Warhounds Review (PC)

There was a time when tactical strategy games thrived on tough decisions, permanent consequences, and missions that could go spectacularly wrong with a single mistake. Warhounds aims to bring that old-school spirit back, blending the squad management of Jagged Alliance with the tense turn-based firefights of XCOM. The result is an ambitious tactical experience that delivers plenty of satisfying battles, even if a few rough edges stop it from reaching genre greatness.

Developed by The First Studios, Warhounds casts players as the commander of an elite mercenary company operating across an alternate-future Africa. The campaign throws you into a conflict involving multiple factions, each bringing their own weapons, tactics, and battlefield challenges. Recruiting soldiers, expanding your mobile headquarters, and carefully managing resources become just as important as surviving the next firefight.

The heart of Warhounds is its turn-based combat, and it is easily the game's greatest strength. Every mission feels dangerous, with positioning, cover usage, and squad coordination often making the difference between victory and disaster. Rather than relying heavily on percentage-based hit chances, the game emphasises ballistics and lethality, creating encounters that feel more grounded and unpredictable.

Combat encounters encourage players to think several moves ahead. Charging recklessly into enemy positions is a fast route to the game-over screen, while careful scouting and coordinated attacks often lead to the most rewarding outcomes. The tension of seeing a carefully developed soldier come under fire never really disappears, and that's exactly what makes each mission memorable.

The variety in squad composition also helps keep battles fresh. Different mercenaries bring unique strengths, allowing players to experiment with team builds and tactical approaches depending on the mission at hand.

Outside of combat, Warhounds gives players a substantial amount of strategic management. Building up your base, equipping soldiers with advanced weaponry, drones, and high-tech gear creates a satisfying sense of progression throughout the campaign.

This layer of management adds welcome depth without becoming overly overwhelming. Deciding where to spend limited resources and which upgrades deserve priority can be just as important as what happens on the battlefield. Fans of strategy games that blend tactical action with long-term planning will find plenty to enjoy here.

Warhounds proudly embraces its old-school influences, but that comes with both strengths and weaknesses. The game doesn't always go out of its way to explain every mechanic, and newcomers to the genre may initially find the learning curve steep.

Some missions can be brutally punishing, particularly when unexpected enemy reinforcements or poor positioning derail an otherwise successful operation. While veterans of tactical strategy games may appreciate this challenge, less experienced players could find parts of the campaign frustrating.

One of the game's strengths is its replay value. Between different squad builds, recruitment choices, equipment loadouts, and tactical approaches, no two campaigns are likely to unfold the same way. The lengthy campaign and large number of battles provide plenty of content for strategy enthusiasts looking for a long-term investment. The developers have also continued supporting the game with post-launch updates and hotfixes, showing a commitment to improving the experience.

Pros

• Deep and rewarding tactical combat

• Strong blend of squad management and strategy

• Excellent sense of progression

• High replay value

• Appeals strongly to XCOM and Jagged Alliance fans

Cons

• Steep learning curve for newcomers

• Difficulty can occasionally feel unforgiving

• Some rough edges and balancing frustrations

• Presentation lacks the polish of larger-budget competitors

Warhounds successfully captures the spirit of classic tactical strategy games while adding its own modern twists. Its challenging combat, meaningful squad management, and emphasis on careful planning create a rewarding experience that consistently demands your attention. While newcomers may struggle with its unforgiving nature and occasional rough spots, strategy veterans will find a deep and satisfying tactical adventure waiting for them.

XPN Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (SILVER)

Warhounds is available now!