Enlisted

About

"Enlisted is a massively multiplayer action game that allows two players to command their own squads of AI-controlled soldiers in intense, massive battles set in iconic locations from the Second World War. With four countries to choose from and the ability to switch soldiers during battle, players can experience the full scale and intensity of the bloodiest war of the 20th century. The game features lots of grinding, making it a challenging and rewarding experience."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,486 reviews

gameplay218 positive mentions

grinding257 negative mentions

gameplay
660 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
62%
5%
The gameplay of "Enlisted" is characterized by its unique squad-based mechanics, allowing players to control entire squads of AI soldiers, which adds a layer of strategy and depth to the experience. While many players appreciate the blend of arcade and realistic elements, the AI's performance is often criticized for being subpar, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the game features a grind-heavy progression system and monetization practices that some players find frustrating, impacting the gameplay experience despite its potential for fun and engaging battles.
- “The gameplay is complex but innovative, and there's an emphasis on realism and authenticity.”
- “The squad-based gameplay is such a cool idea—you get to control an entire team of soldiers, so even if you get taken out, you can instantly jump into another squadmate and keep the fight going.”
- “The unique squad mechanic and large-scale battles set it apart from other WWII games.”
- “The AI is terrible; it just makes the gameplay feel clunky.”
- “It's a shame because the core gameplay is pretty solid; it's just everything else dragging it down and making it a chore to play.”
- “The squad mechanic is useless, and the entire style of the game is a mutant child of War Thunder.”
graphics
297 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
36%
7%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising their realism and detail, particularly in the context of a free-to-play title. While some describe the visuals as stunning and immersive, others criticize them as dated or poorly optimized, leading to performance issues. Overall, the graphics are generally considered good for a free game, but there are calls for improvements and updates to enhance the visual experience further.
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay is deep and unique, and there are a myriad of weapons, vehicles, equipment, upgrades, and customization to unlock for us, Japan, USSR, and German forces.”
- “The graphics are amazing and really make me feel like I'm a WWII soldier.”
- “The graphics, audio, and general feel make for an insanely fun gaming experience and really make you feel like you're on the frontline.”
- “The graphics look bad as is, and I am talking 'Heroes and Generals' levels of bad, even at high settings.”
- “I don't even blame them for their goofy graphics, not every studio needs high-end graphics in their games, but make them at least look acceptable and optimized.”
- “The graphics look like they were scraped from the bottom of a bargain bin circa 2005, complete with muddy textures and character models that would make even a potato blush with embarrassment.”
grinding
265 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming, often comparing it unfavorably to other titles like War Thunder. While some players appreciate the depth of progression and the enjoyment derived from gameplay, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grind detracts from the overall experience, especially for free-to-play users who face significant barriers without spending money. Despite some updates aimed at reducing grind, many still feel it requires an unreasonable investment of time to unlock content.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “To me this takes away all the fun. Video games shouldn't be about grinding and working; that's what life is about. Video games should be about having fun and creating a world you can't create in reality.”
- “The amount of microtransactions and endless grind is just so bad. Totally not recommended, but if you like tryhard grinding for stuff you want, well, this is for you.”
- “The game is fun, but I wish it didn't feel so grindy.”
monetization
177 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
66%
27%
The monetization in Enlisted has been widely criticized for being excessively aggressive and predatory, featuring numerous microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, and a convoluted currency system that detracts from the overall gameplay experience. Many players feel that the monetization model prioritizes profit over player enjoyment, leading to a frustrating grind and a sense of being nickel-and-dimed. While some acknowledge that it is possible to enjoy the game without spending money, the overwhelming presence of microtransactions and the pressure to pay for convenience significantly diminish the game's appeal.
- “For a free-to-play game, its monetization doesn't feel greedy (which is a compliment coming from Gaijin).”
- “The game is free-to-play, and while there are microtransactions, it’s possible to enjoy the core experience without spending money.”
- “While some people complain about microtransactions, they're there, but there's no need to buy them.”
- “This game has some of the most aggressive microtransactions I have ever seen, that cannot be debated.”
- “The game is filled with microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, FOMO, battle passes, premium subscriptions, and in-game currencies obfuscating prices.”
- “The monetization is horrendous, and I've legitimately seen Roblox games do it better.”
optimization
77 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
48%
18%
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and good graphics even on lower-end systems, others experience significant stuttering, bugs, and connection issues, particularly during large battles. Many users suggest that further optimization is needed, especially for older hardware and in terms of server performance. Despite these issues, some players find the game enjoyable and well-optimized for their setups, indicating that experiences may vary widely based on individual hardware and game updates.
- “The graphics are great, and it's pretty well optimized.”
- “Good optimization and good looking game.”
- “The game runs very smoothly and is well optimized quite well.”
- “With the game being out for 4 years already, I think there is still much to optimize in terms of performance and maybe have more game events.”
- “The game is an unoptimized piece of trash though; 7900 XTX and it's already slugging along at 70 FPS that feels like 40, which turns into 35 that feels like 15 when turning fast.”
- “Game is unplayable after the September update performance-wise.”
