Wasteland 2: Director's Cut

The best way to experience Wasteland 2 is undoubtedly on PC, but if that’s not an option the Switch version is an acceptable, though compromised solution. A healthy amount of patience and a reasonable amount of stress toleration will be needed but ultimately it will be worth it.

Wasteland 2 is a slam-dunk in almost every way for lovers of immersive RPGs with a nostalgic, old-school feel. In the hours and hours I logged before writing this review, I felt that I barely skimmed the surface of what this massive game has to offer. Aside from the bugs and the inability to reconfigure controls, it plays well on the Switch and doesn’t lose much in its adaptation to the small screen.

The Director’s Cut of Wasteland 2 is no doubt an excellent game at the top of its genre, but the Switch version has some technical issues that keep it from being a clear cut recommendation. Still, priced at $30, and given the quality of the game outside of some technical gripes, it’s well worth your consideration.

With its involving plot and combat system, as well as its very healthy lifespan, this enhanced version of the sequel to the original game will not only be sought after by fans of the series but also by new players who have a chance to get their hands on a renowned name of the gaming industry for the first time.

For those unaware, Wasteland 2 was a kickstarted game that amassed nearly $3 million in donations back in 2012. The developer inXile Entertainment clearly spent their time and resources to make a fantastic experience that has an identity to stand on its own despite being clearly inspired by other games in its genre. I’m truly grateful that I gave Wasteland 2 another chance, and I recommend you to do the same as well. If you want a stylish, character-driven adventure in the pits of despair, Wasteland 2 is here to scratch that itch!

Wasteland 2: Director's Cut is a great turn based RPG, and works well on the Switch even with a bad porting that needs some serious rework.

All-told it's a phenomenal port and still one of the better RPGs in recent years.

Despite a bevy of performance issues on the Switch, Wasteland 2 continues to be an excellent RPG with its terrific writing and world building.

If you enjoy the likes of Divinity: Original Sin and adore the idea of that sort of game in a post-apocalyptic world, then this one's for you. It's loaded with content, has a ton of replay value, and unlike many modern RPGs, it really lets you customize your entire experience.

When it comes to SRPGs, Wasteland 2: Director's Cut offers a rewarding survival-based campaign that'll delight hardcore fans of the genre. However, a few nagging issues bog down this otherwise fantastic experience.

Wasteland 2 is quickly becoming a modern classic – and deservedly so. If you have not played this game, you really owe it to yourself to give it a shot. But some usability issues on the Switch might not make it the best choice for newcomers to a game that some already find difficult to parse. This version of Wasteland 2 is serviceable, but not ideal.

Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut on Switch is a missed opportunity. While the underlying systems and crunchy combat are enjoyable – and it just about works as a portable experience – a steady list of irritations make an unqualified recommendation impossible. There’s a solid foundation of gritty turn-based combat with some great writing, but a stubborn camera, disappointing performance and a lack of quality-of-life enhancements means the PC ‘master race’ take this round.

Wasteland 2 was a very good game on PC, and a very good port in 2015, but now it just feels like one more re-release the Switch doesn’t need. The lack of any attempt to improve visuals or utilise any new features means it feels like you’re just playing an old game, and Wasteland 2 doesn’t really have the charm or appeal to pull that off anymore.