[rewrite this title] Neighbors: Suburban Warfare – A Whimsically Chaotic Take on Rainbow Six Siege

Growing up in the suburbs just outside Toronto taught me early on how a supposedly minor issue like an unkempt lawn or loud music after hours could escalate quickly. There’s nothing quite as intimidating as the looming presence of an active homeowners association. Now, there’s a new multiplayer game that cranks up that familiar suburban tension by turning it into a full-blown, cartoonishly violent showdown. “Neighbors: Suburban Warfare” is reminiscent of “Rainbow Six Siege,” but with all the heavy-duty military polish replaced by hilariously chaotic suburbia antics.

I got a chance to dive into this suburban battlefield with the developers at Invisible Walls for a few matches. Each team is tasked with defending their house, which is equipped with a coveted TV, toilet, bed, and oven. The goal is simple: wreck the other team’s stuff while keeping your own intact. But even suburban warfare isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Teams can block windows, set traps, or just knock out the opposition to hold their ground.

The game shines with its array of quirky characters, each bringing their unique flair to the suburban skirmish. I picked Doreen, a spirited grandma decked out with boxing gloves, ready to throw down. Others include Chad, an endearing jock (or himbo) who amusingly fights in a maid outfit, and Mary-Jean, the stealthy neighbor who’s a whiz with knitting needles. But even with these characters, I found myself outsmarted by Kevin, the slingshot-wielding mischief-maker, and P.A., who relishes his past as a retired daredevil with a penchant for thrills.

Getting the hang of the characters is fairly straightforward, but mastering them is where the challenge lies. The character designs are unforgettable; I mean, how often do you see a neighborhood enthusiast armed with fireworks or a guy in a maid’s dress wielding a vacuum cleaner in combat? I played just a few rounds, but I’m eager to see how these characters’ interactions evolve and what competitive strategies players will develop.

Strategies differ depending on the map. One session had us battling it out in a quaint small-town roundabout, where an erratic delivery van was a constant hazard, hurling packages at us. Another took us to a sprawling, snow-covered upscale neighborhood, offering more tactical possibilities.

Each match in “Neighbors” has its unique rhythm. By day, players dash into enemy homes, scavenge nearby construction sites for resources, and try to break down fences or open gates. Come nightfall, each house’s guard dog awakens, ready to give unwelcome visitors a run for their money.

“Neighbors: Suburban Warfare” is preparing for its early access debut, though a specific launch date is still up in the air. Prospective players can try their luck by signing up for potential playtesting through its Steam page. I’ve seen my share of team shooters, but the vibrant and captivating world of “Neighbors,” combined with its unexpected depth in strategy, ensures that this game is firmly on my radar.