WARSAW

After playing for 14 hours, completing the story the first time, it was a very great game with a great story. Why?
1. The developers give fleshed out background in the codex and allow you to gather information about the historical background of the Uprising, battles, characters in the story, and the surrounding buildings. Which really immersed me in the story.
2. The dynamic PVE (Player vs. Environment). I really like turn-based games, especially ones set in WW2, and this one did not disappoint, the incredible use of stamina really made me think hard on what to do next and not spam certain moves.
3. The characters. The characters in the story are diverse and offer their own skill sets towards your team, and have backstories and even their own respective ending when they live at the end of the game.
4. For me, the game didn't feel repetitive at all, the various mission gave me fresh taste on the combat and setting of the game. Even if I'm facing the same enemies.
5. The "bosses" like the tank are challenging. You really have to think hard about how you approach battles like these.
6. Missions based on real events. I love how the developers use real events during the Uprising and craft the game around it. It made the story real and made me even immersed in it.
In conclusion, the way the developers made the game, adding backstory to the characters, the missions and the events in Warsaw before WW2, it really immersed me in the story. Even if you will lose in the end, the game made me want to fight to the end, that's how good it is. The bosses are great, the combat is great. My only gripe is that there is no "final" boss at the end, but I still appreciate how they decided to keep it historically accurate!
I highly recommend getting this game!
PS: To the people calling the "RISING: City of Heroes" version a "visual novel", it is just plain wrong. What they mean is, they stripped some the mechanics from the original version. Where you had to manage resources from different sectors of the city and choose between the missions.
That is not true, it is not a visual novel, the new version added cutscenes, voice acting, and it made the experience so much richer. Along with that, the combat mechanics are basically the same. Remember this, if you want to review a game, make sure you're saying the right thing.
Here is my recommendation:
The "WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes" version for a more cohesive story and less grueling management for resources.
The old "WARSAW" version for less story and more grueling management of resources. Make sure you keep the districts fighting!
Everyone has their preferences!

From my understanding Warsaw was originally a bit different of a game and was not free. However, I have yet to play the Legacy version, so I do not know to what extent the differences are. Once I do I will *update this review. Looking at the default game mode this is essentially an easier, less hardcore Darkest Dungeon. Playing on normal I found the game to be mostly easy enough to not really have to think about any strategies beyond keeping a medic and a varied number of units in the squad. I did not have any unit die during my first playthough. Although that is probably partly due to the medic's auto-heal passive skill, which seems extremely over-powered. The historical information seems exhaustive and is part of the reason I gave this game a try. Be prepared for a lot of reading.
Despite what some people are saying, and I understand it comes from a place of feeling cheated out of the old gameplay, this game is not a visual novel. The choices aspect of the game is not really integral to the gameplay and only results in minor changes to supplies or if you're unlucky the death of a character.
There is an annoying bug in the game where when you go to purchase skills for units you have to click on the outermost edge of the icon otherwise it will not register.
Overall, if you like the historical aspect, or are a fan of Darkest Dungeon style games but find them generally too difficult this is worth checking out. Although I would recommend you at least play on Challenging as Regular was far too easy. Also, since the current state of this game is free there is no reason not to check it out. Had it not been free it would have been harder to recommend.
*Update: It appears it is no longer possible to play the Legacy version of the game unless you bought the game before the current "RISING: City of Heroes" version. So that's a big bummer. I'll never know what it was like. Also another knock against the game. But since it is free you might as well try it.

This i FREE but over all Nice historical game to play. I have enjoyed playing it very much. It was nice to see how Warsaw Uprising took place, all historical documents, posters, newspapers and anecdotes from the Uprising. The game is a bit unusual to play, but overall very easy and satisfying. Especially, if all main characters survive and you get to see where each of them ended. Nice game, try it. It is totally FREE.

