Isonzo: Review in 2024

A World War I first-person shooter with a focus on realism? In a genre flooded with fast-paced modern shooters, that seemed like a niche pick. But after spending a couple of hours on the servers I can confidently say Isonzo offers an experience that, while not perfect, scratches a very specific itch.

A Game About Brutal Realism

Let’s start with the most noticeable aspect of Isonzo: its brutal realism. Unlike other shooters where you can soak up bullets like a sponge, here you’re often killed by a single shot. Whether it’s a headshot from a distant Marksman or a lucky hit from a Rifleman, death comes swiftly. This forces you to play cautiously, hugging cover and carefully choosing when to advance. If you’re the type of player who loves to run-and-gun, this game will punish you for it—hard.

At first, I struggled with this. I died… a lot. But once I accepted that survival in Isonzo means playing smart—scouting positions, leveraging terrain, and sticking close to teammates—I started appreciating the design. The game feels like a brutal, chaotic dance where every step could be your last.

Offense vs. Defense: Two Sides of the Same War

The way Isonzo splits its gameplay into offensive and defensive roles is brilliant. On offense, you’re charging into enemy positions, dealing with barbed wire, barricades, and a hailstorm of bullets. Defense, on the other hand, is a more measured experience. You’re tasked with holding the line, fortifying positions, and keeping enemies at bay. Personally, I preferred playing defense—something about digging in and repelling waves of attackers feels satisfying in a way that’s unique to this game.

There are multiple classes to choose from, each with its own weapons and tools. I spent most of my time playing as a Marksman, picking off targets from a distance. The satisfaction of landing a clean shot after patiently tracking an enemy is unmatched. That said, if sniping isn’t your style, you can opt for Engineers (who build barricades), Assault troops, or Riflemen. There’s enough variety to keep the gameplay fresh.

Ambience and Atmosphere: Isonzo’s Greatest Strength

One area where Isonzo shines is its atmosphere. The game transports you to the Italian front, a theater of war that’s rarely explored in video games. The maps are stunning, ranging from snow-covered mountains to crumbling villages, and they’re designed in a way that emphasizes both beauty and destruction. As you navigate the battlefield, the sound design pulls you in further—gunfire echoes across hills, explosions shake the ground, and the cries of wounded soldiers add to the tension.

The sheer authenticity made me curious about the history behind the game, even prompting me to look up the real battles that inspired Isonzo. It’s rare for a shooter to achieve that level of immersion.

Multiplayer and Performance

While Isonzo thrives on its realism, the multiplayer experience can be hit or miss. When everything works, the large-scale battles are intense and rewarding. However, I did encounter some issues, particularly with lag on busy servers. During one match, I died several times without even seeing who shot me, which was frustrating. That said, the free-to-play weekend might have overloaded the servers, so it’s worth giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Single-player modes against bots are a nice touch for newcomers or players like me who don’t always want to dive into competitive play. The AI isn’t perfect, but it gets the job done, providing a decent challenge when you’re learning the ropes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Immersive, realistic WWI combat
• Beautifully designed maps with historical accuracy
• Varied classes and roles that encourage teamwork
• Tense, rewarding gameplay

Cons:

• Harsh difficulty curve for new players
• Occasional lag and server issues
• Limited unlock progression can feel slow

Final Thoughts: Should You Play It?