure, where strategic depth and immersive storytelling go hand in hand. If you are looking for a game that challenges your tactical acumen while offering a continuously evolving narrative, Wartales is an experience that simply cannot be missed.
WARTALES: SKELMAR INVASION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review
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