This War of Mine

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1106 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 867 out of 1106
  2. Mixed: 169 out of 1106
  3. Negative: 70 out of 1106

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  1. Lambo442
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    There's nothing more heart wrenching and infuriating as having a survivor killed in this game as it pretty much cripples you in terms of being able to protect yourself against attacks. You will also get killed easily when raiding inhabited buildings, so don't bother getting into any skirmishes until you've got some firepower, and even then favour trade and thievery over direct contact.There's nothing more heart wrenching and infuriating as having a survivor killed in this game as it pretty much cripples you in terms of being able to protect yourself against attacks. You will also get killed easily when raiding inhabited buildings, so don't bother getting into any skirmishes until you've got some firepower, and even then favour trade and thievery over direct contact. However, stealing will have a negative effect on your mood. The other survivors out there are extremely paranoid and can turn on you quickly if you act suspiciously or annoy them. This game it intense, original, graphically gorgeous and will keep you coming back again and again as you know deep down how it's all going end up - in total carnage… Expand
  2. GodModule
    Nov 28, 2014
    10
    Without a doubt, This War of Mine has been one of my favorite games of the year. I purchased this with absolutely no expectations; I saw it on Steam for $20, thought it was an interesting concept, and decided to give it a go. After playing it for probably 10 hours in the past 3 days, I have to say that it's probably the best $20 I've ever spent!

    The first thing you notice when you start    Without a doubt, This War of Mine has been one of my favorite games of the year. I purchased this with absolutely no expectations; I saw it on Steam for $20, thought it was an interesting concept, and decided to give it a go. After playing it for probably 10 hours in the past 3 days, I have to say that it's probably the best $20 I've ever spent!

    The first thing you notice when you start this game up is the very minimalistic design. The game plays out in very simple 2D environments that look almost like pages from a sketchbook. If you're anything like me, this might take you aback. Call me shallow, but graphics are important to me! They're not everything, but they go a long way in immersing you in the storyline. As the game unfolds, however, you realize that the simple, drab art actually matches the "survivors in a war-torn city" theme quite well. Before long, you're completely lost in this world.

    Like the art, the gameplay mechanics are simple to grasp but far deeper than they appear at first glance. You start out in your shelter--a dilapidated, abandoned house--and you notice icons over the various things you can interact with. Click on a pile of rubble, and you find some wood and nails. Open a cabinet and you find a few pieces of jewelry and a lockpick. You'll need all of these things. This isn't like Skyrim where half the stuff you find is junk, and it isn't like Fallout where you can beat the game without even dealing with the crafting components. Here, everything you find has a purpose that can save your life. Those old electrical components will be used to construct a radio that will clue you in to what's going on in the city; that empty pill casing can you be used to make critical medications later in the game. Even stuff like old books are useful. Your characters can read them to stay entertained and happy (more on that later), you can burn them for fuel to stave off the chill of winter, or you can trade them for things you need. The challenge comes in choosing what to take with you. As the game progresses, you must venture out into the city to scavenge supplies, and your squad members have very limited backpack space to carry things in. Do you bring back the the gunpowder to make the bullets you'll need to clear out the bad guys in another area, or do you pick up the food that's as scare as it is critical? Finding the right balance is essential, and you'll likely have to start over a couple times before you know what works best.

    No matter what style of play you choose, the game is always challenging. That's a good thing! In other games, you might just kill everyone you see and take their possessions until you build up enough wealth to coast through the game. Better them than you right? Not so here. Killing innocent characters or even stealing from them will cause your squad to suffer guilt. You'll see little thought bubbles appear of their head sharing their lament with you: "Those patients at the hospital are probably going to die because of me." Kill too many non-bad guys and one of your squad members may even commit suicide. Most other reviewers are using the term "pulls no punches" a lot, and that's definitely true.

