It Takes a War

Wow! I only stumbled across this game because I watch video essays while I work sometimes. I was watching Ritley's "It Takes A War Is Horrible. It Takes A War Is Incredible." video and the beginning of the video intrigued me and he gave the disclaimer that if I was intrigued I should click off and go buy the game and I'm so glad I did. This would've been a game I completely missed had it not been for my video essay habits and I am so glad I didn't write it off. This was such a unique experience, one that gave me chills over and over again.

An interesting game about online gaming, shooters, and online friendships. While the meta aspect is not the most original, it still executes them well enough to work well with it's intension, while also maintaining a good pace on the story and themes it tries to communicate. Overall, enjoyed this a lot, was a unique experience, if you enjoy short games with interesting stories that make full use of the medium of games to tell them, you will probably enjoy this one.

I can tell this game is trying to get at something important, something I can relate to, but the execution falls a bit short IMO. The closest comparison is The Beginner's Guide, but less polished. Still worth playing. 3/5

45 minute game that certainly made me a bit anxious during its runtime. Had a good time, and recommend you go in blind.

I was amazed at how well-run this story is. Personally, this game transports me to my teenage self in that search for connection, clashing with the frustration of not being able to read signs properly and spend time with people who are out of touch with me. He certainly hit the right spots.

[h1] [b] [u]IT TAKES A WAR: A LESSON IN LETTING GO[/u] [/b] [/h1] When I promised I would play the next game Thomas Mackinnon made, I meant it. HOWEVER, I am a [/i]bit[/i] late as I did not realize he made this game yet, and finally snagged it. As per usual, this game plays on a genre of game, and makes it a lesson, one we may not want to learn, but one that we do need to know. As I had made it known, I love the game, [b]"The CORRIDOR"[/b], for its amazing story and fun gameplay, adding a whole breath of fresh air of the walking genre of games, and [b]"It Takes a War"[/b] does the same to the Online FPS genre, now the lesson is something you would never expect in this game: letting go. I will dive into spoilers in this review and not be like the kind I did for [b]"The CORRIDOR"[/b] as I will be talking from the heart and not pointing out what I did, I will discuss the takeaways of the game, and why I love this game and recommend it. From the start of this game, you are a mute random player playing alongside a friend group (and another random who can talk), and play a couple rounds of a CS:GO kinda game, where, things start off fine... However, things are changing round by round, from the friend group's mics speaking without them actually speaking, the game bugging, enemy players vanishing, and the game crashing. Lots more happen, and this game leans heavy into the surreal horror with a lot of psychological scares, and that would be the absolute scariest part, but when the game starts messaging you, it makes you shiver. The attacks on the heart I have from this game stand out, but, all of this, is NOT the scariest part, and sadly.. the rest is a spoiler, so, if you are interested, which I am guessing yes if you are reading this review (Or came across it on my profile), play it and enter blind, it is so worth it. Believe me, I speak when say this game will make you feel so much, and in the end, you will feel deep in thought as this game leaves you with such a good lesson, and it will strike home, but for those curious, keep reading the spoilers and/or read my final conclusion and score. [h3]WARNING, THIS IS SPOILERS SKIP THIS PARAGRAPH AND MOVE TO THE BOTTOM SECTION ONLY IF YOU WANT TO BE SPOILED OR KNOW THE BIG TWIST OF THE GAME, IF NOT, YOU ASKED FOR IT.[/h3] [spoiler]So, the game teaches us about letting go of toxic friendships, from both sides. The side of the friends who just do not have any more camaraderie with someone/grew out of touch with, and to the person who feels neglected of the friends they once had. Add on the fact this game shows exactly why online friendships are a blessing and a curse in one go is fantastic. As Sop33 points out, no one knows what anyone goes through fully online, but we are all people. I am guilty of this, as I once thought online friends were just there online at times but, they are just a username, but no, there is genuine people on the other side, with lives and backstories that you may never know, and that is okay, and it is healthy and okay to let go of friendships that are no longer healthy to keep. People grow up, and people grow apart. It is okay to have happy memories, but that is the thing: It is a memory, and you can let go of friendships... It is okay. Also, it is important to remember online friends are that, friends who are online. People, with lives, stories, and backgrounds, and things they like/dislike... So, do not feel bad about letting go of friends, but also remember everyone has their own life too. Respect each other, and never forget in our limited time here on Earth, we sacrifice our own time for each other. Love each other enough to know when enough is enough.[/spoiler] So, what are my final thoughts? A game that takes only about an hour to complete, being sold for six bucks, and has a pretty good shooter elements? Why, this should be about a 5 or 6 out of 10, no? I mean, given my past reviews, I should rank it there. [b]No.[/b] This linear, well told, relatable, deep meaning, perfectly paced horror and amazing sentimental game is not only a strong recommendation from me, but I say get it WITHOUT the discount/sale price. This game approaches games like Doki Doki Literature Club levels on the switch up on the trope, and has such a fantastic lesson that left me speechless. I am not gonna give it a ten as I think some of it could have been better, but I will give it a [b][u]9/10[/u][/b]. Fantastic game, and a great step-up from The Corridor. Get this game and play it today.

Fun short sad little game.