Tristan Hotham

Hogs of War is a turn-based strategy game that was released for the PlayStation 1 in 2000. The game is set in a fictional world where different nations are at war, and players control teams of pigs as they battle for control of the battlefield. Despite being over 20 years old, Hogs of War remains a popular and well-regarded game, and it continues to have a dedicated fan base. In this review, I will take a closer look at the game and explore what makes it such a classic. I wish to counteract the original more negative reception the game got 22 years ago.

One of the standout features of Hogs of War is its unique and engaging gameplay. The game is a turn-based strategy game, which means that players take turns to move their units and attack the enemy. This allows for deep and tactical gameplay, as players must carefully plan their moves and use the terrain to their advantage. The game also includes a wide range of different weapons and abilities, which adds an element of strategy and allows players to approach battles in different ways. For example, players can use long-range artillery to attack from a distance, or they can use close-combat weapons to engage the enemy directly. This variety of weapons and abilities makes every battle in Hogs of War feel unique and exciting.

Another aspect of Hogs of War that sets it apart from other games is its colorful and whimsical art style. The game is set in a fantasy WW1 world where different nations are at war, and each nation is represented by a different army of pigs. The game’s art style is both cartoonish and gritty, which adds to the game’s unique tone. This art style also helps to make the game’s many different units and weapons feel distinct and memorable, which adds to the game’s replay value. The hilarity is sent into the stratosphere by the talents of the late Rik Mayall.

One of the key reasons why Hogs of War remains a popular game over 20 years after its release is its strong multiplayer component. In local multiplayer, players used the PlayStation 1’s split-screen functionality to battle against each other on the same screen, which adds an element of fun and competitiveness to the game.

Another strength of Hogs of War is its engaging and deep gameplay. The game offers a variety of different units and weapons for players to choose from, and each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses. This allows players to create unique strategies and tactics to use in battle, and it ensures that no two matches play out the same way. The game’s turn-based nature also allows players to carefully plan their moves and consider their options before making a decision, which adds a level of strategy and depth to the gameplay.

In addition to its unique setting and engaging gameplay, Hogs of War also offers a substantial amount of content for players to enjoy. The game features a single-player campaign that consists of 18 different missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. Some of these levels are incredibly memorable.

Despite its many strengths, Hogs of War does have some weaknesses. The game’s AI can be somewhat inconsistent at times, and it can be prone to making irrational decisions in certain situations. Additionally, the game’s controls can be somewhat clunky and unresponsive at times, which can lead to frustrating moments during gameplay. Finally, the game’s difficulty can be somewhat uneven, with some missions being overly challenging and others being too easy.

Despite its flaws, Hogs of War remains a beloved classic among fans of the PlayStation 1. Its unique setting and character design, engaging gameplay, and substantial amount of content make it a must-play for fans of the strategy genre. Additionally, the game’s enduring popularity is demonstrated by its strong sales figures. According to statistics from the PlayStation 1 era, Hogs of War sold over 1 million copies worldwide, making it one of the top-selling games on the platform.

In conclusion, Hogs of War is a fantastic example of the strategy genre on the PlayStation 1. Its unique setting and character design, engaging gameplay, and substantial amount of content make it a game that is well worth experiencing. While it does have some flaws, these are minor compared to the game’s many strengths, and they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. For fans of the strategy genre, or for anyone looking for a fun and engaging game to play on the PlayStation 1, Hogs of War is a game that should not be missed.