Growing up in the suburban neighborhoods just outside of Toronto, I quickly discovered how intense the rules can be when it comes to things like an overgrown lawn or loud music late at night. Imagine the dread that comes with the watchful eyes of a vigilant homeowners association. An upcoming multiplayer game takes this notion and dials it up a notch, splitting two teams of neighbors against each other in a clash that’s dripping with Looney Tunes-style slapstick. Neighbors: Suburban Warfare is like Rainbow Six Siege, but all the serious military tactical themes have been replaced with a whimsical twist.
Recently, I had the chance to dive into this suburban conflict with the developers at Invisible Walls. In each match, teams are tasked with protecting their own home, complete with cherished items like a TV, a bed, and even the toilet and oven. The objective is straightforward: smash the other team’s objects while keeping yours intact. Simple, right? Not so much. You and your team can barricade windows, plant traps, or simply slug it out with opponents to guard your piece of the block.
In Neighbors, you’ll find a class-based shooter armed with a lively array of characters. I picked Doreen, a spunky grandma ready to rumble with her boxing gloves. Other characters include Chad, the charming yet clueless fellow donning a maid outfit, and Mary-Jean, who sneaks around with her knitting needles. But let me tell you, Kevin—reminiscent of Dennis the Menace with a slingshot—and P.A., an old daredevil clinging to his glory days, threw me quite a curveball.
The characters are easy to learn, but mastering them takes some finesse. Their standout designs certainly leave a lasting impression—a refreshing change from the usual roster of soldiers. Whether it’s a pyrotechnics-loving mischief-maker or a vacuum-wielding guy in a maid dress, each character feels unique. Although my time with the game was short, I’m eager to watch how players develop strategies and use these characters to outsmart each other.
Your tactics will also depend heavily on which map you play. In one match, we competed in a tiny town roundabout where a wayward delivery van could suddenly crash the party, spewing packages. Another map, a sprawling snow-covered luxury neighborhood, opened up numerous angles for offense and defense.
Each game of Neighbors has its rhythm and flow. By day, players rush into rivals’ spaces, hit up construction sites for gear, and attempt to dismantle barriers. But when the sun sets, guard dogs roam each house, ready to pounce on anyone bold—or foolish—enough to trespass.
Set to launch in early access with no firm release date yet, Neighbors: Suburban Warfare invites players to sign up for potential playtests via its Steam store page. With my fair share of team shooters under my belt, the game’s colorful charm and surprisingly rich competitive elements have me hooked. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one.