Developed by Pixelated Milk and Retrovibe Games and published by Instytut Pamięci Narodowej, WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes is a turn-based tactical role-playing game that explores one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking events of World War II through the eyes of the people who lived it. Instead of focusing on large armies, famous generals, or globe-spanning campaigns, the game tells a more intimate story centered on resistance fighters struggling to survive during the Warsaw Uprising. This perspective gives the experience a powerful emotional core and allows it to stand apart from many other historical strategy titles.
The game places players in command of a group of insurgents fighting against occupying forces during the sixty-three days of the uprising. From the beginning, the tone is clear: this is not a tale of overwhelming military superiority or guaranteed triumph. Every mission feels like a desperate effort to secure supplies, protect civilians, and keep hope alive under impossible circumstances. The narrative constantly reminds players of the human cost of war, creating an atmosphere that is both compelling and emotionally impactful.
Combat is built around turn-based tactical encounters that require careful planning and intelligent resource management. Positioning is critical, as enemies can quickly overwhelm poorly placed units. Every character brings unique abilities to the battlefield, encouraging players to think strategically about squad composition and battlefield roles. Whether using suppressive fire, medical support, close-range attacks, or specialized combat skills, success depends on coordination rather than brute force. The tactical systems are easy to understand but offer enough depth to remain engaging throughout the campaign.
One of the game's strongest features is the way it treats its characters. The resistance fighters are not anonymous soldiers generated solely for combat. Each possesses a personal background, distinct strengths, and individual traits that influence performance. Over time, players become attached to their team members as they survive dangerous missions, develop new abilities, and contribute to the larger struggle. Because casualties carry significant consequences, every decision feels important. Losing a veteran fighter can dramatically alter both gameplay and the emotional impact of the story.
Resource scarcity is a constant source of tension. Ammunition, medical supplies, food, and equipment are limited, forcing players to carefully manage every asset. This mechanic reinforces the historical setting by reflecting the severe shortages faced by the real resistance movement. Players often find themselves making difficult choices between short-term survival and long-term preparation. These decisions add depth to the strategy while strengthening immersion in the game's wartime environment.
The depiction of Warsaw itself deserves considerable praise. The city serves as more than just a backdrop for combat encounters. Streets, buildings, underground passages, and neighborhoods are represented with great attention to detail, helping create a believable wartime setting. As the uprising progresses, the city gradually changes to reflect the destruction caused by prolonged conflict. Watching familiar locations deteriorate over time creates a powerful sense of loss and reinforces the gravity of the situation.
Historical authenticity is one of the game's defining strengths. The developers clearly invested significant effort into portraying the uprising with respect and accuracy. Historical events, real-world references, archival materials, and contextual information are woven throughout the experience. These elements help educate players about an important chapter of history while enhancing the narrative. Rather than feeling like a history lesson attached to a game, the educational content becomes a natural extension of the overall experience.
The storytelling succeeds because it focuses on ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Moments of courage, sacrifice, friendship, and determination emerge naturally as the campaign unfolds. The narrative does not rely on exaggerated heroics or sensationalized drama. Instead, it finds emotional weight in the resilience of individuals struggling to endure overwhelming circumstances. This grounded approach makes the story more impactful and memorable.
Visually, WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes adopts a distinctive graphic novel-inspired art style. Character portraits, environments, and interface elements are stylized without undermining the seriousness of the subject matter. The artwork creates a unique visual identity while maintaining an atmosphere appropriate for the historical setting. Combined with a strong soundtrack that alternates between somber and dramatic tones, the presentation helps immerse players in the experience.
The game's structure also encourages replayability. Different choices influence mission outcomes, character development, and story progression. Multiple paths and branching decisions allow players to experience the campaign from different perspectives. These variations provide additional value beyond a single playthrough and reinforce the importance of leadership decisions under pressure.
The difficulty level may be challenging for some players. Enemy encounters can be unforgiving, and poor resource management often leads to serious consequences later in the campaign. However, this challenge serves the game's themes well. The struggle for survival feels authentic because victory is never easy and every success requires effort. The demanding nature of the gameplay complements the historical context rather than feeling artificially imposed.
WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant tactical RPG that combines strategic gameplay with meaningful historical storytelling. Its emphasis on character development, resource management, historical authenticity, and difficult decision-making creates an experience that is both educational and engaging. While its challenging nature may not appeal to every player, those willing to embrace its systems will find a memorable and respectful portrayal of one of World War II's most significant resistance movements.
Rating: 6/10

it good but sad and characters die a lot

Игра 'WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes' – это мрачная и захватывающая тактическая RPG, посвященная Варшавскому восстанию 1944 года. Тяжелая атмосфера оккупированной Варшавы передана превосходно, заставляя прочувствовать отчаяние и героизм повстанцев. Боевая система, хотя и позаимствована во многом у Darkest Dungeon, предлагает достаточно интересных тактических решений благодаря разнообразию навыков бойцов и типам оружия.
Сюжет линеен, но истории персонажей хорошо прописаны и мотивируют сопереживать им. Графика стилизована под комикс и отлично передает дух времени. Однако, игра достаточно сложная, требующая внимательного планирования каждого шага и грамотного управления ресурсами.
Из минусов можно отметить некоторую однообразность локаций и утомительную систему менеджмента между миссиями. Тем не менее, если вас привлекают игры с историческим сеттингом и сложной тактической составляющей, 'WARSAW RISING' однозначно стоит внимания. Это не просто игра, а интерактивный памятник героизму варшавян.

Great detail and SUPER fun