Who knew ‘doin time’ was this fun?
Back in the day, I owned a PlayStation Vita for a short amount of time; sadly, my hands were too large to play comfortably and since I don’t like just holding on to electronics I got rid of the device. And why am I telling you all of this, well because I had never even heard of the Freedom Wars game until the remaster was announced. So, knowing next to nothing going in I was pleasantly surprised with how much I walked away loving this game.
Set in a grim future where humanity is confined to colossal underground prisons known as Panopticons due to the earth’s surface being uninhabitable, Freedom Wars Remastered thrusts players into the role of a “Sinner.” As a condemned citizen with a one-million-year sentence, your primary objective is to fight for your Panopticon, complete various missions, and earn your freedom, one battle at a time.
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: PC (reviewed), PlayStation
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
The core gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of the Monster Hunter series, with a robust focus on cooperative multiplayer and intense combat against enormous foes called Abductors. The combat system is fast-paced and strategic, allowing players to utilize a diverse arsenal of weapons, ranging from melee to ranged options. One of the standout features is the Thorn, a grappling hook that adds a dynamic verticality to the battles. Players can use the Thorn to zip around the battlefield, immobilize enemies, and even sever parts of the Abductors, adding a layer of depth to the combat. Even though Freedom Wars Remastered borrows from the Monster Hunter approach, I loved the fact that it felt much faster than those games.
The Thorn mechanic is a game-changer, offering three unique types: the Binding Thorn, the Healing Thorn, and the Shielding Thorn. Each type provides distinct advantages in combat, allowing players to tailor their approach to different mission types and enemies. The ability to use the Thorn to traverse the environment is a lot like the wirebugs in Monster Hunter. Its wild to me that this game had these movement options since 2014 yet MH just added the wirebugs. Truly they were a large part of the reason I loved MH: Rise so much.
Freedom Wars Remastered benefits immensely from the graphical enhancements this latest generation allows. The improved textures, lighting, and character models make the dystopian world come alive with stunning detail. The environments, ranging from industrial complexes to desolate wastelands, are beautifully rendered, creating a haunting atmosphere. The sound design is equally impressive, with a powerful soundtrack that complements the intense action and moments of quiet tension. The voice acting, while occasionally hit-or-miss, adds an extra layer of immersion to the game’s narrative.
While the overarching narrative may not be groundbreaking, the world-building and lore are rich and immersive. The game delves into themes of societal control, rebellion, and the cost of freedom, creating a compelling backdrop for the player’s journey. The characters you meet along the way, from fellow Sinners to the mysterious government agents, add depth and intrigue to the story.
As I said in the beginning, I really love this game, while I never got to play the original version; Freedom Wars Remastered is a fantastic game. Blending the best of Monster Hunter and adding some kick-ass movements and abilities with the Thorn system, I really want Bandai to bring this franchise back. I am so curious what a new entry into this series built from the ground up with the new tech would look like. With any luck this was just a test to gauge public interest; and if so, I am extremely interested in the future of this franchise.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
