Heroes & Generals

About

Heroes & Generals is a multiplayer tactical shooter game with warfare and historical themes. It was developed by TLM Partners and was released on October 18, 2016. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"Heroes & Generals" is a free-to-play, MMOFPS game set in WW2, where Germany, the United States, and the Soviet Union battle for global dominance. Players can choose from various roles including infantry, tank crew, fighter pilot, and general, and everything done contributes to the ongoing, persistent online war. This immersive game encourages teamwork and community building with a huge and expanding player base. Players have access to a vast arsenal of weapons and vehicles, ensuring a dynamic and exciting warfare experience.

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62%

Audience ScoreBased on 55,706 reviews

gameplay1.6k positive mentions

grinding3k negative mentions

The game features a unique blend of FPS and RTS mechanics, allowing for engaging large-scale battles and diverse combat roles.
Many players appreciate the game's graphics and atmosphere, noting that it offers a vibrant and immersive experience for a free-to-play title.
Despite its flaws, the game provides high replayability with a variety of gameplay options and a progression system that can be enjoyable for dedicated players.

The grinding aspect of the game is often criticized as tedious and time-consuming, leading to a frustrating pay-to-win experience for many players.
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, with players reporting lag, low frame rates, and numerous bugs that detract from the overall experience.
The monetization model has drawn criticism for creating a cash grab environment, with aggressive microtransactions that can hinder enjoyment and balance.