    The only drawbacks are in the minimalistic design. While it works well, you can't help but imagine how much better the game could have been with a little more depth. Since emotions play such a big role for your characters, it would be nice to have some kind of dialogue system you could use to cheer each other up, or maybe even ask for help from other non-team members. Also, there's a lot of room for the storyline to really develop and add to the emotional impact you feel. Even lacking this, however, this is still a great, challenging game. If you have $20 to spend and don't mind getting sucked into it for awhile, give it a shot!    … Expand
  3. sherbz
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    The most refreshing thing about this game is that realistically depicts what war is really like. Unlike the glorified COD which, incidentally, is funded by the US military. Go figure! Basically, war is hell. And so is this game. Its a struggle most of the time. And you have to scrape and save and muster and manage. And it is, quite honestly, very satisfying. Cross walking dead withThe most refreshing thing about this game is that realistically depicts what war is really like. Unlike the glorified COD which, incidentally, is funded by the US military. Go figure! Basically, war is hell. And so is this game. Its a struggle most of the time. And you have to scrape and save and muster and manage. And it is, quite honestly, very satisfying. Cross walking dead with a good strategy title and you pretty much have it. Well played developers. Picked it up for £3 on steam and im hooked. And so much replayability. I am a fan! Well done!… Expand
  4. Watersson
    Jul 18, 2015
    10
    It's a huge piece of great game. I've never played any survival games before but I know one thing- this one is extremely amazing. In "war games" we usually used to be soldiers. In This War of Mine we are civilians and we are trying to survive. Very good and fresh idea. Game has got really simple but nice crafting system. What about storyline? Well. There isn't any storyline! We areIt's a huge piece of great game. I've never played any survival games before but I know one thing- this one is extremely amazing. In "war games" we usually used to be soldiers. In This War of Mine we are civilians and we are trying to survive. Very good and fresh idea. Game has got really simple but nice crafting system. What about storyline? Well. There isn't any storyline! We are creating it by ourself and each one of us could make something different. Such a beautiful thing... Graphic... As for me- 10/10. Of course it's not like like Witcher 3 or GTA V but does it mean that it's bad? NO. It's charming. Really charming. Just play this game ;)… Expand
  5. strav
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    This War Of Mine is a harsh, unforgiving and absolutely delightful game (easily among my top 3 of 2014).

    You begin with a small group of ordinary people, each having their own skills and weaknesses and try to survive through a civil war that has left you with barely no resources. At it's core, the concept of the game is quite simple (yet innovative for all I know): during the day, you    This War Of Mine is a harsh, unforgiving and absolutely delightful game (easily among my top 3 of 2014).

    You begin with a small group of ordinary people, each having their own skills and weaknesses and try to survive through a civil war that has left you with barely no resources. At it's core, the concept of the game is quite simple (yet innovative for all I know): during the day, you must make the best of what you have to organize your shelter in order to tend to the needs of your group while at night, you go scavenging for the resources you are in dire need of.

    Where all this really takes off, is how the game mechanics have been fine tuned so that each and every day, the stakes are to the max. As it is the case for any realistic survival situation, every bits of food and material is vital and must be carefully managed, every step you make while scavenging can be deadly and have irreversible consequences - this is a rogue-like game: you cannot save and everything you do generally have irreversible consequences.

    For instance: you must have water to cook food (per the game's mechanics, raw food is less nourishing) and given a group of four people, you hence might need a certain amount of water to feed them well. Let's say one day you forget to tend to your water collector, the raw food you have might then not be sufficient to nourish everyone in your group. Being malnourished, someone might get sick so that, on your scavenging night, instead of simply having to find a little amount of food, you now must find water, lots of food and some meds. Meds are usually rare and chances are you'll have to sneak your way in some dangerous place to find some (and perhaps even kill someone if you get caught stealing), all this because you forgot to tend to your water collector!

    Add to this mix a bunch of unexpected, random events such as kids begging for meds at your shelter, a friendly neighbor offering you a batch of vegetables, your well crafted survival plans can easily go south in the blinking of an eye. This is, in my opinion, what makes this game so addictive, intense, frustrating and yet deeply enjoyable.

    On the technical side, there are very few bugs. The graphics are a perfect fit to the game's spirit; the environments are diverse and not repetitive and while the music themes can be a bit repetitive they do create a very good atmosphere.

    In all, if you like survival games for the sense of vulnerability and intensity they provide, if you appreciate rogue-like games such as FTL, you will definitively love This War Of Mine.    … Expand
  6. Basiclife
    Dec 1, 2014
    10
    So bleak and depressing that I have to stop every few hours. So gripping that I'm back within 20 minutes.

    Definitely not a feel good game (nor an easy one) but one you'd be a fool to miss.
  7. Superbeast
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Simply addicting! Collecting, Craft, Survive are the 3 main goals, with added re-playability due to randomized team members and encounters..Must have for fans of the apocalyptic rpg genre.

