Six Days in Fallujah is a game that I had the opportunity to try in the early access phase, which is developed by Highwire Games, while the publisher is Victura. Just entering the menu promises a lot - procedurally generated missions, cooperation with other players and a realistic representation of one of the most famous military operations of the modern era. However, as a game in development, it also has its flaws, which I will try to explain in more detail.
Currently, only two main campaign missions are available in the game, while a total of 12 are announced until full release. The campaign is quite simple - the objectives are reduced to eliminating enemies, deactivating explosive devices and moving from point A to point B. The missions are interesting, but I have to admit that I went through both without major problems. I didn't lose a single life, although I expected more weight and realism. The wounding system is standard - the screen turns red and the game allows you to use first aid or help your teammates to recover.
In addition to the campaign, the game offers procedurally generated maps that bring more challenge. Each time you start a new game, the enemies and buildings are arranged differently, which makes the game more interesting, but also more challenging. In these situations, I often lost my life because I didn't have the patience for precise tactics. Perhaps this is a consequence of playing titles like Call of Duty and Battlefield, where the pace is much faster, but here the focus is on a slower, team-based approach.
The biggest advantage of the game is precisely the cooperative mode. Playing with friends or through matchmaking where the game connects you with unknown players brings a whole new dimension. Communicating via voice chat with an unfamiliar crew in English was surprisingly fun and the sense of community adds to the experience. However, the lack of additional content, such as character leveling, unlocking equipment, and the like, could limit the game's long-term appeal.
The graphics, let's say, are solid. Reminiscent of titles from 2018-2019. years, but does not impress. The atmosphere of urban warfare is presented believably, but not at the level set by Battlefield 1 or the Call of Duty campaigns. The sound, on the other hand, is fantastic – from the radio communication to the echo of the gunshots, the audio design is one of the most impressive components.
Technically speaking, I ran into a few problems. The game crashed twice out of the blue, and the AI soldiers sometimes seemed a little clumsy, especially in tight spaces, but it was my own fault because I didn't issue quality commands. There are also minor bugs with shadows and animations, but nothing that can't be fixed until the game's official release, which is said to be in late 2024.
Overall, Six Days in Fallujah has the potential to become a very serious tactical shooter that emphasizes realism and cooperation. While it currently suffers from a lack of content and polished presentation, it's clear that this is just the beginning and that the game will have a lot to offer when it comes out in its full version.
A copy of the game was provided by the publisher Victura for review purposes
