Warring States (2018)

Gameplay Mechanics: 6/10 Narrative: 5/10 Graphics: 5/10 Sound and Music: 5/10 Replayability: 6/10 Innovation: 6/10 Warring States is a budget-friendly grand strategy game set during China's Warring States period. It aims to deliver a streamlined take on diplomacy, warfare, and empire-building in ancient China—but falls short in a few key areas. Gameplay mechanics are functional, but fairly basic. You manage resources, move armies, and engage in diplomacy and warfare. It’s a lighter experience than something like Total War or Europa Universalis, but that also makes it more accessible for newcomers. Unfortunately, the mechanics lack the depth and polish to hold up over long play sessions. Score: 6/10. Narrative is minimal. The historical setting is promising, but the game does little with it beyond faction names and brief flavor text. There’s not much storytelling or event-driven gameplay to bring the era to life. Score: 5/10. Graphics are plain. The interface is utilitarian, the map is uninspired, and unit models are simplistic. It gets the job done, but don't expect visual immersion. Score: 5/10. Sound and music are equally basic. There’s not much variation, and nothing stands…

Warring States is a charming little hex-based tactical game that punches above its weight for the price — the art style is genuinely lovely, the music fits the period beautifully, and the core combat mechanics are solid enough to keep you thinking about unit placement and timing. The morale system and unit special abilities add a satisfying layer of depth without overwhelming newcomers, and getting an S rank on missions gives you something to strive for. That said, the game feels like it never fully realized its potential: bow units can be frustratingly overpowered, the AI is passive, and after the campaign's handful of scenarios there isn't much left to do. The bigger issue is that development seems to have stalled, leaving the game feeling thin on content for its current asking price. If you catch it on a deep sale and enjoy turn-based tactics, it's worth a few pleasant evenings — but at full price, it's hard to justify.

There are 4 campaings here. First 1.5 is just too long tutorial, then there is some challenge. Nothing extraordinary, just playable hex wargame.

fun

Good turn-based strategy game. 8/10

Not much content but good if you like history