Between The Witcher and Game of Thrones, this new video game scores 81/100! We’ve played it, and here’s what you need to know before diving in

After the recent reveal of The Witcher 4 at the 2024 Game Awards, fans of the series are on edge, eagerly awaiting any new developments about Geralt’s next adventure. While we’re still a while away from that epic release, there’s a game that may surprise you in the meantime, especially if you’re a fan of high fantasy and strategy-heavy combat. The new game, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, arrived on January 28, 2025, and is already making waves. With a score of 81/100, it promises an experience reminiscent of Game of Thrones and The Witcher, with a touch of its own unique charm. So, what exactly does this game have in store? Let’s dive in.

A Story Set in a Frozen World with Familiar Power Struggles

In Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, players step into the shoes of Arlo, a young rat who unexpectedly becomes the ruler of Winter’s Edge, a kingdom plunged into turmoil after the invasion of a bat army that kills his father. Much like the intricate power dynamics we see in Game of Thrones, Arlo’s journey is one of survival and political maneuvering, set against a backdrop of snow-covered lands and winter creatures brought back to life. If you’re a fan of stories filled with power struggles, alliances, and betrayals, this game will feel right at home.

While it doesn’t carry the same weight as George R.R. Martin’s world-building or the complexity of The Witcher, the story in Whiskers of Winter still draws clear inspiration from both. It’s a classic heroic-fantasy narrative, set in a harsh, frozen world where survival is key, and Arlo must rebuild his kingdom in the wake of his father’s assassination. The attention to detail in creating this frigid realm and the different tribes involved gives it a gritty, yet captivating atmosphere.

Challenging Combat and Strategy

If you’ve played the first Tails of Iron, you’ll find the gameplay in the sequel to be familiar, yet more refined and strategic. Arlo, like the previous protagonist Redgi, is a small rat in a world full of much larger enemies, including frogs, bats, and reptiles. The combat is demanding, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Every encounter, especially early on, feels tense, as the enemies’ attacks are often deadly, and you must master the rhythm of attacking, dodging, and parrying.

What makes this game stand out is its depth in both combat and exploration. Arlo’s abilities go beyond basic sword fighting. He gains magical powers to help him in battle, and it’s these powers, along with smart tactical planning, that will help you survive. The game introduces a Monster Hunter-like mechanic, where you can use materials gathered from defeated enemies to craft better equipment, giving you that satisfying loop of resource management and upgrading.

You’ll also find a more detailed quest structure, with side missions that provide more opportunities to level up Arlo and learn about the different factions in the kingdom. The enemy variety and the challenges posed by different biomes (like the icy realms of Winter’s Edge) add a lot to the game’s overall feel, giving you new environments and new challenges to conquer.

A Game for Fans of Hardcore Combat (With Some Patience)

The difficulty level in Whiskers of Winter is something to be mindful of. If you’re used to soulslike games with tough combat, you might find the first few hours a bit frustrating. The early fights can feel punishing, especially as Arlo is weaker than most of his foes. But this difficulty is not just there for the sake of frustration—it aligns with the game’s narrative and theme of perseverance. However, for those not used to such a steep learning curve, the game offers three difficulty levels to tailor the experience to your preferences. The challenge does make the game’s rewarding moments feel that much more satisfying once you power through the early struggles.

Despite the demanding nature of the game, there are plenty of rewards as you progress. As Arlo grows stronger, the tide of battle shifts, and you’ll find yourself dispatching enemies more efficiently. The game does a great job of giving you power progression without making it feel like the grind is unbearable.

Accessibility and Localization Issues

A small point of contention lies in the French translation, which can sometimes hinder the experience. Subtitles are quite large, which can make it difficult to fully appreciate the visuals at times. It seems the English version received more polishing, so players more familiar with the language may have a smoother experience.

Still, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter remains very accessible overall, especially for those who are familiar with the first game. While the sequel doesn’t revolutionize the formula, it expands on it in meaningful ways. However, if you’re expecting massive changes from the first installment, you might be slightly disappointed—this is still very much a game for those who loved the original and are eager for more.

Final Thoughts

Whiskers of Winter is a charming and challenging experience that blends a gripping story with detailed combat mechanics and a world inspired by the likes of Game of Thrones and The Witcher. The game doesn’t claim to be as grand in scale as those series, but its ability to capture the atmosphere of a bitter, politically charged world makes it stand out. The strategic combat, coupled with Arlo’s journey of growth and rebuilding, offers something engaging for fans of action-RPGs and strategy games alike. While the difficulty may be off-putting to some, the game rewards perseverance and careful planning, making the eventual triumphs feel that much sweeter.

Whiskers of Winter is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch, and it offers a solid adventure for players willing to dive into its icy world of battles, magic, and political intrigue. If you loved the first game or enjoy a good challenge, this title will be a rewarding experience.