    If every Indie title had that amount of design and game-play i wouldn't need any AAA titles. Can't wait to see additional content on that title!
  8. wolf-mvp
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    10 из 10. Просто 10 из 10.
    Одна из лучших survarium-игр.
    Приятно, что разработчики не приплели зомби-составляющую или еще какую ахинею.
    Только крафтинг и выживание, только хардкор.
  9. sgy0003
    Jan 24, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you like a post-apocalypse game, or a game that makes you managed limited supplies that has perma-death mechanic, this is a game for you.
    TWOM has you manage the survival of three people. At first, you'll only have very little amount of supplies in your base. But during night, you can go on a raid to loot crafting supplies, foods, medicine, etc. Some decision will be hard to make, mostly baed on humanity vs. your survival. For example, there was a one instance where i had to rob from old couple that wanted nothing but peace, and begged me to not take their stuffs. I decided to take only a little and leave a lot for them. Also, two children came knocking on our doors asking for the only bottle of medicine to help their sick mother. This was a tough decision for me, giving away the only bottle of medicine i had.

    There's also trading with other npcs, and you'll have to decide how much of your supplies will you trade for things you want.    … Expand
  10. mwfischer
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    Absolutely fabulous. It's war. It's depressing. Civilians feel the worst. There is no magic, zombies, or witchcrafts. The only thing that is unreal is the aggression and panic of others trying to survive (and barely). This is the most depressing copy of The Sims you'll ever play.

    The UI can be a little weird at time and the first patch fixed most of the little quirks. I hope there    Absolutely fabulous. It's war. It's depressing. Civilians feel the worst. There is no magic, zombies, or witchcrafts. The only thing that is unreal is the aggression and panic of others trying to survive (and barely). This is the most depressing copy of The Sims you'll ever play.

    The UI can be a little weird at time and the first patch fixed most of the little quirks. I hope there are expansions.    … Expand
  11. Saklad5
    Apr 13, 2015
    10
    This game is VERY hard, but extremely thought-provoking.

    It is perfectly balanced so that, if you are lucky and clever enough, you will have JUST enough to get by the day. There are risks worth taking, but fail and you will fall HARD. It really captures the hardships of civilians trapped in war zones, and it makes you look at current events like Syria and other hotspots in a whole new    This game is VERY hard, but extremely thought-provoking.

    It is perfectly balanced so that, if you are lucky and clever enough, you will have JUST enough to get by the day. There are risks worth taking, but fail and you will fall HARD. It really captures the hardships of civilians trapped in war zones, and it makes you look at current events like Syria and other hotspots in a whole new light.

    At the same time, it is very rewarding gameplay and will have you coming back over and over to try new approaches and strategies. There are lots of hours you can get out of this, if you can take it. In addition, the visuals and soundtrack are excellent.

