Many people are saying they’re getting bored of roguelites, but I still love them, especially when they’re as good as Wild Bastards.
Created by Blue Manchu, the same folks behind Void Bastards, Wild Bastards is a mix of strategy and shooter within a roguelite setup. While Void Bastards had clear influences like BioShock, Wild Bastards is more unique, combining elements of arena shooters, turn-based strategy, and hero shooters.
Set in a sci-fi western world with humor, you explore random planet clusters to rebuild your team. Thirteen outlaws were taken out by the main villain, and it’s your job to bring them back and form the Wild Bastards crew.
You start on an overworld map, picking which planets to visit. Some paths are shorter or easier, but they might have tougher enemies or bad weather. Planets can have loot like weapon mods or beans that help your team get along, but they can also be full of dangers.
From space, you get a hint of what each planet offers, making you plan ahead. If all your characters die at once, your run ends. Once you land, the game shifts to turn-based mechanics, moving around a map full of enemies, wildlife, and loot. Your goal is to reform your 13-member crew, adding new characters with each successful mission.
Fans often get excited when games like this come out.
On the planet’s surface, you see all paths clearly, unlike the space map. You can bring one to four outlaws for each mission. Each move counts, and you need to strategize to avoid getting trapped by bosses or tough enemies. Do you grab loot or head straight for the exit? Do you use teleporters to escape quickly?
These decisions are part of what makes the game’s 20-hour campaign engaging. There are no wrong answers, just different levels of difficulty. Your team includes characters like a robot sheriff and a spider-like alien, each with unique abilities.
When you encounter enemies, the game shifts to a first-person shooter mode. The shooting mechanics are reliable, with a mix of Quake and Overwatch vibes. The 2D objects in a 3D world make aiming satisfying, unlike other games where targets blend into the background.
The 13 characters are diverse, each with their own weapons, voices, and backstories. They can form friendships or grudges, affecting missions. For example, an alien with a ray gun or a horse with a targeting system might become your favorites.
Characters have unique attacks and play styles. For instance, Hopalong is a fast-moving python that can choke enemies, while The Judge is a tank with a powerful rifle. Kaboom can throw dynamite into enemy hideouts.
You’ll find combinations of characters that work well together, like Fletch with his bow and arrow turning enemies into allies, and Sarge spotting enemies from afar. When your team works together, it feels like a Marvel movie climax.
The game’s social system can be unclear, forming friendships or grudges among characters. Feuding allies can’t go on missions together, so you must manage their relationships, sometimes over a can of beans.
Friendships give bonuses, like robotic “koyotes” helping on missions. But it’s not always clear how your actions affect these relationships outside of scripted events.
Characters can be customized with cards found on planets, adding layers of strategy. You can turn Preach into a vampire or give The Judge extra armor. Managing their health and stamina adds depth to the gameplay.
Showdowns involve controlling crowds of enemies, switching between characters like weapons. This keeps the action fast-paced, whether you’re facing a single tough enemy or a group of weaker ones. Dynamite and special abilities add to the fun.
Knowing when to use power-ups is crucial. One character’s ability can kill a boss instantly if used wisely, rewarding smart play.
Understanding the game’s systems is rewarding. Finding the best path through challenges feels great, and success always seems within reach if you play well.
After a few failures, you start to see where you went wrong and improve. Maybe you left a planet too late or rushed an enemy. The game always feels fair, pushing you to adapt without feeling forced.
The gameplay loop of seeking loot, navigating hostile planets, and engaging in stylish shootouts makes every moment feel like a mix of chess and action movies.
The game’s humor and dialogue add charm. Characters have vibrant personalities, and enemies have funny lines, like British-accented Hunters with quirky phrases. Sometimes I kept enemies alive just to hear more.
The only downside is the final moments, which feel less grand than expected. A bigger showdown would have been nice, but the game remains satisfying with other modes and difficulty options for replayability.
Blue Manchu has impressed again with Wild Bastards, blending intricate gameplay, unique characters, tight gunplay, and humor. It’s a brilliant mix of strategy and action, keeping players engaged and entertained.
