Overview

Gridhunt attempts to revitalize the classic Battleships formula with a space-themed makeover and visual enhancements, but early player experiences reveal significant friction in its execution. The game delivers competent turn-based naval strategy fundamentals wrapped in appealing pixel art, yet struggles with pacing issues and questionable design choices that undermine its potential. Initial feedback paints a picture of a promising concept hampered by implementation flaws that test player patience despite its attractive presentation.

Strategic Foundations and Visual Polish

At its core, Gridhunt faithfully recreates the Battleships experience with its grid-based targeting and ship-concealment mechanics. The turn-based strategy remains engaging as players deduce enemy fleet positions through calculated strikes, with the added tension of managing limited ammunition for different vessel types. Where the game truly shines is in its visual execution - the pixel art detailing and ship destruction animations provide satisfying feedback during combat sequences. Watching vessels progress through various damage states adds tangible weight to successful hits, elevating what could have been a purely abstract experience.

Just look at the states of the ships as they move through various stages of destruction. This is a highly polished game and proudly displays this fact.

Gohst

Pacing Problems and Questionable Mechanics

Gridhunt's most divisive innovation comes after targeting decisions are made. Rather than resolving attacks instantly, players endure lengthy real-time sequences where ships fire individually, sometimes stretching to 20 volleys per turn. This well-intentioned attempt at cinematic flair backfires spectacularly, transforming tactical gameplay into a test of patience as identical animations repeat ad nauseam. The accompanying soundtrack, initially atmospheric, becomes grating during these extended sequences. More troubling are fundamental design issues: players report accidentally targeting their own hidden ships due to inadequate visual markers during placement, while the "Random" shot option proves functionally useless. Suspicions about AI opponents having unfair positional knowledge further erode trust in the game's balance.

Faction Flaws and Redeeming Features

The inclusion of three factions (Human, Robot, Insect) represents a missed opportunity for meaningful differentiation. Despite distinct visual designs, players discover no actual gameplay variations between them - no unique abilities, special weapons, or faction-specific strategies. This cosmetic-only approach makes the faction selection feel disappointingly superficial. On the positive side, the game's multiplayer functionality offers redemption, with both hotseat and network options providing the human-vs-human battles that best showcase Gridhunt's strategic core. The nuke mechanic - where striking hidden warheads near enemy ships causes instant destruction - adds welcome chaos to the formula, though its implementation feels more like a novelty than a fully developed system.

Verdict

Polished battleships remake hampered by tedious pacing

STRENGTHS

55%

Visual Presentation80%

Multiplayer Options60%

Core Gameplay70%

Nuke Mechanic50%

WEAKNESSES

45%

Battle Pacing85%

Faction Design75%

UI Clarity70%

AI Balance65%

Community Reviews

2 reviews

EXpl0si0nZ

Trusted

This is a "Battleships"-Clone. There are 3 different factions with their own ship designs (and different music). I downloaded the game and started it, my first thought being (nice - finally a good clone). Unfortunately, I started getting pissed off during the first game already. Let me explain to you how a round of "Gridhunt" looks like. After placing your shots on the grid, you are put into space with your ships and the enemy ships facing each other, and every ship fires a round, then waits if it hits or not, then fires another round, etc. With up to 20 rounds, this can be very time-consuming. Also, the music playing during these parts becomes really annoying after a while. Another thing is also that you can hit your own ships because they aren't shown on the grid where you place your shots. Also, the CPU seems to know where your ships are. I liked the "Random"-Button that you could click when asked to place your shots. However, when you use that button, you almost never hit enemy ships. Also, when the author puts in three different races (humans, robots, insects), there should be some difference in them - and there aren't. PROS:You can play it with 2 Players on Hotseat or Network (couldn't try that out though). If you hit a hidden nuke that's near a ship, it's immediately destroyed. Adds something special to the game. CONS:The music gets annoying.The space battles get annoying.The CPU always knows where your ships are.You hit your own ships because they aren't shown on the grid. TOTAL:This could have been better. Much better. -eX

Gohst

If you've ever played Battleships before, then you'll know what this is all about. If you haven't played it before, then let me attempt to make it sound palletable... its a turn-based strategy game which takes place primarily on two grids. You get to play as aliens or galactic Earth warriors and if it helps, you can even dress up as them while you play. All nonsense aside, though, its actually quite simple. The enemy has ships like yours spread out on that field. You can't see them, so at first you guess their possible locations. When you do make a hit, the strategy evolves - what type of ship is it? How much ammunition will I need to sink it? And moreover - where are the other ones? The game is made far more interesting than this basic strategy though its use of excellent pixelart. Just look at the states of the ships as they move through various stages of destruction. This is a highly polished game and proudly displays this fact. Perhaps more options under the hood could've made it more long lasting, but what you get is well worth it and is highly enjoyable.

Gridhunt

Overview

Strategic Foundations and Visual Polish

Pacing Problems and Questionable Mechanics

Faction Flaws and Redeeming Features

Verdict

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

Community Reviews

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