gameplay
4,493 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
51%
13%
The gameplay of "Heroes & Generals" is characterized by a unique blend of first-person shooter (FPS) and real-time strategy (RTS) elements, allowing players to engage in large-scale battles with various roles, including infantry, tank crews, and pilots. While many players appreciate the depth and strategic aspects of the gameplay, criticisms often focus on the game's pay-to-win mechanics, slow progression, and balancing issues, which can lead to frustrating experiences, especially for newcomers. Overall, the gameplay is seen as enjoyable and immersive, but it suffers from significant grind and monetization challenges that detract from the overall experience.
- “Heroes & Generals blends first-person shooter gameplay with a large-scale strategic layer, creating a unique World War II experience.”
- “The game features a unique blend of FPS and RTS mechanics, where players can take on the role of soldiers on the battlefield or act as generals commanding troops and planning tactics from a broader perspective.”
- “The gameplay is engaging and can suit almost any type of person, offering a mix of tactical strategy and first-person action, with large-scale battles and diverse combat roles.”
- “The gameplay is a complete mess, with clunky mechanics and a frustrating grind that makes it hard to enjoy any aspect of the game.”
- “Gameplay is riddled with issues, from poor hit detection to unbalanced mechanics that favor paying players, making it feel unfair and frustrating.”
- “The game has a lot of potential, but the gameplay is bogged down by a pay-to-win model and a lack of meaningful updates to fix core mechanics.”
graphics
3,211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
47%
17%
The graphics of "Heroes & Generals" receive mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the game's unique art style and decent visuals for a free-to-play title, many criticize the graphics as outdated, often comparing them to games from a decade ago. Optimization issues and performance problems are frequently mentioned, with players experiencing lag and low frame rates even on high-end systems, detracting from the overall experience.
- “The graphics are good for a free game, and the gameplay is super fun and immersive.”
- “The graphics are stunning, the atmosphere is vibrant and life-like, and the multiplayer is fantastic!”
- “This game has amazing graphics, great gameplay, and open-world with vehicles and fun combat.”
- “But the graphics aged, and optimization issues made visuals less polished.”
- “The graphics and sound are mediocre at best, lacking the polish and detail found in more refined shooters.”
- “The graphics are so bad it feels like playing a game from 2000.”
grinding
3,026 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
The grinding aspect of "Heroes & Generals" is a major point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some players find enjoyment in the grind as a means to unlock weapons and upgrades, others criticize it as a frustrating barrier that often leads to a pay-to-win experience, where spending real money can significantly expedite progress. Overall, the game is seen as requiring a substantial investment of time to achieve meaningful advancement, which may deter casual players.
- “Sure, it took longer to build that stuff up compared to people who bought veteran, but once you played for a bit, you would have a variety of things to play so you aren't grinding up the same soldier like you do as a brand new player.”
- “It's not that grindy if you're smart about it.”
- “The gun/level progression seems pretty fair and not too grindy, and the gameplay is incredibly fun!”
- “However, it was held back by persistent technical issues, a grindy progression curve, and often sluggish updates in later years.”
- “It's a much harder game, especially for casual players; you have to learn the weak spots of a million different tanks, there’s no infantry, and the grinding is a nightmare.”
- “The grinding in this game is seriously messed up; the damage system with vehicles used to be very much fun, and now they're just trying to imitate other games but fail badly at doing so.”
optimization
862 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
46%
41%
The optimization of the game has received widespread criticism, with players reporting significant performance issues such as lag, long loading times, and frame drops, even on high-end systems. Many users express frustration over the game's inability to run smoothly, often citing that it feels poorly optimized for both low and mid-range PCs. Despite some updates aimed at improving performance, the consensus remains that the game requires substantial optimization to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
- “The game is optimized great, but it needs a little bit more powerful machine.”
- “A really fun game that even though it was poorly optimized, the games I played were fun and exciting.”
- “The optimization is much better, but still has some ways to go.”
- “The game is so poorly optimized that even brand new top of the line GPUs are at points, getting 15-30 fps somehow.”
- “The optimization is just horrible, how can a game like this use up to 113% of a GTX 1070 and 60-80% of an i5 4690k OC 4.5GHz.”
- “This game is the most unoptimized piece of shit that I have played. Ever.”
stability
663 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
The game's stability is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the experience. Many users express frustration over the lack of effective updates to address these problems, leading to a perception that the developers prioritize new features over fixing existing issues. Despite the game's charm and potential for fun, its ongoing instability and poor optimization make it challenging for players to enjoy consistently.
- “The gameplay is smooth and runs great.”
- “Don't get me wrong, this game isn't garbage; graphically it's impressive, not to mention that for an early access game, I found it surprisingly bug-free, and for a little while I had great fun playing it.”
- “Not too buggy and just the right amount of challenge!”
- “The game is riddled with bugs and glitches that make it almost unplayable at times, and the matchmaking system is an absolute joke.”
- “However, Reto-Moto/TLM had many years and many chances to fix their mistakes with this game, except they steadfastly refused to listen to the player base and instead kept implementing new features that nobody asked for, then always had to spend several updates hotfixing those broken and buggy additions.”
- “The game is still a buggy mess after this many years.”
humor
514 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its hilarious ragdoll physics, absurd glitches, and the comedic potential of in-game scenarios, such as riding bicycles into battle. Many reviews reflect on the game's ability to create memorable and funny moments, especially when played with friends, despite acknowledging its serious undertones and occasional frustrations. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable even amidst its flaws.
- “There were always plenty of funny moments to be had, which is something I really loved about this game.”
- “The physics make for some hilarious and memorable moments that'll leave you on the floor laughing, especially if you and your friends are morons.”
- “Riding a bike into enemy lines and using a missile launcher to blow someone up is pretty funny.”
- “Getting shot by veteran snipers all the time and having 0 kills is not funny.”
- “This game has so many bugs and cheat codes that it is not funny.”
- “Not funny at all to play this game; the first 2 hours it was fun, but then... oh no, I am rank 4 and playing against rank 16!”
monetization
503 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
56%
38%
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a "cash grab" due to its heavy reliance on microtransactions that often create a pay-to-win environment. While the game is free-to-play and offers cosmetic items and boosts, the aggressive monetization tactics and high prices for in-game purchases have led to frustration among players, who feel that progression is excessively grindy without spending money. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as detrimental to the game's balance and enjoyment, overshadowing its potential as a fun experience.
