Genres: Simulation video game, Indie game, Action game, Massively Multiplayer
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Developer: Flying Squirrel Entertainment
Publisher: Flying Squirrel Entertainment
WWI is a refreshing entry.
Flying Squirrel Entertainment’s game sets itself apart from other war-based shooters by focusing on a lesser-known historical event: World War I. The game immerses players in the trenches of the early 20th century. While the setting is a pleasant departure from the typical World War II or present military scenarios found in the genre, the game fails to achieve its full potential due to some aggravating control difficulties.
The good: An underexplored setting.
One of the most remarkable parts of Over the Top: WWI is its dedication to immersing players in the terrible and visceral realities of World War I. The game’s surroundings are gloomy and authentic, with muddy trenches, war-torn fields, and desolate landscapes. The sheer size of the battlefields, which can accommodate up to 200 humans or bots at once, contributes to the immersion, making each combat feel chaotic and fierce.
Destructible environments are another notable aspect. Players can obtain strategic advantages by altering the environment with artillery or explosives, digging trenches, or demolishing structures.
The game’s dedication to historical accuracy also contributes to its unique appeal. Over the Top is a fully immersive experience for history aficionados, featuring real clothing and a large collection of World War I-era equipment ranging from rifles to tanks. The incorporation of historically realistic projectile physics is an excellent touch, giving players a feeling of the hardship soldiers had when employing these weapons under such harsh conditions. This is a refreshing change from the overdone World War II or present military situations.
The bad: Control issues are holding it back
Unfortunately, despite the game’s exciting setting, Over the Top: WWI fumbles on its controls. In a game where rapid reactions and smart movement are critical to survive, the control system might feel slow and unresponsive. Whether it’s traveling through the trenches or aiming at faraway foes, the controls regularly prevent you from really enjoying the game. For example, moving while shooting results in a significant loss in accuracy, which, while meant for realism, can be unduly unpleasant when attempting to survive in large-scale engagements.
Furthermore, the melee combat system, which was influenced by titles like as Mount & Blade: Warband, can seem clumsy and imprecise. While the addition of close-quarters fighting is good, particularly for trench warfare scenarios, it frequently results in tedious engagements where hit detection appears inaccurate.
Average: Great Potential, But Needs Polish.
Without a doubt, Over the Top: WWI is a one-of-a-kind and potentially thrilling experience, but it appears to be hampered by technical limitations. The multiplayer combat, which can be big and chaotic, might be immensely entertaining if the controls were more responsive. The AI bots utilized in single-player settings are likewise inconsistent, operating either too aggressively or too passively, breaking the flow of gaming.
Technically, performance remains a concern, even in more recent playtests. While the creators have made considerable progress in improving FPS (frames per second) and overall stability, the game continues to suffer from performance issues. This is especially obvious when many explosions or heavy artillery are involved, causing frame dips even on more capable systems.
The game is clearly in its early phases of development, and with time and community
With feedback, many of these issues might be resolved.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 83%
Controls: 80%
Aesthetics: 85%
Content: 82%
Accessibility: 78%
Value: 81%
Overall: 81%
AN INTENSE AND IMMERSIVE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE!
Summary:
“Over the Top: WWI” immerses players in the grim reality of World War I through realistic gameplay and meticulous historical realism. The game’s tactical features are well-designed, requiring smart movement and timing to overcome the problems of trench warfare. The controls are intuitive, yet tight combat scenarios may require considerable skill. Aesthetically, the game shines, with evocative images and sound design that convey the gloomy tone of the time. With a strong advertising and a realistic portrayal of WWI conditions, “Over the Top: WWI” provides a fascinating and memorable voyage through history.