Line War

Line War is a unique real-time strategy game that blends elements from various subgenres, including grand strategy, 4X expansion, auto battler AI, and real-time tactics. Players engage in multiplayer battles where they control units and buildings, strategically drawing lines to issue orders and capture territory. The game aims to combine the depth of strategy board games with the fast-paced action of RTS games, offering a fresh experience for strategy enthusiasts.

Line War: Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of real-time strategy (RTS) games, few titles have managed to carve out a niche as uniquely as Line War. Developed by Studio Centurion, this game stands out not just for its innovative command system but also for its deep strategic gameplay and meticulous attention to detail. Released in May 2022, Line War has since garnered a dedicated following, thanks to its fresh approach to a genre that has seen countless iterations over the years. This review will delve into the various aspects of Line War, from its development history to its gameplay mechanics, and ultimately provide a verdict on its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

Studio Centurion, the brainchild behind Line War, was founded by Christian and Stefan, two seasoned game developers with a passion for strategy games. The studio’s journey began with Christian’s board game, Strategica, which he had been refining over two decades. The idea to convert Strategica into an RTS video game was born out of a desire to create a new type of strategic experience that would stand out in the crowded market.

The development of Line War started in early 2019, with the team initially working from a small office in Stockholm. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to shift to remote work, a challenge they overcame through daily Discord calls. The prototype of Line War was developed to test the concept of controlling units with visual commands, a feature that would become the game’s signature.

Line War was officially released on May 5, 2022, on Steam. The game’s development was marked by a relentless focus on innovation and player feedback. Studio Centurion’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the numerous updates and patches released since its launch, each aimed at refining the gameplay experience and adding new features.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Line War does not have a traditional narrative or storyline. Instead, it focuses on providing a deep strategic experience that allows players to express their creativity and tactical prowess. The game’s themes revolve around strategy, resource management, and territorial control. Players are tasked with expanding their influence, acquiring resources, and outmaneuvering their opponents through a combination of economic planning and military strategy.

The game’s setting is a procedurally generated world filled with diverse terrain and resources. This asymmetry ensures that no two matches are ever the same, adding a layer of unpredictability and replayability. The absence of a traditional narrative allows players to focus solely on the strategic aspects of the game, making it a pure distillation of the RTS genre.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Line War introduces a revolutionary command system that sets it apart from traditional RTS games. Instead of directly controlling individual units, players draw lines and place orders on the map, configuring settings and unit types as needed. This system allows for a high level of flexibility and control, enabling players to issue complex commands with ease.

The game features a variety of units, each with its distinct role and capabilities. These units are categorized into land, air, and naval categories, and players must strategically deploy them to gain an advantage. The command system allows for the creation of movement and attack commands, defensive lines, and territorial conquests, all of which can be configured to filter out certain units for more precise control.

One of the standout features of Line War is its focus on strategy over micro-management. The game’s pacing is slower than most RTS titles, giving players the time to read the battlefield and make informed decisions. This emphasis on strategic thinking is further enhanced by the game’s unique “picking phase,” where players choose their starting locations, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Line War features a vibrant and colorful art style that is both visually appealing and functional. The game’s maps are procedurally generated, ensuring a high degree of variability and replayability. The terrain is diverse, with forests, mountains, and coastal areas, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities.

The sound design in Line War is equally impressive, with high-quality weapon sound effects and unit callouts that aid in situational awareness. The music, however, is somewhat lackluster, with a barren and uninspired soundtrack that fails to capture the intensity of the gameplay.

Reception & Legacy

Line War has received mixed reviews since its release. Critics have praised the game’s innovative command system and deep strategic gameplay, but have also noted its lack of ambition and repetitive gameplay. The game’s average critic score stands at 62%, with players giving it a more favorable rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Despite its mixed reception, Line War has carved out a niche for itself in the RTS genre. The game’s unique approach to command and control has inspired other developers to experiment with similar systems, and its focus on strategy over micro-management has resonated with a segment of the gaming community.

Conclusion

Line War is a bold experiment in the RTS genre, offering a fresh take on command and control that sets it apart from traditional titles. Its innovative command system, deep strategic gameplay, and procedurally generated worlds make it a unique and engaging experience. However, the game’s lack of ambition, repetitive gameplay, and connectivity issues hold it back from achieving greatness.

In conclusion, Line War is a game that deserves attention for its innovative approach to RTS gameplay. While it may not be perfect, it offers a fresh and engaging experience that is sure to appeal to strategy enthusiasts. Its legacy lies in its influence on the genre, inspiring other developers to experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible in RTS games.