    For those who believe that video games aren’t an art form, or believe that games can’t be enjoyable and thought-provoking at the same time, I implore them to look at This War of Mine.    … Expand
  12. Bortx
    Nov 23, 2014
    10
    Finally a survival game without zombies. Sick of zombies. This game is addictive even though I can see several way it can be improved to make it even better. Hope for an expansion or even a sequel. Over all a lot of thought seems to have gone into it. I know some say things may not be realistic (like why not scavenge with more than one person) but I think all the "unrealities" were in theFinally a survival game without zombies. Sick of zombies. This game is addictive even though I can see several way it can be improved to make it even better. Hope for an expansion or even a sequel. Over all a lot of thought seems to have gone into it. I know some say things may not be realistic (like why not scavenge with more than one person) but I think all the "unrealities" were in the spirit of balancing the game and making it make sense form a play mechanics point of view. Say what you will but the game does give you a real sense of desperation and barely survival. Played it first to 13 days (failed), then to 21 (failed), then to 42 (survived to end) by the skin of my teeth. It fun to play over and over to see how much more you can dominate and maybe eve take over that military base. Of the 25+ games I played this year, many of which are AAA titles, I think I enjoyed this the most so far. We'll see if Farcry 4 or Assassin's Creed Unity changes that.… Expand
  13. gietek
    Nov 30, 2014
    10
    Extremely engaging game! One playthrough is about 12 hours but it has huge replayability. The atmosphere of this game can only be compared to "I Am Alive". I wish there were more games of this kind. Superb!
  14. Garfoodle
    Nov 15, 2014
    10
    I think its the Papers Please of this year. It combines equal parts of aformentioned Papers Please, State of Decay, and I Am Alive. It shows how war isn't a good thing. People die. People get hurt. Families are torn appart. War IS bad.
    It also has some pretty solid AI. Rather, the AI is random, per say. There is no set currency, no set money system, no set value. It all depends on who you    I think its the Papers Please of this year. It combines equal parts of aformentioned Papers Please, State of Decay, and I Am Alive. It shows how war isn't a good thing. People die. People get hurt. Families are torn appart. War IS bad.
    It also has some pretty solid AI. Rather, the AI is random, per say. There is no set currency, no set money system, no set value. It all depends on who you are trading with.
    How the AI reacts to you is based on logic. An old person didnt attack me while i was looting his house because i had a knife, while a dude blew my brains out because I was near his ill mother.
    The base building is solid,too. This is my base. There are many like it, but this is mine.
    I really dig the graphics. Some times its a bit hard to make out stuff, but i love it for this all the more.
    Anyway, this is the short version. Maybe i'll add a longer version, but if you take away nothing else from this review, take away this:This game is one of the best games to come out this year. I wouldn't doubt it'll overtake any number of GoTY canidates, and it sure as hell did overtake mine. Sorry, Wolf Amoung Us    … Expand
  15. KrakenAttack
    Nov 15, 2014
    10
    This game is a breath of gritty depressing fresh air. This War of Mine is one of a kind emotional survival game roller coaster. You really do get attached to your characters and are forced to do morally questionable things that make you feel bad. The game does a great job at guilt tripping you for robbing the innocent elderly couple living in a quiet cottage of all there food and medicine.This game is a breath of gritty depressing fresh air. This War of Mine is one of a kind emotional survival game roller coaster. You really do get attached to your characters and are forced to do morally questionable things that make you feel bad. The game does a great job at guilt tripping you for robbing the innocent elderly couple living in a quiet cottage of all there food and medicine. Or turning those children away from your door step asking for your help to save there dying mother. Survival of the fittest is the theme and this game shows the consequences regular people get to experience in there country in times of civil conflict. Mechanics wise the game reminds me of the crafting of Terraria, character management similar to The Sims and a little but of Don't Starve meets State of Decay. I hope to see content updates and mods for sure! Must buy.… Expand
  16. Gamerzgamer
    Dec 8, 2014
    10
    Simply masterpiece! Very original approached. I played it on day one and didnt find 1 bug. Got like 40 h in this game first week. Thats like full time job 40/h a week. Anyways i hope others will follow and create similar titles.
  17. Phobius
    Jan 31, 2015
    10
    Really good game didnt expect at first as more and more survival games get released, but this one is different and in a good way. It gives a nice feeling of character growth but also the feeling that u are never overpowered so it keeps the tension intact. I would recommend it to any pc game fan.
  18. Roombastic
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    Being a journo I got my final copy two days ago. Been busy with it ever since! At first I took this game as a gimmick, knowing about a concept since maybe April I perceived it as a very nice twist with a huge question mark for gameplay, replayability and actual story. While I still think that the devs a bit exaggerate their 'grieve' approach to war, casualties and such, I must say theyBeing a journo I got my final copy two days ago. Been busy with it ever since! At first I took this game as a gimmick, knowing about a concept since maybe April I perceived it as a very nice twist with a huge question mark for gameplay, replayability and actual story. While I still think that the devs a bit exaggerate their 'grieve' approach to war, casualties and such, I must say they have delivered an addictive game with strong mechanics. You've got crafting here, you've got exploring, time management, character developing so to speak, you've got resource management and a bit of randomness that adds a nice spice to the mix. So after a while you tend to forget all this bleak and suffering, and just enjoy your achievements, make bonds with characters, just immerse in the world and enjoy it. Especially I liked how the story is told: not to fast, you really focus on details, sharpen your attention, and enjoy small carefully polished details of the concept. Well done 11 Bit!… Expand
  19. HeatherN
    Nov 21, 2014
    10
    Very good game. I definitely recommend it. Has an excellent art direction, game play, mood, and atmosphere. One of the most thoughtful games I have played in a while.
  20. 4metry
    Nov 15, 2014
    10
    It is for me something amazing to discover how hard it is to survive any conflict especially when we are talking about the most vulnerable such as children, women, old people and animals. It forms part of a current war in our world because is it not innocent people die every day? Greedy and bloody American politicians who cause conflicts non-stop! What they need even more - oil and gas,It is for me something amazing to discover how hard it is to survive any conflict especially when we are talking about the most vulnerable such as children, women, old people and animals. It forms part of a current war in our world because is it not innocent people die every day? Greedy and bloody American politicians who cause conflicts non-stop! What they need even more - oil and gas, and where people are living and how much it is worth!… Expand
  21. cagrus
    Nov 16, 2014
    10
    Don't just think about this as a game but as a movie. Put yourself in one of the characters and do what you would do in the game. Can you look at the mirror after you play?
  22. henryww
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    When i first saw this game on youtube, i was like oh my god, this has everything i ever wanted on a survival game, no dumb zombies, no hearthless characters, no generic fps-craft survival, only a emotional and awesome survival game based on reality, dont mind those call of duty gen kids who give bad reviews to the game, they are just retard, awesome game 10/10 would buy it again!
  23. Dotfan
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    Очень понравилась игра. И даже не хочется копаться в причинах столь позитивного отношения к ней. Просто по факту - поиграл, захотелось ещё и ещё.
  24. smellybob
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    I purchased this game on a whim. I was curious to see what it would be like. So far I have not been disappointed at all!

