You know mankind has messed things up again when even the alien plant form wants to take you out. Welcome to Calyx, the latest offering from Studio 568 that will grow on you - quite literally. As I spent hours battling this cosmic kudzu, I couldn't help but wonder if I should have paid more attention during my high school botany classes.
Released as a demo on January 17, 2025, this game plants you firmly in the shoes of a lone space miner, rudely awakened from cryo-sleep and thrust into an interplanetary gardening nightmare. As the sole survivor of a deep-space mining vessel, you're tasked with extracting ore from a seemingly lifeless planet. However, this barren rock is far from sterile.
Enter the Calyx, a boss-like alien organism that gives new meaning to the term "invasive species." Unlike traditional RTS enemies, the Calyx is a sprawling, ever-evolving plant that spreads across the map faster than gossip in a small town. It's less "Command & Conquer" and more "Weed & Worry" as you try to contain this verdant menace.
After sinking my teeth (and several hours) into the demo, I can confidently say that Calyx offers a unique blend of strategic base-building and tactical plant-pruning. You'll need to establish defenses, manage resources, and launch counterattacks against an enemy that grows before your eyes. It's like Creeper World met SimCity and decided to have a very green baby.
Pros:
Innovative enemy design that creates a dynamic, evolving challenge
Unique blend of RTS and base-building mechanics
Engaging early game that keeps you on your toes
Cons:
Can become repetitive in later stages
Requires significant micromanagement
Limited unit variety compared to traditional RTS games
The demo offers a tutorial and a mid-game level, giving players like myself a hearty taste of the full experience. I found it more efficient to manually target the sturdy plant trunks rather than relying on auto-fire, which added an extra layer of strategic depth.
While the concept is intriguing, I noticed that once you've weathered the initial storm, the remainder of the game becomes a slow, methodical process of reclaiming the map - less "blitzkrieg" and more "botanical attrition".
Despite these minor gripes, Calyx shows promise as a unique entry in the RTS genre. It's a game that challenges you to think outside the box - or perhaps more accurately, outside the planter.
So, if you're tired of the same old tank rushes and resource gathering, why not try extraterrestrial landscaping? Just remember, no one can hear you prune in space - but they might see you sweat as you frantically try to contain the Calyx's relentless advance.
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
Ants. You either love them or hate them. For many, they evoke memories of picnics ruined by a sudden swarm, while for others, they marvel at nature, showcasing teamwork and resilience in the face of adversity.
Empire of the Ants invites you to embrace this latter perspective by shrinking to ant size and diving into a world where strategy meets microscopic mayhem.
This real-time strategy game is inspired by Bernard Werber’s bestselling book series, offering players a chance to explore a fascinating universe filled with intricate social dynamics and epic challenges.
However, it’s important to note that while it features strategic elements, it is not a true RTS in the vein of SimAnt; instead, it provides a more guided experience with distinct mission types and a strong narrative focus.
Did you Know? The Queen Ant Can Live Up to 30 Years: Talk about commitment. Your colony’s success hinges on keeping the Queen happy.
Welcome to the Colony
As you navigate this tiny world, you’ll engage in various mission types, including strategic missions to capture and manage ant nests.
These tactical missions require commanding pre-set legions with precision and exploration missions, in which you’ll hunt prey and uncover secrets.
The gameplay mechanics are brilliantly designed to simplify RTS controls, making it intuitive for console and PC players. You’ll command different types of ants — warriors, gunners, and workers — each with unique capabilities.
The control scheme is so smooth that it has been compared to Pikmin 4, allowing you to seamlessly switch between ant legions and manage up to seven packs simultaneously.
A Visual Feast for the Eyes
Graphically, the game is a visual masterpiece powered by the Unreal Engine 5. It features stunning details, photorealistic movements, and the ability to crawl on any surface, defying traditional game physics.
The intricately designed environments offer breathtaking interactions that immerse you in this tiny world.
In addition to its single-player experience, the game offers a multiplayer mode with a compact yet strategic experience reminiscent of Company of Heroes.
Players engage in territory capture, resource management, and intense ant-vs-ant battles. The nuanced mechanics allow skilled players to turn situations around with smart power usage.
The Ant Downsides
However, while the game dazzles with its visuals and intuitive controls, it does have some drawbacks. For one, it may disappoint players seeking a colony simulation experience likeSimAntor Empires of the Undergrowth.
The game’s mission-based structure can feel somewhat repetitive. Its gameplay loop involves completing missions, returning to the anthill, reporting in, and then immediately embarking on another task.
This approach can become monotonous, feeling more like a grind than an immersive ant colony simulation. One player noted, “I was hoping for a deeper sim experience, instead, I found myself stuck in a cycle of missions.”
Unlike traditional simulation games focusing on deep colony management, Empire of the Ants is more of a guided narrative experience with strategic elements.
The game limits players to controlling a relatively small number of units and follows a more linear mission structure.
