Wardogs, currently in early access, presents a refreshing take on the competitive shooter genre by blending elements from established titles like Battlefield and ArmA with a unique in-game economy system. This approach creates a dynamic experience where financial gain often intertwines with battlefield objectives.
Core Gameplay Loop
The primary game mode in Wardogs revolves around a large-scale King of the Hill concept. Three teams vie for control of a central zone on a vast map, earning points for holding it. Victory is achieved by being the first team to reach 100 points. This familiar objective is augmented by a Counter-Strike-inspired buy-phase at the start of each life, where players spend in-game currency on weapons and equipment. Starting with $10,000, players can purchase a basic loadout, but more advanced gear can cost upwards of $5,000.
The Capitalist Engine
What sets Wardogs apart is its emphasis on capital exchange. Nearly every action within the game yields currency, from killing enemies and assisting in kills to reviving downed players, constructing bases, and even ferrying teammates to the battlefield. Holding the control zone provides a steady income, which is doubled if players venture into the smaller, roaming 'Hot Zone'. This profit motive encourages role diversification, similar to ArmA Roleplay servers, but driven by personal gain. Players can specialize in support roles like medics or builders, earning significant income without directly engaging in combat.
This economic system creates unique emergent gameplay. Medics may find themselves in bidding wars with downed soldiers, and players might race to revive those likely to offer the best reward. Conversely, the most profitable strategy often involves avoiding direct combat, as death results in a financial loss. This can lead to scenarios where objectives are neglected as players focus on de-risking their investments through support activities.
Blending Inspirations for Atmosphere and Action
Wardogs successfully merges the scale of Battlefield with the grounded feel of ArmA. Maps are expansive, though matches typically focus on a central area, with the periphery used for vehicle transport. This allows for the creation of atmospheric environments, offering a pastoral calm that is gradually replaced by the sounds of conflict as players approach the control zone. The game's movement and combat systems are pacey and responsive, avoiding the sluggishness sometimes found in more simulation-heavy titles. This blend ensures that while there's an ArmA-like immersion, the action remains fluid and engaging, with frequent opportunities for close-quarters combat when control zones are situated in urban areas.
Role Flexibility and Progression
Wardogs eschews a traditional class system in favor of a progression model tied to item usage. Players can earn experience for different roles simultaneously; for instance, using a defibrillator contributes to Medic XP while wielding an assault rifle earns Assault XP. This allows for significant player freedom in how they develop their character and approach the game.
A Fascinating Flaw
The game's most significant issue, and arguably its most interesting feature, is that actively pursuing victory is often less rewarding than focusing on personal profit. Charging into the control zone at a financial deficit can quickly deplete a player's funds. Consequently, the most efficient way to earn money is by avoiding combat and engaging in support roles, building, or spotting. This can lead to a team's objective being largely ignored as players prioritize their individual financial gain. While this can be pragmatically detrimental to winning, it thematically aligns with the mercenary nature of the player characters, creating a compelling, albeit cynical, social experiment within the game's framework.
Despite this inherent tension between individual profit and team victory, Wardogs offers a captivating and fresh experience. The developers at Bulkhead are likely to refine these systems during early access. Even with its current imperfections, Wardogs stands out as a vital and engaging title in a competitive shooter landscape, offering a unique blend of action and economic strategy.