- “✅ Free-to-play: the game is free-to-play, with microtransactions mostly related to cosmetic items and boosts, which means players can enjoy it without having to spend money.”
- “Heroes and Generals has a very good community along with active developers, and reasonable prices for in-game purchases (which you are not required to make if you do not wish to do so).”
- “The in-game purchases are not that bad for a free-to-play game and don't hinder the fun too much.”
- “This game is a complete grind fest even if you spend money for veteran status; it's a blatant pay-to-win cash grab riddled with bugs.”
- “The microtransactions got so out of hand that, not only did they add massively overpowered weapons that were locked behind a paywall, but they also nerfed the free ones as well.”
- “This game has a lot of potential but it really disgusts me when devs try to cash in on free-to-play microtransactions on a game that is still in beta.”
story
488 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
83%
8%
The game's storytelling is largely criticized for its lack of a directed narrative or cohesive single-player campaign, relying instead on emergent stories created through player actions in battles. Many players express disappointment over the absence of a structured storyline, with missions feeling repetitive and disconnected from any overarching plot. While some appreciate the emergent gameplay and the unique experiences each battle can provide, the consensus is that the game would benefit significantly from a more engaging and scripted narrative.
- “Each battle was a story.”
- “It taught me that what truly makes a game great isn’t just its graphics, gameplay, or story—it’s the positive, lasting impact it leaves on someone’s life.”
- “Heroes & Generals delivers a full-blown first-person shooter experience, complete with intense infantry and vehicle combat in a wide variety of modes and missions, fought on behalf of the Axis or Allies.”
- “The story was emergent via player actions on the war map, but no strong single-player or scripted storyline.”
- “There is no real story; therefore, I can't really say anything about it other than you are a soldier for either the United States or the Germans and you're fighting in World War II.”
- “This game is an amazing game... first of all, I have read about this game that they are completely changing it from what it is now with different game modes like where you have to go on missions to destroy bridges to stop supply trains to the enemy troops that you are fighting... other game modes, and also more factions.”
music
109 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
64%
10%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the soundtrack's thematic fit and quality, particularly praising its historical authenticity. However, several users note a lack of in-game music during matches, leading to a disconnect and a somewhat dull experience, while others criticize the limited variety and occasional annoying loops in the menu music. Overall, while the soundtrack is often highlighted as a strong point, the absence of ambient sounds during gameplay detracts from the overall audio experience.
- “Amazing soundtrack and gameplay like no other.”
- “The graphics and soundtrack are solid and offer a good atmosphere that supports the gameplay.”
- “Great game, great soundtrack... but uhhh umm dead :v”
- “The music fits the theme but is otherwise bland.”
- “There is no in-game music while playing a match and it creates this weird feeling of disconnect; there are no ambient sounds except for one created by the player model.”
- “The sound design is poor, the music is off, and the game feels so fake.”
atmosphere
104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
38%
11%
The game's atmosphere is frequently praised for its immersive recreation of World War II, with many players noting the engaging graphics, sound design, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic shooters. However, some reviews highlight that technical issues and a pay-to-win model can detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the unique atmosphere and gameplay mechanics continue to captivate a dedicated player base.
- “The atmosphere, the ragdolls, the bike riding.”
- “The game carefully recreates weapons, military vehicles, and the atmosphere of that era, while demonstrating really massive clashes of numerous soldiers, tanks, and aircraft with artillery and naval support.”
- “The atmosphere creates an engaging space, with a subtle realism that is magnetic, at least for me.”
- “On the battlefield, the gameplay suffers from balancing issues, with certain cash-shop items offering significant advantages, creating a pay-to-win atmosphere that can be off-putting.”
- “I really wanted to like this game, but optimization and a clunky engine just kill the atmosphere. Still, give this game a try though; it is not a bad game if you have a very strong PC to counter the poor optimization.”
- “This game has no atmosphere, no communication, nothing to really fight for.”
emotional
57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a strong response from players, with many expressing feelings of heartbreak and nostalgia as they reflect on their experiences. While some find the game to be an emotional rollercoaster that resonates deeply with their personal journeys, others are frustrated by its grind mechanics and community toxicity, leading to a mix of laughter and tears. Overall, the game has the power to evoke significant emotional investment, both positive and negative, making it a memorable experience for many players.
- “686 hours well spent on this emotional rollercoaster.”
- “I've never commented or recommended any game on Steam because I wasn't emotionally connected to them, or I just didn't care about recommending it... this game followed me through my bad and good times; it was like a long journey.”
- “This is the kind of game that blindsides you emotionally.”
replayability
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
67%
6%
The game is generally praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying the progression system and diverse gameplay options. However, some users find the grind for progression tedious, which can diminish the experience over time. Overall, while the game offers a lot of content and updates that enhance replay value, the repetitive nature of certain elements may lead to a decline in interest for some players.
- “The game always has a sense of replayability, and if you're like me and have an obsession with progression, where you enjoy unlocking the next tier or item, this game has plenty.”
- “Great game, very fun and extremely replayable, although grinding does get a bit boring after a while.”
- “This is a really fun game that provides a lot of replayable gameplay, especially with the general part of the game.”
- “If they'd make the 'first encounter' bot mode replayable / actually singleplayer, the game would be worth playing.”
- “Prior updates were the reason why I kept going, but as updates pour on, it limits replayability.”
- “Replay value: 5/10 doing the same mission over again gets tedious, but if you have something you wish to work towards, each battle is a challenge you gladly take on.”
character development
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the depth and options available, others find the initial experience lacking and the process of creating or converting characters cumbersome. Notably, the narrative becomes more engaging as the story progresses, particularly with the character Monika, which enhances the overall experience for dedicated players. Overall, the character design is seen as decent but somewhat conventional.
- “So, to start off, this game's intro is pretty boring, but once Monika started to lose it, it got really interesting. After putting roughly 200 hours into the game, I was in love; the character development was amazing!”
- “Game has great options for character development.”
- “The character development aspect is a bit weird; I wish I could just have one soldier that could fly or be in a tank, rather than creating a new character from scratch, converting, or outright buying one.”
- “Jump straight into a laggy, boring, and poorly designed character game.”
- “In-depth character design with a thrilling campaign paired with epic multiplayer.”