Warside
Warside is a 2D, sci-fi side-scrolling shooter that mixes arcade gunplay with light RPG progression. Drawing on the feel of classic run-and-gun games while supporting both PvE missions and PvP matches, it aimed for quick rounds, class roles, and cooperative team play, but the project has since been discontinued.
|
Publisher: Kraken Games Playerbase: Shut down Type: Shooter Release Date: May 5, 2015 (Early Access) Shut Down: December 1, 2017 Pros: +Easy to pick up with satisfying moment-to-moment combat. +Solid selection of characters and class roles. Cons: -Match balance could be uneven. -Limited map variety. |
Warside Overview
Warside presents a compact arena-style shooter built around side-scrolling firefights and team coordination. Matches revolve around quick movement, aiming, and ability usage, while RPG-style progression and gear add a layer of customization to how your character performs. It was positioned as an alternative to more traditional shooters by focusing on 2D readability, class responsibilities, and short-session intensity. Warside shut down on December 1, 2017.
Warside Key Features:
- Side Scrolling Action – a fast 2D shooter core, paired with RPG-like growth and loadout choices.
- Crafting & Item System – a broad pool of equipment, including weapons, armor, and consumable items to support different builds.
- Varied Gameplay – four playable characters (Huntress, Mercenary, Faceless, and Guardian) and three classes (Assault, Destroyer, and Infiltrator) to change how you approach fights.
- PvE and PvP Gameplay – matchmaking supported both cooperative missions and competitive battles.
- Choose Your State – players could align with the Zetta Corporation, Galactic Commune, or the New Empire.
Warside Screenshots
Warside Featured Video
Warside Review
Warside is at its best when you treat it like an arcade shooter designed for short, sharp engagements. The side-scrolling perspective keeps firefights readable, and the overall pace encourages aggressive play, quick repositioning, and smart use of abilities instead of slow, cover-based tactics. It is a straightforward setup that can be immediately enjoyable, especially with friends and a team that understands roles.
The RPG elements mostly serve the action rather than replacing it. Gear and itemization provide reasons to keep playing and experimenting, and the crafting and equipment layer adds some personalization beyond pure mechanical skill. That said, this kind of system also tends to amplify differences between players, and Warside could feel inconsistent depending on matchups and the state of balance at the time.
Class and character variety was one of the more appealing parts of the package. With four characters and three classes, there was enough room to find a playstyle that fit, whether you preferred direct pressure, heavier damage, or a more disruptive approach. The emphasis on teamwork made coordinated groups feel effective, but it also meant solo players could have a rougher experience if teams were unbalanced.
Content breadth was a more noticeable limitation. With relatively few maps, repetition could set in faster than in larger competitive shooters, and the long-term draw relied heavily on enjoying the core combat loop rather than chasing constant new arenas. In practice, Warside delivered a distinctive 2D shooter flavor with some interesting systems, but it also carried the typical challenges of smaller online games, especially around balance and variety.
Warside shut down on December 1, 2017, so it stands today as an example of an ambitious, team-focused 2D shooter concept that did several things right mechanically, but could not sustain an ongoing live player ecosystem.
Warside System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: Windows XP SP3 or newer
CPU: Pentium D / AMD Athlon X2 or better
Video Card: GeForce 8600 GT / Radeon HD 2600 / Intel GMA 950 or higher
RAM: 2 GB
Hard Disk Space: ~2 GB
Warside only lists minimum system requirements.
Warside Music & Soundtrack
Coming Soon!
Warside Additional Information
Developer: Kraken Games
Shut Down: December 1, 2017
Development History / Background:
Warside was created by Kraken Games, a Russian developer established in 2007. The game was distributed through its official website as well as Steam. After being approved via Steam Greenlight on May 19, 2014, it entered Early Access on May 5, 2015.
Warside shut down on December 1, 2017.