While it offers some depth through nest upgrades and resource management, it lacks the comprehensive colony simulation that hardcore strategy fans might expect.
Ant-ticipate Wisely
In the end, Empire of the Ants is a bold and innovative adaptation that offers a fresh perspective on strategy gaming while staying true to the essence of Werber’s novels.
Its immersive world and unique gameplay make it a must-try for strategy enthusiasts and nature documentary fans. But remember: If you’re looking for deep colony management, you might want to temper your expectations.
And if you’re arachnophobic, fear not, as the game includes an arachnophobia mode to help you enjoy this tiny world without the giant spider jump-scares.
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
If you’ve ever wanted to turn your colony into a goo-proof fortress, this is your chance.
Imagine you’re on a vibrant alien planet, surrounded by bizarre flora and fauna, when suddenly—bam!—a gooey menace starts creeping toward your colony. Sounds like a typical Saturday night with the in-laws, right?
Welcome to From Glory to Goo, the brainchild of Stratagem Blue, where your skills will be tested against an enemy that’s more squishy than scary. So, if you’ve ever wanted to juggle resource management while fending off a gelatinous tide of chaos, this game is your ticket to a wild ride.
Surviving the Goo Apocalypse
At its core, From Glory to Goo is a real-time strategy tower defense game that blends elements of base-building and survival. Players must manage resources and populations while constructing defenses against relentless waves of enemies. The gameplay is reminiscent of titles like They Are Billions but with unique twists that keep it fresh and engaging.
One of the standout features is resource management. Players must carefully balance resources like water and power, which encourages strategic placement of structures to maximize efficiency. For instance, greener areas yield more water, prompting players to think critically about their colony layout.
Tip: When building your colony, think like a mad scientist. Experiment with your layout and see what works best
Players must also focus on defensive strategies as the goo approaches from all directions. Fortifying bases with walls and towers becomes vital, although many players report feeling overwhelmed by the relentless enemy forces. Think of it as a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, but with goo instead of moles—and trust me, the goo is way less cute.
The combat is fast-paced and requires quick thinking and planning. Players can deploy various units and defenses but must also be wary of their troops' limited range and AI behavior. Nothing says "strategy" like watching your units ignore an enemy right before them while they wander off to chase butterflies—or whatever they think is more important.
The Gooey Truth Unveiled
While the gameplay is fun, let's not sugar coat the games apparent shortcomings: finding your way around the user interface, for example, can be difficult, especially with no clues other than sparse descriptions that pop up here and there at the beginning. This lack of guidance requires you to start self-exploring on your own.
While this part is exciting, it only allows for leisurely explorations since you almost always come under attack by the goo. It's like trying to read a manual while running from a horde of zombies—thrilling but not conducive to learning.
Aesthetically, From Glory to Goo reminds me of Starcraft with a mixed dose of The Horde. Though the graphics have that old-school feel, they often obstruct where the enemy comes from since every pixel seems to mash together, creating one giant mass of blobs. While it provides a gritty old-school charm, I see where others might find a cause to complain about it.
Tip: Treat The Goo like that one friend who always shows up uninvited. Stay alert and don’t let your guard down. The Goo, like your friend, can show up at any time!
A Sticky Situation Awaits
There's a lot to love in From Glory to Goo, and as long as you have the patience to push through some of the game’s quirks, you'll find plenty to enjoy here. Remember: when goo starts to hit the fan, don’t panic—pause and strategize.
After all, what’s more fun than building a colony while simultaneously fending off a wave of sticky chaos? So gear up, embrace the madness, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you smiling as you conquer the gooey challenges ahead.
Pros:
Engaging gameplay reminiscent of Age of Darkness and They Are Billions, but with more epicness.
Depth of gameplay requires thoughtful strategizing rather than random building.
Addictive mechanics that keep you coming back for "just one more wave."
Charming pixel-retro graphics that add character (if you’re into that sort of thing).
Cons:
Enemy goo can feel overpowered at times, even in early levels.
Lack of clear direction on where enemies will attack despite weapon upgrades.
Troop AI can be frustratingly unresponsive; goo may pass by without resistance.
The user interface can be confusing with minimal guidance.
Graphics may not appeal to everyone due to the retro style.
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
Once upon a time, Missile Command started as an arcade game and eventually made it to the home system, the Atari 2600. The game sported simple, primitive graphics, a primal storyline, and basic gameplay mechanics.
No flexibility was needed; the game only required players to protect their city against the onslaught of alien invasion for as long as possible. It was an instant hit and helped carry the video game industry to the top of the 1980s.
Fast-forward to today. With the help of developer Anthund, we have Atomic City, an indie game that retains much of the original mechanics of Missile Command while adding fresh graphics and gameplay and requiring more finesse than just memory and reflexes.
