Broken Arrow: Aiming High, Landing Low

When strategy meets chaos, and your GPU cries for help

Launch Day Larry

In the world of real-time strategy games, “Broken Arrow” attempts to carve out its niche with a blend of strategic depth and accessibility. But does it hit the mark, or is it more of a misfire? Let’s dive into the trenches and find out.

Gameplay: A Strategic Tug-of-War

“Broken Arrow” offers a gameplay experience that is both engaging and challenging, with a mix of strategic depth and simplified mechanics. The game shines in its ability to keep players on their toes, thanks to its interesting mechanics and the compelling setting. The 3D models and audio design are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of immersion that make each battle feel alive.

However, the game isn’t without its frustrations. The requirement for an online connection, even when playing solo with AI, is a head-scratcher. The absence of a replay system or save feature in single-player mode is akin to playing Russian roulette with your progress. Performance issues and bugs are as common as enemy units, and the lack of quality of life features can make the experience feel like a battle against the game itself.

Despite these hurdles, the game introduces several quality of life improvements that enhance its fun factor. The deck-building feature is a standout, offering extensive customization and specialization options. The scoring system in skirmish mode is fair, rewarding both objective control and enemy eliminations. Yet, the multiplayer experience could use some fine-tuning, especially in dealing with cheaters and early quitters.

Graphics: A Blast from the Past

When it comes to visuals, “Broken Arrow” is a bit of a mixed bag. The game boasts detailed combat units and realistic weapon systems, which are a treat for the eyes. The explosions and missile trails are intense, adding a cinematic flair to the battlefield.

However, the game’s performance is a different story. Even high-end systems struggle to maintain stable frame rates, with reports of FPS dropping to single digits. The graphics, while rated as “Good,” don’t justify the high system requirements, leaving players wondering if their GPUs are being used to render a secret second game in the background. The lack of modern graphical features, such as DLSS/DLAA, further detracts from the experience, making the game feel like a relic from a bygone era.

Story: A Cliché-Ridden Campaign

The narrative of “Broken Arrow” serves as a functional backdrop for its operations, with cinematic elements like real-time map briefings and radio chatter adding a dynamic touch. The campaign offers a variety of missions, and the pre-mission dialogue is both fun and funny, providing a light-hearted break from the chaos of war.

Yet, the story is marred by its lack of depth and originality. Characters lack personality, and the narrative monologues are lengthy and unskippable, making them feel more like a chore than a feature. The absence of a save function during missions is a major flaw, forcing players to leave the game running if they need a break. The campaign’s difficulty is inconsistent, with some missions feeling like a walk in the park and others like a marathon through a minefield.

Final Verdict

“Broken Arrow” is a game with potential, offering strategic depth and engaging mechanics that can keep players coming back for more. However, its technical and design issues, coupled with a lackluster story, hold it back from greatness. For RTS enthusiasts, it might be worth a shot, but be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Score: 6.0/10