story
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
73%
18%
The reviews indicate a general lack of a compelling story in the game, with many users noting that it feels more like a grind without significant narrative depth. Some players express a desire for missions to have more historical relevance, while others mention that the gameplay itself is enjoyable despite the absence of a strong storyline. Overall, the consensus is that while the game offers engaging combat experiences, it does not prioritize storytelling.
- “I wish we had more PvE / mission editor to enjoy the game, but the first few games at low tiers will be engraved in my memory, such classics!”
- “[i] Compelling storyline - engaging narrative.”
- “Conclusion to the tank part: I would completely revisit this whole tank story in this game.”
- “The devs keep saying players enjoy the game, but the numbers tell a different story.”
- “Just like our grandpa's story.”
- “Same story as with War Thunder.”
humor
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
7%
The humor in "Enlisted" is characterized by its quirky and chaotic nature, providing a refreshing contrast to the typically serious war-game genre. Players enjoy the comedic moments that arise from both gameplay and interactions, often finding themselves laughing at the absurdity of situations, such as using unconventional tactics or witnessing AI antics. Overall, the game fosters a lighthearted atmosphere, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends.
- “Enlisted marches onto the scene as a refreshing mix of quirky humor and chaotic camaraderie, giving the war-game genre a much-needed breather from its usual grim tone.”
- “So grab your rifle, keep your AI squad in check, and remember: war is hell... but also kind of hilarious.”
- “If you enjoy laughing hysterically at your own incompetence while accidentally winning a match because the other team is 'somehow' worse than you, this is the game for you.”
- “The game has its moments, but the humor often falls flat and feels forced.”
- “I expected a lot more laughs, but the jokes are stale and unoriginal.”
- “While the gameplay is enjoyable, the attempts at humor just miss the mark.”
stability
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
91%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting persistent bugs, server instability, and performance issues such as freezing and lag. While some players enjoy the gameplay and acknowledge that patches address certain problems, many express frustration over the game's unpolished state and ongoing glitches, particularly with controls and matchmaking. Overall, the consensus is that while the game is fun, it suffers from significant stability issues that detract from the experience.
- “From a performance perspective, it runs great.”
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “The graphics are very solid and the game runs great in terms of performance.”
- “Game is fun but servers are unstable and parties are buggy.”
- “Never crashes or freezes on any other game and yet this one froze my PC three times today alone.”
- “The game is definitely still a bit janky and buggy, while there are constant bug fixes, the game still feels a bit unpolished.”
atmosphere
35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
31%
9%
The atmosphere in Enlisted is widely praised for its immersive and gritty depiction of World War II battles, enhanced by detailed graphics, realistic sound design, and a captivating soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of being in a real war, with the chaotic audio and visual elements contributing significantly to the overall experience. While some note that the graphics may feel dated, the engaging atmosphere and fun gameplay make it a standout title for fans of the genre.
- “Enlisted does an exceptional job of capturing the atmosphere of World War II battles.”
- “The sound design and visuals are solid, bringing the chaotic and gritty atmosphere of World War II to life.”
- “The whole carefully crafted atmosphere is both thrilling and moving.”
- “Therefore, there is no atmosphere, no sense of danger that a WWII game could bring.”
- “The sound design is garbo and adds to the lack of atmosphere.”
- “The choice of a more muted, realistic color palette reinforces the gritty atmosphere of World War II combat.”
emotional
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players experience a profound emotional journey in the game, oscillating between love and frustration, particularly due to the game's progression system and perceived biases. The emotional impact is heightened by the connection to tank crew members, leading to moments of genuine heartbreak when they fail or die. While some appreciate the thematic weight of victories and losses, others find the emotional toll of team dynamics and gameplay mechanics overwhelming, resulting in mixed feelings about the overall experience.
- “It is like an emotional rollercoaster between total hate and love.”
- “As an almost exclusively tank player, although tanks are underrated, it is heartbreaking to see one of your fellow tank crew members die.”
- “Previously, each campaign felt like part of a larger war effort, where victories and losses had a thematic and emotional weight.”
replayability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability due to diverse playstyles, balanced bot integration, and solid gameplay mechanics. However, some players feel that the limited number of playable countries detracts from the overall replay value. Despite this, many reviewers highlight the game's potential for longevity and enjoyment through repeated play.
- “Multiple playstyles allow for a lot of different ways to enjoy it and great replay value.”
- “- Replayability is very high.”
- “Would be nice if they added more playable countries, like Great Britain, Italy, and Poland, for example.”
- “Replayability is very high.”
- “Enlisted is a very well-made game with limitless replayability.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
The music in the game is highly praised for its exceptional theme soundtrack that enhances the immersive WWII atmosphere, with period-appropriate tunes and radio chatter adding to the historical accuracy. Players appreciate the ambient sounds and effects, noting that listening to music, especially older tracks, enriches the gaming experience. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's engaging and collaborative environment.
- “One standout feature is the exceptional theme music soundtrack, which perfectly complements the immersive WWII atmosphere.”
- “The use of period-appropriate music and radio chatter further enhances the historical setting.”
- “Also music and ambient sounds and effects.”
- “With squad-based play, players need to collaborate and communicate with each other for any chance of victory -- making every win feel like every tiny success is a making hand clap music.”