14 DAY TRIAL // Should I wait for more funds to deploy an APC, or should I simply put up a turret and two pipsqueaks to break the incoming enemy wave? Do I need to level up my current force or should I get A larger force out? Are mines a good idea? Should I activate one of my two special buttons or is my war effort better served by acting conservatively? These are just some of the battlefield dilemmas thrown up by tactical situations in Warpips.
The title is developed by Skirmish Mode Games, with publishing handled by Daedalic Entertainment. The game is right now in Early Access on Steam, delivering a unique take on the strategy genre.
In Warpips the player does not directly control his force. He can choose who he takes into battle and when to deploy his forces. But once out on the field, they choose where to take cover and who to target. As armies battle, the player gets points to spend, augmenting his abilities with better troops, more space to field units, or extra cash to get them onto the battlefield. Two buttons allow the player to boost either the defensive or offensive performance of his troops at crucial moments.
It’s a neat system that makes it easy to focus on the bigger picture while allowing the little people to choose where to stand and who to shoot at. There are synergies to discover, special abilities to use, upgrade to invest in. I love snipers and APC, but another player might focus on turrets, some manual targeting, and many pips.
Warpips looks a little bit retro and a little bit indie, with pixelated small units and cute destructible battlefields. The user interface makes it easy for gamers to get info at a glance and control the action. The soundtrack is equally suited for action, although a little more variety would serve it well.
Conclusion
The development team at Skirmish Mode Games has created a solid set of mechanics. I like the balancing of the Conquest Mode. A new Endless option is in development, and I am eager to see how the final version of Warpips delivers on its current promise.
