Shezhinka: Sentinel Girls2 review
War never changes but at least there are upgrades
Every time she came home on leave from the Molten Iron Squadron, Shezhinka’s sister was battle-beaten, bruised, and bandaged. But when she didn’t return and the army wasn’t providing answers, Shezhinka opted to become a private contractor in hopes of learning more. Intriguingly, Sentinel Girls2’s campaign focuses on the dreariness of war from a young soldier’s perspective, who’s too fatigued to keep informed about politics.
Each day on the front line feels thankless, as you adopt a defensive position on the left side of the screen and gun down a ceaseless procession of robotic creatures. Here, developer Hinyari9 smoothers a layer of cynicism over the drab dystopia. Any major mistake means money deducted from your regular paychecks. After paying taxes, housing, and student loan payments, you’ll barely have enough to purchase new guns that replace the worn-out ones.
Mechs, Misery, and Cute Maidens
Combat revolves around positioning Shezhinka, firing her main weapon, as well as deploying gadgets, that are either single-use or tied to a cooldown time. Between attacks waves you’ll use any income to purchase randomized stat upgrades, new tools, or even a single co-worker, who occasionally gripes about her conditions.
While aiming and efficient reloading can provide a small advantage, Sentinel Girls 2 is less about having razor-sharp reflexes than being smart with your money. Weapon durability is a chronic nuance, while statistical obsolescence is a long-term concern. Occasionally, you’ll get a day off from fighting and head back to your barracks, where there’s a chance that you’ll get shortchanged by vending machines that promise a free stat upgrade. Just like real life, the system is out to get you.
Coworkers Named After Space Dogs?
Although war torments poor Shezhinka, it does provide some wonderfully sardonic moments. These announcements range from letters about tax hikes or jingoistic loudspeaker announcements that are pitiful attempts to raise morale. But Sentinel Girls 2’s best moments are the conversations Shezhinka has with other girls, who cope with the war in a multitude of unhealthy ways. War is hell, but at least we have each other, right ladies?
Shezhinka: Sentinel Girls2 was played on Switch with review code provided by the publisher.
Overview
GAMEPLAY - 65%
STORYTELLING - 75%
AESTHETICS - 70%
PERFORMANCE - 70%
VALUE - 75%
71%
GOOD
Shezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2’s screenshot might make it look like a basic defensive shooter. But it’s every bit a deliberately dismal visual novel about the exploitation of war, as well.
