Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WarHeads SE takes the classic turn-based artillery formula and launches it into the vacuum of space. Each player commands a nimble spacecraft perched near planets of varying gravitational pulls, carefully adjusting thrust, angle, and weapon type to blast opponents out of orbit. The inclusion of planetary gravity wells adds a strategic twist to every shot, forcing players to account for curves and slingshot effects that wouldn’t exist in a flat Earth setting.

The weapon roster is impressively diverse, ranging from homing missiles and plasma charges to gravity bombs that can rip apart a nearby planet’s gravitational field for massive area damage. This variety keeps encounters fresh. Players can experiment with new combinations on the fly, whether it’s lobbed cluster mines to corral enemies near hazards or precision lasers that require pinpoint aiming to pierce shields.

Multiplayer support is a key highlight for WarHeads SE. Up to four players can duke it out on a single machine or over a network, turning every session into a tense standoff filled with taunts and close calls. The shareware version offers the full core experience in both single-player skirmishes and local hotseat battles, but those seeking deeper customization—like creating and sharing your own weapon types—will want the registered edition.

Graphics

Technically, WarHeads SE refreshes the original WarHeads visuals with higher-resolution sprites and smoother animations, giving each ship and explosion more definition. Though it retains a distinctly retro aesthetic, the updated color palette brings stellar backdrops, planet textures, and weapon effects to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and new.

The user interface has been overhauled for clarity. Weapon selection menus are now tabbed and icon-driven, making it easy to browse dozens of available munitions without hunting through cryptic lists. Health bars, wind indicators (showing directional gravity pull), and turn timers are cleanly displayed, helping players make snap decisions in the heat of combat.

Graphical flourishes, such as dynamic lighting on planet surfaces and particle effects for thruster burns, add atmosphere without bogging down performance. Even on modest hardware, animations remain smooth and frame rates steady, enabling fast-paced artillery exchanges. Overall, the graphics strike a fine balance between retro charm and modern polish.

Story

While WarHeads SE isn’t a story-driven epic, it offers enough narrative framing to set the stage for interplanetary conflict. The game lore describes a fractured galaxy where corporate factions and rogue admirals vie for control of precious mineral-rich planets. Each battle feels like a skirmish in a larger cold war for cosmic resources.

The single-player campaign loosely threads these skirmishes into a progression of missions, starting with tutorial scenarios and graduating to tougher matchups against AI commanders. Brief mission briefs hint at behind-the-scenes machinations between rival houses, giving players a motivation beyond simply blasting enemy ships. It’s more ambiance than deep plot, but it’s enough to keep you invested between rounds.

For players hungry for deeper custom narratives, WarHeads SE’s registered version unlocks a simple mission editor. You can script planetary conditions, placement of hazards, and even enemy loadouts. Though rudimentary compared to dedicated map editors in other titles, this tool empowers creative players to craft their own battlegrounds and challenge friends with bespoke scenarios.

Overall Experience

WarHeads SE stands out as a polished artillery game that respects its roots while introducing novel mechanics. The gravity-based physics around planets inject unpredictability into every shot, demanding both careful planning and on-the-fly adjustments. Whether you’re a solo tactician working through AI skirmishes or part of a four-player free-for-all, the satisfaction of a well-placed strike never grows old.

The learning curve is gentle: initial tutorials guide you through basic controls and weapon types, while gradually ramping up difficulty and environmental complexity. Veteran artillery fans will appreciate the depth of the weapon system and the strategic layer added by variable gravity fields. Newcomers can jump in immediately thanks to intuitive UI and a generous shareware trial that unlocks nearly everything.

From cozy LAN parties to tense online duels, WarHeads SE delivers countless hours of strategic fun. The registered version’s custom weapon and mission options extend replayability even further, offering a vibrant modding community potential. For anyone seeking a fresh spin on turn-based tank warfare—this time in the vacuum of space—WarHeads SE is a blast.

Retro Replay Score

null/10