Review: Swords and Soldiers 2 Shawarmageddon (Nintendo Switch)

Swords and Soldiers 2: is the follow-up to the side-scrolling, real-time strategy game Swords and Soldiers. It comes from publisher Ronimo games and was previously released on the Wii U. Is the second Swords and Soldiers worth your time?

Having just reviewed Swords and Soldiers, I was expecting more of the same with a few new features added. I was surprised to see how similar but yet so different the two games were, especially with storytelling. Instead of having a few characters from each alliance bicker back and forth at each other I was greeted by a red-haired Viking—assumingly a survivor from the last game. This time around all the character factions seems to be fighting over a shawarma sandwich.  

The factions you can play in the second game are the Vikings, the demons, and the Persians. You start out playing a campaign as the Vikings, which works as a basic tutorial for the game. The change of factions this time around created a different atmosphere from the original. Another great change to the game was the pacing, which seemed a bit faster than before. The battles don’t feel so drawn out but at the same time are not overly rushed.

The gameplay fundamentals remain about the same as in the original. There are units that need to be managed and gold to be mined, and units still only move in one direction. The new open battles—in which players choose between limited types of units and Mana in the level—add a bit of control to the game and an additional strategic feel. The addition of different units—as well as a new set of Mana—also adds to the variety of the game because actions it didn’t feel as limited.

Creating units at times got slightly annoying as you have to hear them say the same catchphrase over and over. That is my biggest complaint, I have to say, and it really doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Also, there were times when the game seemed a bit more difficult than the first.

Sword and soldiers 2 Shawarmageddon does a great job of pulling together all of the things that made the original great while adding in new elements. Having just played through the first game, the sequel added enough changes that it never felt repetitive, solidifying itself as its own game. Players who enjoyed Swords and Soldiers should certainly give the second a try. I always enjoy a game that is fun to play and that has humor that allows me to crack a few smiles along the way. I also recommend playing this game even if you have not played the first game. It is a welcome addition to any Nintendo Switch game library.