Wargroove 2 is a fantastic follow-up to the well-received turn-based strategy game. It takes everything that made the first game great and builds upon it with a richer story, more diverse campaigns, and a continued focus on user-generated content.
One of the biggest improvements in Wargroove 2 is the storytelling. The first game had a decent narrative, but this sequel takes things to a whole new level. We get to explore the world of Aurania through the eyes of new characters, each with their own motivations and struggles. There’s Lytra, a young Faahri soldier caught between two contrasting leaders, and Prince Koji, torn between duty and a blossoming romance. The stories feel surprisingly mature, dealing with themes like family pressure, colonialism, and the consequences of war. It’s rare to see a strategy game with such well-developed characters and emotional weight.
The campaign structure has also been improved. Instead of one long campaign, Wargroove 2 offers several shorter ones, each focused on a specific faction and type of warfare. This keeps things fresh and allows players to master different strategies. Whether you prefer ground troops, air units, or naval battles, there’s a campaign for you.
The core gameplay of Wargroove 2 remains familiar to fans of the first game and Advance Wars. You’ll still be moving units around a grid-based map, capturing structures, and battling it out with your opponent. The art style is still beautiful, and the music is catchy. New unit types add some variety, but the overall balance could still use some tweaks.
Just like the first game in the series, Wargroove 2 is great with its user-generated content options. The creation tools are easy to use yet powerful, allowing players to design their own maps and campaigns. Sharing these creations online is a breeze, extending the game’s lifespan and fostering a thriving community.
While the new Conquest mode offers a fun, rogue-like twist, it doesn’t quite replace the more traditional large-scale battles of the previous game’s Arcade mode. This might be a bit of a letdown for some players.
Despite a few minor shortcomings, Wargroove 2 is a fantastic sequel. It delivers a heartfelt story, diverse campaigns, and a robust online experience. If you’re a fan of turn-based strategy games, Wargroove 2 is a must-play.
