Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Another War draws you in with a familiar isometric RPG interface that will feel instantly recognizable to fans of classic titles like Baldur’s Gate. Navigation, character management, and inventory screens are laid out in a straightforward manner, allowing you to focus on strategy rather than hunting for menus. Combat unfolds in real time, but you can pause the action at any moment to issue precise commands, making each skirmish feel deliberate and rewarding.

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The game rewards both tactical thinking and exploration. Experience points are earned through defeating a wide variety of enemy troops—from German patrols in rural France to Soviet soldiers on the Eastern Front—and by completing richly detailed quests. Side missions often require clever use of items found in your surroundings or dialogue choices that can open new paths, ensuring that you’re never stuck staring at an empty map.

Dialogue plays a pivotal role in Another War. Conversations with NPCs are text-heavy and frequently offer multiple response options, which can have tangible effects on quest outcomes or your standing with different resistance cells. Whether you’re coaxing intel out of a reluctant informant or negotiating safe passage through an enemy checkpoint, your words matter—and sometimes they’ll lead to unforeseen consequences.

Graphics

Visually, Another War leans into a 2D pre-rendered aesthetic that harks back to the late ’90s and early 2000s. Character sprites are richly detailed, with period-appropriate uniforms and weaponry that convey the gritty reality of World War II. Although the environments lack the dynamic lighting of modern 3D engines, careful use of color and texture gives each location its own distinct atmosphere.

The isometric vantage point offers both a tactical advantage and a cinematic perspective on the action. From the rolling vineyards of occupied France to the snowbound landscapes of the USSR, each region is crafted to reflect its unique historical and geographical context. Animation frames are relatively limited by today’s standards, but they remain smooth enough to keep combat and exploration feeling fluid.

Many of the game’s visual nods to classic books and movies—Raiders of the Lost Ark, Catch-22, Saving Private Ryan—also appear in subtle environmental details. A hidden bunker might sport newspaper clippings referencing famous wartime events, or an NPC’s dialogue bubble could be accompanied by evocative period photography. These little touches enrich the presentation without feeling like mere fan service.

Story

At its core, Another War tells the story of a nameless resistance fighter navigating the treacherous landscape of German-occupied Europe. You begin in France, escaping Gestapo patrols, before forging uneasy alliances and forging into Germany itself in an effort to strike at the heart of the Reich. As chapters unfold, you’ll find yourself in Yugoslavia aiding partisan groups, braving the Red Army frontlines in the USSR, and even undertaking a covert mission in wartime Iceland.

The writing balances gritty realism with occasional moments of dark humor and homage. NPCs will quote lines reminiscent of The Dirty Dozen one moment and then break into a farcical routine straight out of Allo, Allo the next. This tonal variation helps the narrative feel fresh, but it occasionally clashes with the otherwise serious subject matter, leading to unexpected tonal shifts.

Branching dialogue ensures that you’re not just along for the ride. Choices you make—whether to aid a downed pilot or liberate a small village—carry real weight. Some missions can be bypassed or handled with stealth rather than direct confrontation, and outcomes can change depending on how much trust you’ve built with local resistance cells. This layered approach encourages multiple playthroughs to see how different decisions ripple across the war-torn map.

Overall Experience

Another War offers a nostalgic trip for fans of old-school isometric RPGs who also have an interest in World War II narratives. Its blend of real-time combat, choice-driven dialogue, and globe-trotting campaign delivers a substantial adventure with plenty of twists. The journey from the French countryside to the frozen wastes of Iceland spans dozens of hours, filled with side quests, hidden secrets, and cinematic set pieces.

That said, the game’s text-heavy interactions can feel daunting to players more accustomed to modern, streamlined interfaces. Similarly, the dated 2D graphics and occasionally stiff animations may not appeal to everyone. Combat can be challenging at higher difficulties, and some quests require careful note-taking or map-sketching to avoid getting lost in the sprawling environments.

For those willing to embrace its old-school charm, Another War provides a rich and rewarding experience. It succeeds in weaving historical detail with pop-culture allusions, offering both fans of RPGs and history buffs a fresh perspective on a much-explored era. If you’re looking for a game that values strategic planning, narrative depth, and a sense of genuine historical immersion, this title is well worth investigating.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10