Few games have attempted to tackle the Warsaw Uprising, one of Poland’s most pivotal historical moments. Unfortunately, many of those attempts have been underwhelming or made by less experienced teams. So, how does 63 Days handle this important topic? Let’s break it down.
Set during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, 63 Days offers a Polish perspective on Nazi German occupation. While it’s tempting to say, "I love shooting Nazis," this game takes a more tactical, stealth-based approach. It’s not a Wolfenstein-style action fest — so don’t expect to go full BJ Blazkowicz here. Well, maybe a little.
Commandos Meets History
If you’ve ever played Commandos or War Mongrels, 63 Days will feel familiar. It’s a stealth, isometric, real-time strategy game set during some of the darkest days of World War II, where even kids had no choice but to take up arms. You’ll need patience and careful planning to succeed, but 63 Days adds a personal touch by narrowing the focus to a small group of underground Polish resistance fighters.
The game doesn’t just throw you into the action. It introduces you to the Warsaw Uprising through its characters, giving you a chance to experience their personal stories while learning about the historical events. The first two heroes you meet, Yangster and Lynx, kick things off just before the uprising officially begins on August 1st, known as 'W Hour.'
Stealth, Strategy, and Timing
From the start, the game makes it clear: this is not your run-and-gun type of game. It’s all about using stealth, keeping an eye on enemy movements, and planning out actions carefully. There’s even a "scheme mode," which slows down time and allows you to assign actions to different characters. This is key when timing is crucial because one wrong move could mean failure.
63 Days doesn’t have a huge number of missions, but they’re long and challenging. Your progress largely depends on your skills and how well you can adapt to each situation. At times, I found myself stuck, not knowing what to do next. A hint system would’ve been helpful in some spots, but the lack of guidance pushes you to experiment and find solutions based on your playstyle.
You’ll often have to rely on quick saving and loading (F8 and F9 are your best friends here). Sometimes a stealth approach works, while other times, you’ll need to take risks. The game’s combat system is fun but deadly. If you do end up in a firefight, remember that you’re controlling partisans, not hardened soldiers. Rushing into a group of enemies can get you killed quickly, so think before you act.
Unique Characters and Skills
Each character in 63 Days has their own set of abilities. Lynx, for example, is stronger and can take down enemies quietly, while Yangster is smaller and quicker, relying on throwing knives for combat. Henio, a young boy, joins later with his own unique skills, adding historical accuracy to the game by reflecting the fact that children were often involved in the uprising.
However, some of the skill limitations feel a bit forced. For instance, only Lynx can move bodies, and while Yangster can throw knives, he can’t quietly stab enemies from behind. These mechanics make you juggle between characters, combining their abilities to solve puzzles. It’s fun but also a bit confusing at times.
Bugs and Glitches
While I played a patched version of 63 Days, there are still a few bugs. Minor ones, like characters getting stuck, can be overlooked, but others, like sound effects glitching or scripts not triggering properly, can be frustrating. Occasionally, you’ll have to perform specific actions before progressing, even when it seems unnecessary.
For example, if characters start talking to each other, it’s best not to interrupt them with actions, as it can cut off the dialogue. It’s these small details that, while not game-breaking, could definitely use some polishing.
Capturing the Reality of the Warsaw Uprising
One of the things 63 Days does exceptionally well is capturing the grim reality of the Warsaw Uprising. Some people have criticized the game for its repetitive, gray environment, but considering the setting, it makes sense. The Uprising took place in a destroyed city, and the game reflects that with a somber, gritty atmosphere.
The characters’ interactions bring lighter moments amidst the chaos, but the game doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of both Nazi soldiers and the Soviets. Historically speaking, the Soviets didn’t help the Poles during the Uprising, and the game portrays that complexity accurately.
Visuals and Sound
I personally enjoyed the art style. It’s not a AAA title, but the graphics look good, and you can zoom in to see detailed environments. The pulsing veins of war-torn Warsaw give the game a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere that fits the setting. It’s a bit gray, but considering the subject matter, that’s exactly what it should be.
The music is minimal, allowing the sounds of trucks, radios, and soldiers to fill the space. When things get intense, the background music ramps up, adding to the tension without overwhelming you.
Final Thoughts: Is 63 Days Worth It?
63 Days is far from perfect, but it’s a solid effort that brings the Warsaw Uprising to life in a respectful way. The characters’ personal stories, combined with the historical setting, make the game more engaging, even though there are still a few bugs to iron out. The lack of hand-holding might frustrate some players, but for others, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in a challenging, thoughtful experience.
If you’re into stealth games with historical depth, 63 Days is worth your time. It’s not just another WWII shooter—it’s a story of survival, sacrifice, and resistance.
If you want to check out the game, I’ve included a link HERE, and if you’re interested in more indie game reviews, don’t forget to check to my channel HERE
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