Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition review - "An enchanting tactical strategy adventure"

• Challenging tactical combat
• Multiple campaigns that interconnect
• Cute, quirky characters

Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition puts you in command of three different armies across three separate campaigns. You’ll join the mouse army on their scholarly research expedition, aid the pirates in their quest for glory, and lead the Heavensong Empire’s army in their attempts to rescue Lord Valder.

Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition Features Multiple Campaigns

After a prologue that introduces the mouse-like Faahri, you'll be free to complete the three campaigns in any order. However, if you're new to Wargroove,  you may want to check out the Faahri campaign, Breaking Ground, first, since their combat strategies are the easiest to pick up.

Lytra, the sweet mage mouse, really steals the show. Her lack of confidence in her magic makes her immediately endearing.

In Dark Skies, you'll instantly feel affection for twins Errol and Orla and their friend Prince Koji, who quickly go from having a fun sleepover to taking on a dangerous mission to save the leader of the undead Felheim Legion, Lord Valder. Wulfar, an outlaw and father of the twins, proves a formidable presence in the Pirate campaign, Rising Tides. 

After completing all three campaigns, you'll gain access to the final campaign, which ties all three narratives together.

Wargroove 2 features a strategic turn-based combat system that is incredibly engaging. You can move each unit on the battlefield once per turn. Of course, this means the opposing army can do the same, so you need to be strategic if you don't want to lose any units. This ingenious little combat system makes you truly feel like you're commanding an army on a battlefield, albeit an extremely cute one.

Each campaign features several Commander units, which have special Groove attacks that deal high damage. Before you can use one of these special attacks, you’ll need to charge your Groove meter 100% percent. The Groove meter gains charge with each structure captured, enemy defeated, and every attack and counterattack launched.

While it can take a few turns to charge, Groove attacks are worth the wait as they're incredibly satisfying to unleash. Orla uses her scorching Fire Groove ability to set a section of tiles aflame while Lytra uses Melodic Cyclone to hurl nearby enemies in a chosen direction. Each Groove ability is distinct, and you'll have a blast trying them out.

Additionally, you can wait and let the meter reach 200% to unleash an even stronger attack. 

Each Campaign Features Distinct Units

During the prologue, you'll only have access to the Faahri army’s Duelist, Perforator, and Archyologist units. However, as you progress, you'll unlock more powerful units and each campaign features different units for you to master. The Faarhi campaign is not without its merits, but it's the remaining two campaigns that really test your tactical ability. 

From the get-go, Rising Tides features naval units while Dark Skies introduces aerial ones, both of which up the ante in terms of strategy. The Pirates have a boat for quickly transporting units across the map, riflemen who can attack sea-based units from afar.

Dark Skies gives you access to units like the Flamingo, which can fly over other units but must land on solid ground, and multiple aerial units like the Dragon. Dealing with sea and air units can be tricky, as not all land units are equipped to fight them. You’ll need to pay attention to which units are effective against which enemy units as you build your battle strategy.

Where You Send Your Units Matters in Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition

Terrain also plays an important role in the outcome of your attacks. For instance, travelling on stone roads is good for your speed but leaves you unprotected, while travelling on forest tiles offers some protection but slows your unit down.

Whether you choose to rush your enemies and potentially meet your end or creep up on them using tiles that offer some protection is entirely up to you. While adding terrain into the mix is always intriguing, the mechanic would benefit from having more potent effects on both offensive and defensive manoeuvres.

Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition is an adorable strategy game with engaging tactical turn-based combat. You’ll battle challenging and relentless enemy forces, use the terrain to your advantage, and make tough strategic choices to ensure your victory. Each faction features adorable, quirky characters you're sure to enjoy.

With a fun narrative to follow, a multiplayer mode, and multiple difficulty levels, WarGroove 2: Pocket Edition is a great tactical adventure for strategy pros and newbies alike.