WARSAW is a tactical role-playing game developed by Pixelated Milk and published in 2019. The game lets you compose and command a team of partisan soldiers and engage in tactical turn-based battles set in Poland during Warsaw Uprising in 1944. WARSAW was created using hand-painted 2D artwork.

Story

The game story follows the real-world events taking place in Poland’s capital during the last year of the Second World War. Warsaw Uprising was an act of desperate heroism and the last cry of hope of brave Polish men, who decided to stand against Nazi Germany occupying their country for the last five years. Though outnumbered and poorly equipped, Polish people have chosen to fight back and repel invaders or die trying, as they believed that 5 minutes of freedom was much more valuable than living as slaves for the rest of their lives. As the game progresses, you will meet many fictional soldiers with their own stories, based on stories of historical characters – this allows you to learn more about one of the most important and dramatic events in the late modern history of Poland.

Gameplay and Game Modes

Warsaw game consists of four main gameplay parts – army management, mission planning, navigating the city, and the turn-based combat. On top of that, you will be also presented with random events between missions and a few options to choose from. The choice you make will affect the gameplay. Management takes place in the resistance hideout, where you will be able to manage your supplies, heal your soldiers, choose their skills and equipment, or recruit new volunteers to support your cause.

Mission planning lets you take a look at an overview map of the Warsaw divided into several districts, each with its own morale and attrition. All districts reward you with some income each day, and the higher the morale, the higher the income. Failing missions in the chosen district raises its attrition, which ultimately leads to losing the district and reduces its income to zero. After choosing the mission, you will be able to pick soldiers you want to send, along with the supplies for them to carry.

After composing the team you will enter the chosen district, where you will need to navigate the streets on the strategic map. There will be supplies and enemy patrols scattered around, and you are free to explore the area. Once you are near the enemy team, you can start the combat phase. 

During the turn-based combat, you will be able to give your soldiers orders, such as using skills, healing other party members, or attacking enemies. Injuries carry over and need to be treated later in the hideout, and death is permanent. Victorious soldiers will be awarded with experience points, which can increase their ranks and give them access to new skills.

Reception

Warsaw game received favorable reviews. Among the most often praised features critics mentioned the demanding but rewarding difficulty level, beautiful hand-painted artwork, and the unique atmosphere. The historical value was also noted. Because of the game’s specific art design and certain mechanics implemented, WARSAW was often referred to as the Darkest Dungeon in the Second World War setting.

Key features:

• Compose and command your team of Polish Home Army soldiers during Warsaw Uprising
• Plan accordingly and utilize numerous tactics and items in order to defeat Nazi Germany
• Develop your characters – let them learn new skills and manage their equipment
• Make difficult choices throughout the game – choose carefully as they will impact the gameplay
• Non-linear gameplay allows to replay the title and achieve different results