Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, an upcoming real-time strategy game based on HBO's acclaimed television series, is facing criticism for its seemingly anachronistic design and ill-timed release. Despite the source material's legacy, the game's reliance on conventional RTS mechanics, reminiscent of Age of Empires or The Battle for Middle-earth 2, fails to translate the epic scope and dramatic flair of the Game of Thrones universe.
Scheduled for a 2027 release, the game revisits a conflict that concluded with its final season in 2019, a season that even staunch defenders acknowledged as a decline in quality. HBO's current focus is on prequels like House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, leaving War for Westeros to feel out of step with the franchise's present direction.
The core gameplay loop involves constructing buildings to generate resources, which are then used to recruit troops or research upgrades. Players engage in territorial capture and base destruction, with the option to build fortifications and siege engines. Conflicts primarily feature generic soldier units, sometimes led by characters drawn from the show. This approach stands in contrast to the grand, pitched battles seen in the television series, which might have better suited a Total War-style format, as seen in popular fan mods.
While the game aims for faction asymmetry, the preview build focused on the Starks and Lannisters. The Starks can field direwolves and troops from the Night's Watch and Free Folk, while the Lannisters feature an economy-focused approach with a debt mechanic. However, these differences are described as broad rather than compelling, with minor disparities in recruitment costs or unit effectiveness failing to generate significant excitement.
More unique units, faction-specific upgrades, and special mechanics are present but reportedly fall flat, contributing to a "dry" overall experience. The game's aesthetic is also noted as plain, making large-scale battles difficult to follow or visually engaging, despite the physicality of cavalry charges. The lack of a clear hook or unique selling proposition makes it a difficult recommendation, especially with established RTS titles like Age of Empires 4 and Tempest Rising offering more compelling experiences.
The developers hope that the full campaign, along with more exotic factions like the Targaryens and the Night King, might inject more flavor into the proceedings. However, based on early impressions, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros risks feeling like a conventional and predictable RTS, failing to leverage the unique strengths and ongoing relevance of its source material.