Underworld Gang Wars Playtest: a Promising Made in India Battle Royale

In the vast and mysterious realm of Dhantara, where age-old fortresses seamlessly coexist with modern metropolises, a cinematic battle unfolds, encapsulating the essence of an Indian Battle Royale in an unprecedented manner. Underworld Gang Wars (UGW), the latest creation from Mayhem Studios, combines India's rich cultural tapestry with heart-pounding action, all with the purpose of aiming to deliver its players an unparalleled immersive experience. The game is currently available for pre-registering on Android devices and is also expected to be available for iOS devices upon launch.

AFK Gaming recently had the privilege of participating in a playtest alongside renowned influencers Aaditya "Dynamo" Deepak Sawant and Ronodeep "RawKnee" Dasgupta, allowing us to explore this soon to be launched virtual world.  

The Vibe of UGW: A Fusion of Heritage and Havoc  

The developers of Underworld Gang Wars state that the game draws inspiration from the diverse landscapes of India. As players traverse the meticulously crafted world of Dhantara, they find themselves transported from bustling city apartments to the mystical confines of the ancient fort area. The game's developers have attempted to recreate India's essence, infusing it with an evocative and artistic charm.

Although not all elements of the map appear to be equally polished (considering the game is still in alpha), efforts are underway to incorporate Indian elements into the game's weaponry. As a player, you'll have the opportunity to wield iconic Indian armaments such as the Katta pistol which evokes nostalgia reminiscent of films like Gangs of Wasseypur.

There are also a few characters, draped in traditional lungis and other regional attire that bring a cultural depth and authenticity that's seldom seen in the gaming world. Playing as a Lungi Warrior wielding an AK47 and a Katta pistol was truly a memorable experience for an Indian action movie fanatic such as myself.

Underworld Gang Wars Gameplay

From the very start, the experience felt seamless. Choosing your desired game mode (Solo, Duo, or Squad) within the Battle Royale mode was incredibly intuitive. As soon as you queued up, it swiftly placed you in the waiting lobby, and before you knew it, you were soaring over the city aboard an airplane with your squad.

Once you hit the ground, what immediately stood out was the surprising quality of controls for a game that is still in development. Looting proved swift and intuitive, enabling players to efficiently gear up for the impending showdown. 

Remarkably, the gunplay was highly responsive, infusing each shot and firefight with an exhilarating rush. Be it a close-quarters combat situation within Dhantara's winding alleys, or a long-range battle being orchestrated from a distance, the game's controls and gun mechanics provided an intuitive and gratifying experience. 

Underworld Gang Wars has already garnered favorable remarks from some of India's popular gaming figures. RawKnee, who was also part of the playtest, stated that the game has many elements that will vibe with Indian gamers. He was very enamored with the ‘Fort’ location. “Anybody who plays the game for the first time will have to go to Fort, it is the most amazing structure I’ve ever seen. Beautiful,” he said. 

Dynamo also echoed RawKnee’s sentiments stating that he enjoyed the game’s Indian touch. “There’s a jeep, hammer, the Lungi guy Tyagi, it’s a really fun game,” he said, and added that he was looking forward to the skins and themes that we could see in the full release.

We also had the chance to interact with Ojas Vipat, CEO of Mayhem Studios. He revealed that "Underworld Gang Wars" drew inspiration from Bollywood, including iconic IPs like "Gangs of Wasseypur" and "Sacred Games." Moreover, the game's development team embraced the vast diversity of India's locations, creating a virtual world that captures the essence of the entire country.

Additionally, Vipat hinted that the company also has esports plans, suggesting a broader vision for the game's future and added that the game will have no pay-to-win elements in order to provide a level playing field to achieve this.

While an exact release date remains elusive, discussions with multiple developers hint at a target release window in 2024. As we eagerly await Underworld Gang Wars’ full debut, it's evident that this game is poised to make waves in the Indian gaming scene. With its unique blend of cultural inspiration, immersive gameplay, and promising features, Underworld Gang Wars is undoubtedly a title worth keeping on your radar.