Happy Wars

 Xbox 360
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 12, 2012
    80
    Happy Wars is a simple multiplayer action game for the Xbox Live Arcade. While it is ripe with problems, it's also a free game that is worth checking out. You won't find anything original here, but the fast-paced action is both chaotic and addictive.
  2. SpazioGames
    Oct 24, 2012
    70
    The title developed by the guys at Toylogic combines remarkable qualities and defects which, unfortunately, push it away from a totally positive evaluation. On one hand the game is accessible and fun (at first glance), but on the other, it ends early, it's repetitive and the matches are not always adequately balanced.
  3. GamesBeat
    Oct 15, 2012
    70
    There's minimal pressure to spend any money, the AI-controlled bots are intelligent enough to fool particularly stupid game reviewers, and the battles manage to be adorable and epic at the same time. Unfortunately, the repetitiveness in the sound design and gameplay makes the excitement level drop too quickly.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    Dec 19, 2012
    67
    Fair free-2-play game for Xbox 360, a good effort from Japanese company Toylogic. Visual style is nice, so the humor, but netcode is poor and need to be improved.
  6. Machinima
    Oct 15, 2012
    65
    It's totally fine, and if you feel like devoting an afternoon to this game, you could certainly do a lot worse. But considering the robust, low-cost options that offer solid online multiplayer action on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace, why bother with a game that's content to be merely better than average?
  7. Vandal
    Oct 15, 2012
    65
    Free, without relying too much on purchasing in-game items and entertaining –but not addictive. This is the worst thing about it, since after a few hours the game gets boring, which we think will cause that essentially no one will pay for in-game content.
  8. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Oct 19, 2012
    60
    Lone players need not apply: an offline campaign proves useful for learning the maps and the nuances of play, but the focus is firmly with the online game. And either way, we'd advise spending a little extra buying Awesomenauts instead.
  9. The Escapist
    Oct 16, 2012
    60
    When your team is doing what they're supposed to be doing, besting an opponent can be extremely satisfying. There's nothing better than seeing your sworn enemies helplessly strapped to planks of wood after you've finally taken their castle. However, when you end up on the losing side you'll immediately wonder just how much cash the other team spent on its gear, or how lucky a particular player got with a high-powered weapon drop.
  10. GameSpot
    Oct 24, 2012
    50
    Happy Wars suffers from serious technical issues that undermine an otherwise quality core experience.
  11. IGN
    Oct 19, 2012
    40
    With very little reason to come back after a few quick rounds, I don't foresee Happy Wars being a staple of the Xbox 360 multiplayer scene for very long.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
66
#66 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 130
  3. Negative: 28 out of 130
  1. djWAX
    Feb 6, 2013
    8
    Disregard Formn's review. He clearly doesn't know what he's talking about. First off, you can't possibly be pitted against a level 31+ letDisregard Formn's review. He clearly doesn't know what he's talking about. First off, you can't possibly be pitted against a level 31+ let alone 40+ in matchmaking unless you are also that level or higher. The game has divisions to ensure this doesn't happen, which is actually a nice feature.

    Also, the balancing mechanic isn't perfect, but it certainly isn't bad. I'd estimate about 45/50 games I've played have been closely contested, with a pleasing amount reaching the time limit. In this game, your character does not get inherently stronger as it levels up your strength is determined by your items, which roll in rather frequently for you to equip, sell, or merge with other items to make them even stronger.

    The controls are tight and responsive, and the menus are a breeze to navigate if you have at least half of a brain stem. Backing out of lobbies is a bit of a stumbling block, but doesn't warrant knocking this game by 7/10.

    The game is simple, intuitive, balanced, and addictive while not only incentivizing teamwork, but putting it on a pedestal. Yet somehow, the game maintains a fairly casual element, subtly highlighted by the graphics and audio.

    Oh, and, of course, it's free, with no real disadvantage to people who do not wish to take part in the micro transactions.    … Full Review »
  2. Larux18
    Oct 22, 2012
    6
    It is surprising to see a free XBLA game but after the rise of the F2P games Microsoft was too tempted I guess. Happy wars is an arcade thirdIt is surprising to see a free XBLA game but after the rise of the F2P games Microsoft was too tempted I guess. Happy wars is an arcade third person tower defense kind of game with a clear focus on 15 vs 15 multiplayer action. Even though this game is based on multiplayer it still has bot matches and a short single-player where missions are unlocked by ranking up in multiplayer. This game gives a good story with single player that has its cute humor and gameplay just like multiplayer. The whole game is based on a single mode which is destroying the enemies tower which is inside a castle. It may not seem like much but actual strategy is required because 15 vs 15 games can become a disaster with no organization. You have 3 classes to play as, warrior, mage, and cleric which is a support class. These classes are balanced since every class can counter everything with strategy. Items are to be found, equipped, and leveled up making your character more epic, which leads to unbalanced multiplayer sometimes since experienced players may have too much armor and may seem immortal to new players. This is also the 5th arcade game to have 400 achievement points which is awesome for achievement hunters. My main issues with this game are simple, the first is that matchmaking is horrible, it takes extremely long and you often loose connection, sometimes before or after the game has started. My next issue is the fact that you need a gold membership to access the game, I would like to access bot matches and single-player without gold which is unfortunate for people who don't have gold. The last issue is that matches can be a mess and its easy to get lost in the disaster of 15 vs 15 people devastating everything. For now, this game still needs to be perfected and even though it offers fun gameplay there are still downsides which could be fixed with a few patches, I still need to see what the future holds. I'd say you should give it a try, but don't be completely positive about the experience.… Full Review »
  3. Acees88
    Oct 15, 2012
    8
    Its a great game to waste your time with. Thanks to the simple controls and simple interface, its easy for anyone to get involved in thisIts a great game to waste your time with. Thanks to the simple controls and simple interface, its easy for anyone to get involved in this game. Everyone from family members of all ages o you girlfriends can jump in on the fun.

    The best part is that you really don't have to buy anything. You can still get great stuff for free and still have a pretty good time:)

    Only downside ive seen is that it might get to repetitive, but that problem gets solved quite fast if you got friends whom you tag along with.

    So go ahead. Download it. You wont regret it.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »