Welcome to the world of Enlisted, a free-to-play squad-based tactical first-person shooter that aims to capture the chaos of World War II battles. Developed by Darkflow Software and published by Gaijin Entertainment, it places you firmly in the shoes of soldiers across various fronts. Whether you're storming Normandy or trying to survive the Stalingrad winter, this game has it all. Well, most of it. Sit tight as we dive into what this game has to offer and determine if it’s a glorious charge into battle or a call for retreat.
Enlisted is more than just your average shooter; it's the squad leader you've always wanted to be, whether you like it or not. You manage a group of 3-9 soldiers (because who doesn’t love babysitting?), and can switch between them or give them commands like a reluctant drill sergeant. The maps — large and chaotic, resembling scenes from a history book — will have you fighting through iconic battles from the Eastern and Western fronts, the North African campaigns, and the Pacific theater. As for game modes, there's something for everyone: Conquest, Invasion, and even a ‘Lone Fighters’ mode for those brave enough to go it alone (or those who forgot their squad’s spawning location). You might find yourself saying, 'Help, I'm a medic with an extra large kit and no one to save!' The customization options for soldiers and squads provide some fun distractions, turning every match into a possible day of dress-up rather than just shooting bad guys. Just be prepared: it’s not all rainbows and gumdrops; if you lose a soldier, they're out of the fight for the rest of the match, so play it smart — or at least try to.
Graphically, Enlisted doesn’t set the world on fire, but it avoids being an eyesore. Powered by the Dagor Engine, it gets the job done with decent environmental details, especially in larger battle scenes. However, prepare yourself for bugs and graphical inconsistencies that pop up like an unsuspected flashbang. Lighting effects in certain scenarios can genuinely shine, though don't be surprised if a few trees are mysteriously floating or if your squad mates look like they haven’t seen a barbershop since the war started.
In conclusion, Enlisted offers a unique take on the World War II shooter genre that’s both enjoyable and frustrating in equal measure. While it brings something fresh to the table with squad mechanics and large-scale battles, its rough edges — clunky matchmaking systems, some buggy appearances, and a slower progression system that feels a bit grindy — might deter some players. With that in mind, this game is worth downloading if you’re itching for some tactical WWII action without the price tag; just be ready to wade through some muck to find the good stuff amidst the chaos. So, is it a worthy enlistment or would you rather stay in the barracks? Only you can decide, soldier!