NAVYFIELD Review Summary

Highly enjoyable and the best naval game around, skill-based rather than pay-to-win, though dated graphics and frequent crashes mar the experience.

Game is highly enjoyable: Players consistently describe the game as fun, well-structured, and entertaining, with excellent gameplay and mechanics. The game runs well and is considered a classic that provides top-level entertainment.

Best naval game available: Reviewers claim this is the best naval game ever, surpassing others in control, strategy, and depth. It offers a unique gaming experience that no other naval game can match.

Skill-based and not pay-to-win: The game emphasizes skill over spending money, with a high skill cap and rewarding progression. Players can succeed without financial investment, making it fair and competitive.

Unique customization systems: The sailor training system, custom ship equipment, and high variety of customization are unique. Players can customize ship armament, armor, engines, and carrier aircraft groups.

Complete and content-rich game: The game is very complete with a lot of content, including many nations, ship types, and over 200 ships. End-game content like Harbor assault is great, and leveling is not a pain.

Pay-to-win mechanics: Multiple clusters highlight pay-to-win elements, including direct purchase of high-stat sailors, expensive ships, and advantages in specific modes like Blitzkrieg. This is a common complaint that affects fairness and player satisfaction.

Outdated graphics and age: Players frequently note that the game's graphics and overall presentation feel dated compared to modern titles. The game's age is seen as a disadvantage in competing with newer games in terms of modes, visuals, and fluidity.

Painful and frustrating experience: Overall, the game is described as painful and frustrating, likely due to a combination of difficulty, pay-to-win, and technical issues. This negative sentiment is a common theme.

Inadequate tutorial: The tutorial is not good enough, leaving players without proper guidance. This contributes to the steep learning curve and beginner frustration.

Sailor training and crew system: The game features a sailor training system where sailors have abilities affecting ship performance, with base and growth stats. Crew mechanics also impact ship speed and accuracy.

Steep learning curve: The gameplay is challenging at the beginning with a steep learning curve, and mechanics take time to learn. The game requires manual aiming and plane management, contributing to the difficulty.

Blitz and Great Battles modes: The game offers Blitzkrieg mode for beginners and Great Battles mode for higher-level players, with Great Battles available from level 61. Blitz games are scheduled around 16:00-20:00 EU time.

High skill cap and skill-based: The game is skill-based with a high skill cap, requiring manual aiming and understanding of concepts. It is not like many other games, offering unique mechanics.

Impressive and good mechanics: The game has impressive mechanics, including a gun system with different types of guns and ammo, shell trajectory calculation, and custom ship equipment. These mechanics are well-regarded.

Frequent crashes and instability: Multiple clusters report frequent crashes, including after battles, entering new battles, and on Windows 10. The game is unstable and often crashes after 1-2 matches.

Fullscreen and resolution issues: Fullscreen mode has multiple bugs, including not working on 16:9 screens, restricting resolution via HDMI, and requiring monitor forcing. No native fullscreen option is available.

System compatibility problems: The game has compatibility issues with various systems, including Windows 10 and XP, and requires patches for improvement. Some users experience constant technical issues.

Not recommended for new players: Multiple reviewers strongly advise new players against starting this game, citing wasted time and lack of enjoyment. The game is seen as unappealing to newcomers.

Mixed overall recommendations: While some reviewers recommend the game, others do not, leading to a polarized reception. The game has both strong advocates and strong detractors.

Avoid publisher and spending: Reviewers advise against supporting the publisher and spending money on the game. They suggest investing in other games instead.

Not for casual players: The game is not suitable for casual play, requiring significant time investment and dedication. Casual players are advised to look elsewhere.

Returning players should log in: Returning players are advised to log in from time to time to stay engaged. Keeping screenshots of the fleet is also recommended.

The game has a steep learning curve and poor tutorial, but offers deep strategic gameplay that becomes enjoyable once players master ship roles and mechanics, especially when playing with friends or as free-to-play with grinding.

Friction: steep learning curve; bad tutorial; pay-to-win mechanics; grinding requirement.

Nostalgic Veteran: Returns to the game casually, often just to appreciate its existence or briefly relive old moments, without deep engagement in current progression. Motivation: Reliving childhood and youth memories through a game that defined their past. Stance: sale.

Hardcore Naval Enthusiast: Invests significant time in learning guides, manual aiming, plane management, and strategic concepts; plays with high engagement and seeks competitive mastery. Motivation: Seeking unique, deep naval combat mechanics and the satisfaction of mastering complex systems. Stance: buy.

Frustrated Newcomer: Attempts to play but is overwhelmed by the difficulty and time investment; likely quits early or never fully engages. Motivation: Curiosity about the game, but quickly discouraged by the steep learning curve, grind, and lack of matchmaking. Stance: no buy.

Monetization: The reviews overwhelmingly describe Navyfield as a pay-to-win game with extreme microtransactions. Players report significant real-money spending, frustration-driven purchases, and ongoing additions of P2W tiers. One review disputes the severity, but the consensus confirms predatory monetization.

Game is old and classic: The game dates back to around 2000-2003 and is considered a classic, though it may be technologically outdated. Its age is a common theme in reviews.

Chinese company now operates game: The game has moved to Chinese management, with many Chinese players and old players from the Chinese server. This change has affected the game's community and operations.

Compared to World of Warships: Reviewers frequently compare the game to World of Warships, noting that WoWs has taken the lead in multiplayer naval combat. Some prefer this game's control and strategy, while others have moved on.

Poor customer support: Customer support is often slow, rude, or useless, with support only available through Skype, Facebook, or QQ. Some players had accounts deleted without explanation, while others had accounts restored after a few days.

Developer bribes for reviews: The developer has been accused of buying positive reviews by offering in-game items, such as a CV6.5, in exchange for favorable reviews. This bribery campaign was shut down due to community displeasure.