This War of Mine
This War of Mine: Surviving the Unthinkable
This War of Mine, developed by 11 Bit Studios and released for multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, is not your typical war game. Unlike the heroic combat seen in series like Call of Duty, this title presents the harsh and emotional reality of war through the eyes of ordinary civilians trying to survive. While deeply impactful, it’s also extremely challenging—sometimes to a fault—and on the Nintendo Switch, it comes with added frustrations.
The Story: Survival at All Costs
In This War of Mine, you control a small group of survivors stranded in a besieged city during wartime. Your primary goal is simple—stay alive. However, that’s easier said than done. You’ll have to manage limited resources, search for food, craft shelter upgrades, and make heart-wrenching decisions as your group faces hunger, illness, and despair.
The game succeeds in presenting a sobering narrative, showcasing the cruel realities of war. Each survivor comes with a backstory that reveals their struggles, regrets, and hopes—adding depth to the gameplay. However, on the Nintendo Switch, the small screen makes the tiny text of these stories almost unreadable in handheld mode, hindering the emotional connection the game aims to create.

Gameplay: Oppression and Desperation
The gameplay focuses on resource management and strategic planning. Each day is spent improving your shelter and managing your survivors, while nights are spent scavenging for supplies in dangerous locations. The game’s mechanics are deceptively simple, but its difficulty makes survival a constant challenge.
Unfortunately, this emphasis on realism can make the game feel oppressive. You’ll often feel hopeless as hunger and illness take over your survivors, and the disparity between their struggles and your efforts creates a powerful yet draining experience. While it’s an important message about the impact of war, it also sacrifices fun in the process.
5 Starting Hints
- 1. Prioritize building a shovel and crowbar to clear debris and open doors quickly.
- 2. Always scavenge cautiously. Use survivors with high stealth skills during dangerous missions.
- 3. Focus on gathering wood and components early—they’re critical for crafting and warmth.
- 4. Upgrade your shelter’s workbench as soon as possible to unlock essential tools.
- 5. Keep an eye on your survivor’s mood. Neglecting their needs can lead to depression and loss.
Pros
- ✔ Emotionally impactful storytelling with deep themes.
- ✔ Realistic survival mechanics that highlight war's harsh realities.
- ✔ Unique focus on civilians instead of soldiers.
- ✔ Beautiful yet somber art style and atmosphere.
- ✔ The Stories mode adds replayability and variety.
Cons
- ✘ Extremely difficult survival, which may frustrate players.
- ✘ Oppressive atmosphere that sacrifices fun for realism.
- ✘ Text is too small to read comfortably on the Nintendo Switch handheld screen.
- ✘ The sense of hopelessness may discourage prolonged play.
- ✘ Repetitive mechanics can become tedious over time.
Verdict
This War of Mine is a game with a powerful message, but it’s not for everyone. While its depiction of war is harrowing and realistic, the gameplay can feel oppressive and emotionally exhausting. On the Nintendo Switch, the text size issues only add to the frustration. It’s a game worth experiencing, but one that requires patience and a willingness to endure.
Final Score
Nintendo Switch
82%
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