Growing up just outside Toronto in the quiet suburbs, I quickly discovered the perils of an overgrown lawn or blasting music past bedtime. Nothing strikes fear quite like an active homeowners association. Now, there’s a multiplayer game that cranks that fear factor up a notch. Neighbors: Suburban Warfare invites you to play as suburbanites locked in a humorous, cartoonishly violent standoff, reminiscent of a Looney Tunes episode. Imagine Rainbow Six Siege, but stripped of its intense military vibe.
I had the chance to dive into a few rounds of this suburban showdown with the team from Invisible Walls. Your mission? Protect your house while attempting to sabotage your neighbor’s television, toilet, bed, and oven. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast. Your crew can fortify windows, lay cunning traps, or simply knock out the opposition if they get too close for comfort.
This game stands out with its class-based shooting dynamics, featuring a cast of quirky characters. My pick was Doreen, a spirited granny wielding boxing gloves. The roster also boasts Chad, a lovable yet dim-witted character in a maid outfit, and Mary-Jean, a knitting-loving, stealthy wallflower. Kevin, who brings to mind Dennis the Menace with his slingshot, and P.A., a retired daredevil still with his trusty gear, both proved to be formidable opponents.
Each character is easy to learn, but mastering them will take some time. Their designs are unforgettable too. It’s not every day you see an eager pyromaniac neighbor or a guy in a maid outfit knocking around enemies with a vacuum. Just after a couple of rounds, I’m eager to explore the strategies that will inevitably emerge with these unique characters.
Different maps also shake up the gameplay. One match unfolded in a quaint suburb, complete with a roundabout and an unpredictable delivery van that liked to throw out packages at random. Another battle took place in a sprawling, snowy upscale neighborhood, offering plenty of tactical angles for offense.
Playing Neighbors is an experience of contrasts with its natural rhythm. By day, players dash into enemy homes, rummage through construction sites for supplies, and use creative ways to breach defenses. Come nightfall, though, the house’s guard dog springs into action, daring anyone to trespass.
While Neighbors: Suburban Warfare is set for early access, the exact release date remains under wraps. However, eager players can sign up on the Steam store page to try out the game early. As someone who’s delved into various team shooters, I find Neighbors’ vibrant aesthetic and unexpectedly deep competitive dynamics intriguing. This is one game I’ll be keeping an eye on.
