Strategy games offer some of the most interesting multiplayer experiences known to gamers. Players constantly rearrange techniques and gameplay elements to cater towards their own unique style, while continually grinding for experience, items, or whatever else guarantees victory over time. Some gamers, however, could do without the genre altogether, as it usually entails mastering an overly complicated time sink with prerequisites like “quit life.”
That’s where Happy Wars come in; it’s far from advanced MOBA titles like League of Legends, but enough to get casual players interested in deeper waters while assuring that (some) veterans remain entertained -- if only for a moment.
In Happy Wars, you’re one of multiple citizens representing your kingdom -- either light or dark -- in an all-out brawl prompted because of…well, something to do with not liking the same TV shows, and so-on. As the classic saying goes, “war never changes.”
In order to win matches, one of two conditions must be satisfied: Construct more towers than your opposing team possesses and wait for the clock to expire or march over in full force and obliterate the living crap out of them. The variety of game modes in Happy Wars allow you to either start the first mission of a single-player story campaign (additional modes unlock as your multiplayer rank increases) or jump right into multiplayer. As you smash, build and break your way through a variety of levels, you’ll earn more class skills as your in-game level climbs.
Following a series of informative tutorials, you’ll choose between three primary classes before each match starts: a cleric, mage, and warrior. When you die, you can either stick with the same class or switch. That’s right -- Happy Wars features in-game class changes, which adds to one of the most unique strategic elements of the title. Basically, players could examine both team rosters and, depending on the situation, change classes based on what’s missing.
The general presentation of Happy Wars features highly functional mechanics, but it’s really nothing new. Regardless, that’s completely fine since, hey…free-to-play (and yes, microtransactions exist in the form of “Happy Tickets” purchased with Microsoft Points). But unlike some other so-called “free” experiences, economically efficient alternatives make the game just as enjoyable. For instance, each match you play offers a certain amount of “Happy Stars” used to upgrade current equipment or gamble for new premium items.
One of the better qualities of Happy Wars involves how Toylogic did so much with so little in terms of graphics. The generally cute aesthetic is enough to catch anyone’s attention and no graphical delays present themselves, which is essential for any real-time strategy experience. And though not always 100 percent smooth, the game’s camera works well, accomplishes what’s needed and rarely affects playing experiences in a negative way. In-game soundtracks offer repetitive patterns on some levels -- usually when it’s the same as the menu music -- but again, get the job done.
Player skills, randomly selected before each match, become readily available as you continually play. Though your player rank rises with victories, your immediate in-game level always resets during new matches. For example, each game starts players at level one and they gain experience to level-up as the match progresses. Some attack patterns contain a certain amount of stiffness or delay, which is irritating but not usually enough to hinder the whole experience.
Overall, players expecting any groundbreaking experience may grow easily bored. Most folks could play
Happy Wars for weeks, but as it stands, not for months. Yes, this is an excellent pick-up-and-play title to get your friends involved with, but it’s not the ultimate weapon of doom against your sleep schedule or dinner date with a significant other.
Another unfortunate issue with Happy Wars is how leveling ranks feels like a chore if there’s any connection or matchmaking slowdown, and you can’t wait it out with a single-player campaign break if the stories aren’t available. Though the service team seems highly responsive when slowdowns occur (as demonstrated when mass matchmaking errors occurred on Oct. 15), it’s still an undesirable issue that’s enough to make impatient players storm out and spend their time elsewhere.
Though it’s nothing we haven’t seen before in the way of strategy mechanics, Happy Wars represents free-to-play done right. It’s simple, enjoyable and readily available for anyone looking to get involved. Another great aspect about a game like this is how you can simply demand your other friends give this a shot. After all, with no price tag to gamble with, why not at least try it?
