Steel Diver: Sub Wars

 3DS
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 55
  3. Negative: 4 out of 55

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  1. Daveisonline
    Feb 15, 2014
    8
    Surprisingly very fun. Its a sub based First Person Shooter that relies more on strategy and placement rather than twitch reflexes, which can lead to some incredibly tense gameplay moments.

    While some people may call it a Free To Play game I'd really be reluctant to call it an F2P game, its more like a Demo with the full game being $10 along with real sub DLC at $1 a piece, meaning the    Surprisingly very fun. Its a sub based First Person Shooter that relies more on strategy and placement rather than twitch reflexes, which can lead to some incredibly tense gameplay moments.

    While some people may call it a Free To Play game I'd really be reluctant to call it an F2P game, its more like a Demo with the full game being $10 along with real sub DLC at $1 a piece, meaning the max you can spend on this game is $15, which is pretty reasonable.

    While some people may think its Pay to Win with this model it is possible to take out premium subs with the free subs with some good strategy. I was able to take out a match of sinking all 4 enemy subs 2 of which were premium subs.

    The Single player is pretty neat all be it a bit short with only 2 missions available in the free mode, 7 in the premium mode, granted each stage has 3 levels of difficulty which increases or changes the enemies or types of enemies on each map. But really its only good for a distraction since the multiplayer is where its at.

    While I have praised the Online mode to keep you coming back for more given its very addictive nature I do have some issues with it. Firstly there's only one multiplayer mode which is 4v4 Last Man Standing. Also theres no Friend matches or invites which is disappointing. Also the game makes to chat in this game using ... I **** you not ... Morse Code. While it sounds like an awesome setup, it turns out to be more of a novelty rather than practical.

    But the sheer fun alone and the fact that its free makes can give me a high recommendation to try it out.    … Expand
  2. Leigh28
    Feb 19, 2014
    8
    Ok so i bought this game the other day and I've really enjoy the free version so far the online multi-player is really fun and i real like few single player missions I've already played. So decide to get the premium pack so i had access to all the subs and rest missions and am pretty satisfied with the results. Game is more focussed on the online then single player but there is stuff toOk so i bought this game the other day and I've really enjoy the free version so far the online multi-player is really fun and i real like few single player missions I've already played. So decide to get the premium pack so i had access to all the subs and rest missions and am pretty satisfied with the results. Game is more focussed on the online then single player but there is stuff to do if your only playing by yourself. 7 missions each with 3 difficultly settings that change the lay-out or make more enemies appear. Really like collecting crew members that appears in single player and online battles. These can give you vary different abilities that change stats on your sub. There 32 in all that not including the pattern designs and DLC that you can purchase if want. You can unlock more subs by collecting medals in single player and you can also lvl up in the online battles which give access to lot more subs and pattern designs. Overall am really happy with purchases and think game is a lot fun and recommend it to anyone who looking for fps with underwater twist . Only bad things i think of is no way at the moment to play with friends and m-code can be little hard use first time its not very practical way of chatting with your buddies but lets hope nintendo decide to patch or update game add these features in the future. 8 /10… Expand
  3. RidleyKRO
    Feb 17, 2014
    9
    Damn fun game. Even the free version is a blast, and despite the premium version having superior subs, they don't have much advantage, and the game is pretty balanced. My only problems with the game is the connection errors that ruin my winstreaks and the lack of communities. Hopefully they might add in this in the future.
  4. NecoViros
    Feb 18, 2014
    9
    This game is a fun, unique, and free experience on the Nintendo eshop. The campaign serves as a competent tutorial for the online portion which is (in my opinion) the best part of the game. The controls which initially feel clunky take some time to get used to but when you do the game is very fun. Also, if you want to learn morse code all the chat done done though morse code so thisThis game is a fun, unique, and free experience on the Nintendo eshop. The campaign serves as a competent tutorial for the online portion which is (in my opinion) the best part of the game. The controls which initially feel clunky take some time to get used to but when you do the game is very fun. Also, if you want to learn morse code all the chat done done though morse code so this provides a good way to learn. If you find 1st person sub combat somewhat intriguing you should check out the game.
    Note: at the time of writing this review I have not bought the premium option so this review only applies to the free portion.    … Expand
  5. SweetCreature
    Mar 15, 2014
    10
    It's such a fun game to play. Sure, it gives the image of not being too interesting at first but the online play is so easy to use it sucks you into a competitive yet friendly (without shrieking kids and all) multiplayer action. You can also play it for FREE. Normally I'd give this game a 8/10 but the average of the critic reviews are outrageously low.
  6. Draconian
    Nov 10, 2014
    0
    This game is programmed by bullies. In "Matched Skills" mode, once you hit Level 30 you are paired with anybody up to level 99! In other words, people even 69 levels higher than you with MUCH better subs will be placed with you. You will do nothing but lose for many, many levels, advancing by 20 or 30 points a game where you need over 2000 to get to the next level. Does this sound likeThis game is programmed by bullies. In "Matched Skills" mode, once you hit Level 30 you are paired with anybody up to level 99! In other words, people even 69 levels higher than you with MUCH better subs will be placed with you. You will do nothing but lose for many, many levels, advancing by 20 or 30 points a game where you need over 2000 to get to the next level. Does this sound like fun? It's not. Probably the only ones having fun are the programmers who gave themselves Level 99 during playtesting.… Expand
  7. Aozz101x
    Apr 7, 2014
    8
    Best Free-To Play Game ever
    the game has a very fun multplayer mode, i would love for the game be a costed game as well
    overall the game is very fun, a loved the customized ship option as well
  8. Plasmaneedle
    May 19, 2014
    8
    Steel Diver Sub Wars exceeds its predecessor in almost every way, adding more strategic tactical gameplay at a slower more measures paced. This makes for a fun and unique online experience that is worth checking out due to its free price.
  9. havingfun89
    Feb 26, 2017
    7
    Steel Diver Sub Wars is a solid game overall, but with the limited stages of the campaign, the free version lacks any reason for me to buy the full version other than the gameplay itself, which is still very good. Recommended for short bursts of time if you do not want to buy the full version.
  10. b225
    Aug 10, 2014
    9
    This game is amazing, I found it to be close to World of Tanks, because they are both slow paced military vehicle first person shooters. Sub Wars requires strategy, as charging into battle will lead to your demise.It has a pleasant multiplayer experience, but I find the campaign a bit bland. The 3ds has needed a game like this for a while and since it's free why not give it a try?There isThis game is amazing, I found it to be close to World of Tanks, because they are both slow paced military vehicle first person shooters. Sub Wars requires strategy, as charging into battle will lead to your demise.It has a pleasant multiplayer experience, but I find the campaign a bit bland. The 3ds has needed a game like this for a while and since it's free why not give it a try?There is a paid premium version that allows you to unlock more subs and play more missions. I believe that the $10.75 is well worth the price for the premium version.… Expand
  11. elvie7890
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    Steel Diver:Sub Wars is a fun take on the franchise and is a great game.While the single player is shallow,the multiplayer is obviously the main focus and is a great,unique,and enjoyable shooter.
  12. Silverzapper
    Mar 9, 2016
    9
    The fact that you don't have to spend a singe penny to play this game is awesome. Notice how I say game and not demo. The full game is really more of an expansion pack if anything. The fact that it's multiplayer makes it that much more appealing. Seriously you have no reason not to have this game. NO REASON!
  13. Awesome2312
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    I simply adore this game. Single player is short but very fun and the multiplayer is the main draw. I have played this game for hours on end and the only reason im not playing it right now is that the 3ds i had it on broke ☹️.
  14. xylencia
    Mar 23, 2017
    8
    The single player missions are fun enough, but not something you would play overly many times. But multi-player is where this truly shines, its gameplay is simple but addictive when pitched against other human players. As a free to play game, one really can't complain. But as you progress to higher levels and get matched up with more seasoned players, you would find that your "free toThe single player missions are fun enough, but not something you would play overly many times. But multi-player is where this truly shines, its gameplay is simple but addictive when pitched against other human players. As a free to play game, one really can't complain. But as you progress to higher levels and get matched up with more seasoned players, you would find that your "free to play" sub somewhat inferior. I wouldn't jump in to buy the Premium version of this game, but as an option you could buy a DLC sub for $1 and be pretty much on par with the premium players. But all in all still good addictive fun that would last you a good many hours of fun with at a price point which is basically Zero.… Expand
  15. Onioncreature
    Aug 17, 2020
    9
    One of the most overlooked Nintendo games of all time. The game offers a wholly unique FPS experience which while unconventional, is deeply enjoyable. It's a free-to-play title as well, and offers the entire multiplayer experience free of charge. There are options for paid upgrades, but they aren't particularly obtrusive and it's a great title regardless. Multiplayer is the main focus,One of the most overlooked Nintendo games of all time. The game offers a wholly unique FPS experience which while unconventional, is deeply enjoyable. It's a free-to-play title as well, and offers the entire multiplayer experience free of charge. There are options for paid upgrades, but they aren't particularly obtrusive and it's a great title regardless. Multiplayer is the main focus, with the single player acting largely as a tutorial. The online and offline matches can be quite tense, and a great deal of skill is required to excel. The inclusion of Morse code as a means of communicating with other players is somewhat genius, and adds to the authenticity of the game. The stage selection also includes a few off the wall selections like a fish tank, swimming pool, and hot springs, which contrasts hilariously with the otherwise realistic tone and visuals. A fantastic game, I hope to see the Steel Diver series continue in the future by expanding on the rock solid foundation established with Sub Wars.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best 3DS Game of 2014
18
#18 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2014
37
#37 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Apr 13, 2014
    79
    Its measured pace is precisely what makes it such a fresh twist on the shooter. [Apr 2014, p.82]
  2. Eurogamer Portugal
    Apr 11, 2014
    70
    Despite the minimalist design and a lack of game modes, the best of Sub Wars lies in the nature of strategic battles and the online that was not present in Steel Diver.
    Read full review
  3. FNintendo
    Apr 7, 2014
    70
    A great improvement over its predecessor, Steel Diver: Sub Wars is successful at putting the player in a submarine environment, recreating several aspects of these vessels within the boundaries set by the 3DS. The overall short length of its one player mode and the lack of options on multiplayer mode end up becoming obstacles on its route, but this is a title that will not disappoint.
    Read full review
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