The game Sirocco, which was recently launched in early access on Steam, represents an evolution of the Warcraft 3 mod known as Battleships. In this new MOBA, players control ships in aquatic mazes, engaging in intense battles where the cannons fire automatically, allowing players to focus on positioning and strategy instead of last-hitting or rigid role selections, common features in other MOBAs like Dota 2 and League of Legends.
An interesting premise with some execution problems
Sirocco blends in with the original game of Battleships, but offers a more polished experience with enhanced visuals and more precise controls. The title promises less restrictive gameplay, where the variety of ships, cannons, and unique abilities encourages diverse strategic setups. For example, weapons like the Over Clocker speed up reload times, and the Death Bomb ability inflicts disproportionate damage when the ship’s health is low, increasing the intensity of team fights from the start of the game.
Despite some reported performance issues, Sirocco’s premise of eliminating legacy mechanics is being well received, quickly capturing players looking for a chaotic and entertaining experience. As mentioned, this approach promises a sense of “creativity as a goal,” although this promise may be somewhat optimistic. In the competitive environment, tier lists are likely to emerge, something common in the evolution of MOBA games.
In summary, Sirocco presents itself as a refreshing addition to the genre, capitalizing on the modding legacy of Warcraft 3 and offering a game that can attract both veterans and new players. Available for free on Steam, its appeal lies in the combat dynamics it provides, heralding a promising future in the video game scene.
