Brainless mayhem.
I have killed a lot of zombies in my gaming career. There have been a wide variety of said zombies. So when yet another game featuring these undead monsters rolled in for review, I started to question when enough was enough. Future War: Reborn is a port of a mobile game and it shows. Awkward menus and bite-sized levels show its roots. Underneath it all though is a decent romp that might have succeeded in a different time.
The story behind Future War: Reborn is a familiar one. A plague has spread across the globe turning normal people into monsters. A group known as the Interstellar Alliance (yes, really) has created a super soldier (you) to take them down. Amazingly said super soldier and her commanding officer are scantily clad, because of course they are. At least I had a jet pack and a bazooka, though. Don’t want to go in unprepared.
MSRP: $9.99
Platforms: XB1
Price I’d Pay: $4.99
The controls work as expected, but also better than I anticipated. This is a mobile game, so adapting the twin stick method from a game designed to be played by touch can certainly go wrong. The level design is quick and very simple. Each level only takes a few minutes to complete. My biggest issue comes from the user interface. The mobile roots resonate here with confusing icons and spots that seem designed for touch. It is sometimes hard to tell which option I am currently on. It is a mess.
The microtransactions have been completely removed, and the pace of the game suffers for it. I feel overpowered on every mission. Nothing is a challenge, and upgrading weapons feels arbitrary at times.
Future War: Reborn’s biggest issue is that it simply feels mindless. There is rarely a challenge, levels are too short, and I just could not shake the mobile feeling the game gives off. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the game would have been forgivable in years past, but today it stands out like a sore thumb.
Visually the game looks fine. It definitely feels like an upgrade from its mobile counterpart. However, there are definitely remnants found within. Simplistic geometry and limited level design further accent the origins of the game.
Future War: Reborn is a mindless game that suffers from its roots. There is fun to be had, but the clunky menus and brief missions make it feel lacking. Those wanting something mindless will be in for a treat, all others might want to steer clear of this purchase.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
