Holdfast: Nations At War
" Epic multiplayer Napoleonic shooter with massive battles and historic detail but poor optimization "
Holdfast: Nations At War Review
Holdfast: Nations At War offers a unique multiplayer experience set in the Napoleonic era and World War I, combining historical themes with chaotic gameplay. Players engage in large-scale battles with up to 150 participants, featuring musket volleys, bayonet charges, and naval combat. The game thrives on its lively, meme-filled community that values fun and camaraderie over strict competitiveness. The voice chat and roleplaying elements add to the immersive and often hilarious atmosphere, making each match unpredictable and memorable.
However, the game suffers from technical issues such as poor optimization, inconsistent frame rates, input lag, and server limitations, especially for players outside the US region. Combat mechanics, particularly gunplay and melee, receive mixed feedback for randomness and clunkiness. Despite these flaws, fans appreciate the historical detail in uniforms and weapons, and the game's niche appeal to those seeking a casual yet chaotic multiplayer environment. The player base is small but loyal, with cross-play and console releases boosting activity.
Highlights
Players praise the game's immersive Napoleonic and WWI settings, with detailed historically inspired uniforms and classes. The large-scale battles with up to 150 players create dynamic and entertaining scenarios. The community is highlighted as a major strength—friendly, humorous, and supportive, fostering memorable roleplaying moments. Voice chat and proximity communication add depth and fun to gameplay. The ability to switch between first and third person and the variety of roles, including musicians and artillery, enrich the experience. The game is considered highly addictive and enjoyable for fans of historical shooters and multiplayer chaos.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include poor optimization leading to low and inconsistent frame rates, especially on CPU-bound systems. Input lag and clunky controls hinder melee combat and shooting precision. The gunplay is often described as random and frustrating, reducing skill impact. Server availability is limited, particularly outside the US, causing high ping and latency issues for some regions. The community, while fun, can also be toxic or immature at times, with excessive mic spam and occasional racist or offensive voice chat. Some players find the gameplay repetitive or boring after short sessions, and the game's price is seen as high for its current state.
Pros
- • Large-scale multiplayer battles with up to 150 players create epic warfare experiences.
- • Historically accurate uniforms and weaponry enhance immersion in the Napoleonic era.
- • Dynamic voice chat and roleplaying foster a lively, humorous community atmosphere.
- • Varied classes including infantry, artillery, sailors, and musicians add gameplay depth.
- • Cross-play and console release have increased player base and server availability.
- • Ability to switch between first and third person views at any time.
- • Engaging mix of chaotic combat and strategic teamwork keeps gameplay fresh.
Cons
- • Poor optimization causes low framerates and input lag even on high-end PCs.
- • Gunplay mechanics feel random, frustrating skill-based aiming and combat.
- • Limited server availability leads to high ping and connection issues outside US.
- • Melee combat is clunky, slow, and less satisfying compared to similar games.
- • Toxicity and immature behavior present in voice chat can spoil experience.
- • Small player base restricts matchmaking and variety of active servers.
- • Repetitive gameplay can become boring after short periods for some players.
Rating Criteria
Fight on multiple fronts in Holdfast: Nations At War - A multiplayer first and third-person shooter set during the great Napoleonic Era and WW1. Charge into battle with over 150 players per server!