'83

The game '83, a spiritual successor to the Rising Storm and Red Orchestra series, has generated mixed feedback from its player base. Players appreciate the solid gunplay mechanics, satisfying weapon handling, and the Cold War setting, which is a fresh take compared to previous titles. The game features vehicles like tanks and jeeps, which add depth to the gameplay, and the class system is functional with purposeful roles. However, the current state is marked by limited content, including only a few maps and modes, and many players feel the game is in an alpha or early access state despite its full price. Performance issues, clunky movement, and lack of atmosphere and immersion were commonly reported. The graphics, while decent, were often described as bland or sterile, and the Unreal Engine 5 implementation received criticism for optimization and visual fidelity. Server population and matchmaking challenges further impact the multiplayer experience. Despite these setbacks, many reviewers see potential in the game if the developers continue to improve and expand it according to their roadmap.

Highlights

Players praise the game's satisfying gunplay and realistic recoil, which capture the tactical shooter feel reminiscent of Rising Storm 2. The Cold War setting is seen as interesting and unique, with vehicles like tanks and jeeps enriching gameplay. The class and squad systems are well designed, offering strategic depth. Many note that the game runs relatively smoothly on various hardware and that the developers are responsive to community feedback. The foundation of the game is recognized as solid, with a roadmap promising future content and improvements that excite longtime fans of the franchise.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a lack of atmosphere and immersion, with missing elements such as impactful voice lines, death screams, and meaningful artillery effects. The UI and map design feel underdeveloped and sometimes unbalanced, leading to repetitive and frustrating gameplay loops. Performance issues like frame rate drops, rubberbanding, and graphical pop-ins were frequently mentioned. Movement and animations are often described as clunky or floaty, detracting from the tactical experience. Additionally, the limited content, including few maps and modes, combined with a low player base, reduces the game's longevity and appeal. The high price point for an early access title was also a point of contention.