War Tech Fighters Nintendo Switch Review

War Tech Fighters is an action-packed Mech game set in many stunning environments. Developed by Drakkar Dev and published by Blowfish Studios, this title launched for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One on June 27th, 2019. Previously it launched on PC back in 2018. The blockbuster-like space shooter will only cost you a solid $19.99 USD.

Source: Mike Szoke, In-Game Screenshot

For fans of the Gundam series, you won’t find anything near as great as the best of the series in War Tech Fighters. But you may find an enjoyable time that can hold you over until the release of Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operations 2 here in the west.

The same can be said of those who are patiently or, like myself, not so patiently awaiting the release of Daemon x Machina. W.T.F isn’t nearly as stunning as either look, but for twenty bucks, it’ll definitely hold you over. While managing to provide fun in its own regard as well.

Unfortunately, the game itself doesn’t fully comprehend the disconnect between player and story. Often creating tense or emotional scenes that fail to land completely due to a lack of connection to any of the characters or plot. Even when reading everything you can and following the plot in detail. The game would benefit from not taking itself so seriously, and focusing more on the experience of the player.

There are also some technical issues with the game. The writing can be a bit wonky at times. At one point Aiko tells you “I must go to do some maintenance at the docks…” which sounds just a tad bit off. And the writing issues don’t stop there. While not a major distraction, it does detract from the experience for those more grammar oriented.

Blockbuster Action

The gameplay itself is fun, although typical. They give you a machine gun arm, heavy cannons, missile launchers, and melee weapons. Then by combining these various weapons, you can manage to take down fleets of enemies at once. But you have a limited amount of energy, however, so timing your shots is important.

When enemies are badly injured, you can also do finishers. These allow your energy to recharge. And you can engage other War Techs in melee combat using various types of swords to do so.

One major downside to both is how jarring transitioning into these scenes are. Instead of being smooth, you’re met with different pacing, very different controls, it just stops feeling like you’re in control and rather feels like you’re playing a point-and-click adventure game. Making these aspects smoother is no easy task, so I understand the route the developers took. But I still wish there was more to it. A more coherent combat experience would overall improve the quality of the game by a large margin.

Missions can also get repetitive after awhile. You’re either hacking into things, escorting something, fighting enemies, or some combination. That continues for roughly ten or more hours until the game is over. Fortunately, there are challenge modes that add a bit more variety to the game as a whole.

Plus there’s upgrading. By completing missions you earn money that can then be spent on new equipment or research completion. Both can greatly improve your stats and unlock more unique weaponry options.

The  Art of War… Tech Fighters

The graphics are impressive for a more realistic styled indie title. While obviously not on the level of Red Dead Redemption 2, the game manages to have an art style similar to the many Japanese Mech games it draws inspiration from, while capturing a flair of design that belongs just to it.

The many customization designs look great, and while options are fairly limited, they give the player a sense of individuality. Plus, having certain upgrades locked behind a certain level or research restrictions is smart since it gives the player a sense of progression.

The music is well-composed. While not anything mind-blowing, it does work as it should. Elevating gameplay by placing significance on certain events that are about to happen or are currently happening. The music never gets old either, which for some indie titles is a major Achilles Heel.

The Verdict

Unfortunately, this game is held back by the lack of original ideas. Nearly everything in this game has been done in previous Mech games, and typically a lot better. Even down to the name of the game itself, “War Tech Fighters”, yeah, you use these pieces of tech to fight in a war.

Regardless, it still manages to offer up a fun experience. Plus it has a far deeper leveling-up system and customization options than I originally thought it would have. So, despite some muddy controls and an insignificant story, for only twenty bucks, this game will go a long way in holding people over for the major Mech games on the horizon.

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