    I have been playing it nonstop for a while now. It is insanely engrossing - you really feel like you're part of a band os survivors. For $20, come on? This game is so polished, and the value so high, it is ridiculous. Very well thought out and every time you    I purchased this game on a whim. I was curious to see what it would be like. So far I have not been disappointed at all!

    I have been playing it nonstop for a while now. It is insanely engrossing - you really feel like you're part of a band os survivors. For $20, come on? This game is so polished, and the value so high, it is ridiculous.

    Very well thought out and every time you restart (and you will have to restart - lord only knows how many times I have seen my little guys go crazy/starve) there is a different scenario.

    If it was a $60 game, it would get an 8/10 for me. But considering the price you'd be an idiot to not at least try it. If this game is your type of thing, that is.    … Expand
  25. Masterions
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    Innovative, dynamic, realistic and heart-breaking, these are the most visible characteristics of this game. You start as a group of civilians who only struggle to survive during the German and Russian oppression on Poland. I won't lie to you, the game is difficult, it will force you to make some decisions which you might regret ... first time I stole food from an old couple I started toInnovative, dynamic, realistic and heart-breaking, these are the most visible characteristics of this game. You start as a group of civilians who only struggle to survive during the German and Russian oppression on Poland. I won't lie to you, the game is difficult, it will force you to make some decisions which you might regret ... first time I stole food from an old couple I started to feel awful but what made it worse is the feeling of guilt that our "squad" had. Hardly ever has any game moved my heart so much and I still remember that moment after you rescue "the guy" in the sniper place ...

    Personally, I believe this game deserves an award for the best indie game of this year hands down!    … Expand
  26. matt79
    Nov 20, 2014
    10
    This game is important. This is a quite succesful attempt to make a game that matters. The game that is not just for fun. The problems - well it may feal unfair and harsh, but your a civilian cought in a war, this is how it is supposed to be. And you are supposed to die. I give it a 10 mainly because of its significance, pure gameplay score would be 8.
  27. Ronin_Media
    Nov 25, 2014
    10
    A masterpiece of modern gaming that forces questions to which there are no easy answers. A must-own for fans of survival horror, and those who are sick of the Doritos and Mountain Dew approach to games about war. Check out my full review on YouTube at Ronin Media and I will tell you exactly what makes this game tick, and why it is so deserving of all the praise it's gotten. :)
  28. Crackspawn
    Dec 2, 2014
    10
    I approached this game with an RPG/FPS logic. I patched up my base, looted the easier areas and built up an arsenal of guns and pistols. I then approached a family who wanted to trade medicine for food and when negotiations failed, I slaughtered them all and looted their home. That's how games work, right?

    And then my characters one by one spiralled into depression and killed    I approached this game with an RPG/FPS logic. I patched up my base, looted the easier areas and built up an arsenal of guns and pistols. I then approached a family who wanted to trade medicine for food and when negotiations failed, I slaughtered them all and looted their home. That's how games work, right?

    And then my characters one by one spiralled into depression and killed themselves.

    F**K.    … Expand
  29. Bosqa22
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    #Soundtrack#
    Nothing to add...very realistic game. Something like'Sims but in this game I felt what those people fell !
    ...and now , when everybody know , the war is close ... Its good guide for us how to survive when everybody dies !
  30. Guerrino
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    I 've played this game and i am ready to write about it. My preview will be short so nonetheless i am gonna write a preview how i've already said. The game convey feelings and fear of war. and it's enough to say it is impressive!
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PC Game of 2014
30
#30 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. Impulsegamer
    Dec 11, 2019
    100
    For the price it is… I wouldn’t even say wait for a sale, I’d just say buy this game… it will challenge you, it will pull at your heart strings… but I think, especially in this day and age, we need games like this to remind us to care for one another and to point out what is really important.
    Read full review
  2. Dealspwn
    Mar 22, 2015
    90
    A deeply atmospheric, emotionally compelling game that manages to treat war as a serious topic and examines the hard choices made by those caught in the middle of conflict.
    Read full review
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Feb 9, 2015
    80
    Not many games can claim to be "edifying." I think this one can. [Issue#257, p.75]
See all critic reviews »