Enlisted: Why This WWII Shooter Deserves Better

Enlisted, the ambitious WWII-themed MMO shooter, has garnered a dedicated following with its unique blend of squad-based combat and historical settings. However, despite its potential, the game has faced criticism regarding various aspects that impact the overall player experience. We, the players, believe Enlisted deserves better, and more importantly, we deserve better from a game we've invested our time and passion into. This article will delve into the key areas where Enlisted falls short and explore potential improvements that could elevate it to its rightful place among the top historical shooters.

Addressing the Grind: A Call for Progression Rebalance

One of the most prominent concerns voiced by the Enlisted community revolves around the extensive grind required to unlock weapons, vehicles, and soldiers. The current progression system often feels like a tedious slog, demanding an exorbitant amount of playtime to acquire even basic upgrades. This excessive grind not only discourages new players but also frustrates veterans who are forced to repeatedly play the same campaigns to unlock desired content. The feeling of progression stagnation is a significant issue that needs to be addressed to retain players and foster a more enjoyable gaming experience.

The core of the problem lies in the rate at which experience points and campaign levels are earned. While some players enjoy the challenge of a long-term grind, the current system feels excessively punishing, especially for those with limited playtime. Imagine spending hours grinding in a campaign only to unlock a single weapon modification or a slightly better soldier. This slow trickle of rewards creates a sense of frustration and diminishes the feeling of accomplishment. A more balanced approach would involve increasing the experience point gain across all game modes, making the grind less of a chore and more of a natural part of the gameplay loop. This doesn't mean making everything easily accessible, but rather ensuring that players feel a sense of meaningful progress with each match they play.

Furthermore, the current campaign level system could benefit from a significant overhaul. The linear progression often forces players to unlock weapons and vehicles in a specific order, regardless of their playstyle or preferences. This can lead to situations where players are stuck using outdated equipment while facing opponents with superior firepower. A more flexible system that allows players to prioritize unlocks based on their individual needs and preferences would be a welcome change. Perhaps a system of research points that can be spent on specific unlocks, or a branching progression tree that offers multiple paths to advancement, could provide a greater sense of agency and player choice.

The introduction of daily and weekly challenges could also help alleviate the grind. These challenges would provide players with bonus experience points or other rewards for completing specific tasks, such as getting a certain number of kills with a particular weapon or playing a specific game mode. This would not only provide additional avenues for progression but also encourage players to try out different aspects of the game. Ultimately, addressing the grind is crucial for the long-term health of Enlisted. A more balanced and rewarding progression system will not only attract new players but also keep veterans engaged and invested in the game.

AI and Bots: Improving Squadmate Intelligence and Behavior

Another area where Enlisted falls short is the artificial intelligence (AI) of squadmates. While the game's squad-based mechanics are a core feature, the effectiveness of your squad often hinges on the competence of your AI-controlled teammates. Unfortunately, their behavior can be erratic and unpredictable, often leading to frustrating situations where they fail to follow orders, get stuck in terrain, or run blindly into enemy fire. Improving the AI is essential for enhancing the squad-based experience and making players feel like they are truly leading a team of capable soldiers.

The most glaring issue is the AI's pathfinding and navigation. Squadmates frequently get stuck on obstacles, struggle to navigate complex terrain, and fail to follow the player through doorways or narrow passages. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially in the heat of battle when you need your squad to be responsive and reliable. Improving the AI's pathfinding algorithms and adding more robust obstacle avoidance systems would be a significant step in the right direction. Imagine being able to confidently lead your squad through a building, knowing that they will follow you without getting stuck or lost. This level of responsiveness is crucial for creating a truly immersive and tactical experience.

Furthermore, the AI's combat behavior needs significant improvement. Squadmates often exhibit poor target prioritization, focusing on distant targets while ignoring immediate threats. They also tend to stand out in the open, making them easy targets for enemy fire. Improving their tactical awareness and decision-making would greatly enhance their effectiveness in combat. For example, AI soldiers should be able to recognize and prioritize closer targets, take cover when under fire, and effectively utilize flanking maneuvers. These improvements would not only make them more useful in combat but also make them feel like more believable and competent soldiers.

Communication and control are also key areas for improvement. The current squad command system is limited, offering only basic commands such as "follow me" and "attack." Expanding the range of commands to include options such as "take cover," "suppress the enemy," and "breach and clear" would provide players with greater control over their squad's actions. Additionally, improving the AI's responsiveness to commands would make the squad feel more like a cohesive unit. Imagine being able to quickly issue commands to your squad and see them execute those commands effectively. This level of control and responsiveness is essential for creating a truly tactical and engaging squad-based experience.

Map Design and Variety: Fresh Battlegrounds for Intense Warfare

While Enlisted boasts a variety of historical campaigns, the map design within those campaigns can sometimes feel repetitive and lacking in variety. Many maps feature similar layouts and terrain, leading to predictable gameplay scenarios and a sense of monotony. Introducing more diverse and dynamic maps is crucial for keeping the game fresh and engaging in the long run. We need battlegrounds that offer a wider range of tactical options and encourage different playstyles.

The current maps often suffer from a lack of verticality and flanking routes. Many maps are relatively flat and linear, which limits the tactical options available to players. Adding more vertical elements, such as hills, buildings, and trenches, would create more opportunities for ambushes, flanking maneuvers, and strategic positioning. Imagine navigating a map with multiple levels and pathways, using the terrain to your advantage and outmaneuvering your opponents. This added layer of tactical depth would make each battle feel more unique and engaging.

Furthermore, the lack of distinct landmarks and points of interest can make it difficult to navigate and orient oneself on the battlefield. Many maps feature similar-looking buildings and terrain, which can lead to confusion and disorientation. Adding more prominent landmarks, such as churches, factories, or destroyed vehicles, would help players orient themselves and make it easier to coordinate with their squadmates. Imagine being able to quickly identify key locations on the map and communicate their positions to your team. This improved situational awareness would greatly enhance the tactical depth of the game.

Introducing more dynamic elements to the maps could also add a new level of excitement and unpredictability. Weather effects, such as rain, snow, and fog, could significantly impact visibility and gameplay. Destructible environments, such as buildings and fortifications, could create new pathways and tactical opportunities. Imagine battling through a blizzard, with visibility limited to a few meters, or watching a building collapse after a well-placed artillery strike. These dynamic elements would make each battle feel more unique and immersive.

Optimizing Performance and Stability: A Smoother Path to Victory

Performance and stability issues have plagued Enlisted since its early days. Frame rate drops, stutters, and crashes can disrupt the gameplay experience and frustrate players. Optimizing the game's performance and ensuring stability is crucial for creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players. No matter how engaging the gameplay is, technical issues can quickly derail the fun and lead to player dissatisfaction.

The most common performance issues include frame rate drops in densely populated areas or during intense firefights. This can be particularly frustrating in a fast-paced shooter like Enlisted, where split-second reactions are crucial. Optimizing the game's rendering engine and reducing the strain on system resources would help alleviate these issues. Imagine being able to play the game at a consistently high frame rate, without any stutters or slowdowns. This would not only make the game more visually appealing but also improve responsiveness and overall gameplay.

Stability issues, such as crashes and disconnects, are also a significant concern. These issues can lead to lost progress, frustration, and a general sense of instability. Addressing the root causes of these crashes and implementing more robust error handling would significantly improve the player experience. Imagine being able to play for hours without experiencing a single crash or disconnect. This level of stability is essential for building trust and retaining players.

Netcode optimization is another crucial aspect of performance. Lag and latency issues can significantly impact the online multiplayer experience, leading to missed shots, delayed reactions, and a general sense of unfairness. Improving the game's netcode and reducing latency would make online battles feel more responsive and competitive. Imagine being able to react instantly to enemy movements and land your shots with precision. This improved responsiveness would greatly enhance the overall multiplayer experience.

Conclusion: Enlisted's Potential and the Path Forward

Enlisted has the potential to be a truly exceptional WWII shooter. Its unique blend of squad-based combat, historical settings, and diverse campaigns offers a refreshing take on the genre. However, the game's potential is currently hampered by various issues, including the excessive grind, AI shortcomings, map design limitations, and performance problems. Addressing these issues is crucial for unlocking Enlisted's full potential and creating a game that players can truly love.

We, the players, deserve better. We deserve a game that respects our time, challenges our skills, and immerses us in the gritty reality of WWII combat. By addressing the issues outlined in this article, the developers can transform Enlisted from a promising title into a true masterpiece of the genre. The path forward requires a commitment to player feedback, a willingness to iterate and improve, and a passion for creating a truly exceptional gaming experience. Let's hope that the developers are listening and that Enlisted will soon become the game we all know it can be.