A Neon-Soaked Nostalgia Trip
Graphically, the look is exceptional. Everything is colorful and well-detailed, transforming the once-primitive pixels into a visual feast. Planes and bombs overhead fly across like painted silhouettes against neon-purple skies, creating a striking contrast that would make even the most seasoned air traffic controller do a double-take
Explosions burst like fireworks were being set off, lighting the screen with a dazzling display. The subtle light reflections on the background, which looks like it was painted on a glossy black canvas, give the impression of a meticulously crafted postcard coming to life.
A City Worth Saving
While Atomic City pays homage to its predecessor, it's not content with mere imitation. The game adds layers of depth and strategy that would make the original Missile Command blush. Players must now juggle multiple threats, each with their own quirks and patterns, turning what was once a simple point-and-shoot affair into a song-and-dance of destruction
The addition of power-ups and special abilities injects a shot of adrenaline into the gameplay, allowing players to unleash devastating counterattacks that would make Atari executives yell, "Why didn't we think of that?"
Atomic City's backdrop is a breathing, living entity that holds its breath with each incoming attack. The moving clouds and scampering birds add a layer of realism that makes players feel like they're defending more than just a collection of pixels – they're protecting a home.
Ready, Aim, Purchase!
Atomic City is a love letter to the classic Missile Command, wrapped in a package as explosive as its namesake. It's a game that proves you can teach an old dog new tricks – especially if that dog is packing heat and has a city to defend.
For $1.99, it's a bargain that's hard to resist. So, grab your mouse, channel your inner city defender, and prepare for a blast from the past, that's been supercharged for the present.
Pros
Stunning Visuals: The vibrant graphics and detailed animations create an immersive experience that elevates the gameplay. The neon-purple skies and explosive effects are a feast for the eyes.
Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: Atomic City introduces new layers of strategy with power-ups and special abilities, making it more engaging than its predecessor. Players must think on their feet, adding depth to the classic formula.
Retro Yet Fresh: The game beautifully balances nostalgia with modern gaming features, appealing to veterans and newcomers alike.
Dynamic Environment: The living backdrop, complete with moving clouds and birds, adds realism and makes players feel more connected to the city they're defending.
Affordable Price: At just $1.99, it's a steal for its fun and replayability.
Cons
Can Become Repetitive: Some players might find that, despite the added depth, the core mechanics can become repetitive over time, especially in longer sessions.
Limited Storyline: While the game shines in graphics and mechanics, the storyline remains minimalistic, which may leave players wanting more narrative depth.
Lack of Multiplayer/co-op: The absence of a multiplayer/co-op mode could be a downside for those looking to compete or cooperate with friends in defending their city.
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
Strap on your goggles and don your leather cap, because we're about to take flight in Punti Games' latest offering, Skies Above the Great War. This ambitious little indie title aims to blend action-packed aerial combat with grand strategy in a World War I sandbox, all while keeping your plane held together with little more than spit and baling wire.
Skies Above the Great War puts you in command of a WWI air force, tasking you with influencing the course of the war through daring missions and strategic decisions. You'll find yourself piloting rickety flying contraptions that are more kite than aircraft, held aloft by equal parts engine power and sheer willpower.
For those needing a quick history refresher, the Great War, also known as World War I, was a global conflict that raged from 1914 to 1918. It primarily pitted the Allied Powers (including Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States) against the Central Powers (mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). This devastating conflict saw the first widespread use of aircraft in warfare, setting the stage for the aerial combat you'll experience in this game.
From Rookie to Ace
The campaign mode offers multiple starting points, allowing you to jump into the action at various stages of the war. Whether you fancy yourself an early adopter of aerial warfare or prefer to join the fray when things are really heating up, there's an entry point for you.
Your military leadership, in their infinite wisdom, will regularly assign you missions to complete. These range from reconnaissance photography to good old-fashioned bomb dropping. It's up to you to decide how best to utilize your ragtag fleet of flying deathtraps to accomplish these objectives and turn the tide of war.
Gameplay-wise, it offers players a versatile experience, allowing them to choose between hands-on piloting or a more strategic approach. You can opt to fly solo missions, personally commanding your aircraft through the perilous skies, or take charge of an entire air fleet. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, an automation mode lets the game manage your fleet while you focus on the bigger picture.
One of the game's standout features is its robust pilot training system. As a squadron leader, you'll have the opportunity to nurture new recruits, honing their skills and watching them evolve from green rookies to seasoned aces. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay as you become invested in the growth and survival of your pilots.
Flying from Patches to Progress
Since its launch, the developer has diligently addressed early bugs and issues. Many of these initial hiccups have been patched, significantly enhancing the game's overall playability. This commitment to improvement has transformed Skies Above the Great War into a much more polished experience than its launch state.
However, there are still areas that need some fine-tuning. For example, the flight mechanics, while improved, can still feel somewhat off and jittery at times. This might take players out of the immersive experience, especially during intense dogfights. On a positive note, performance issues that plagued the game at launch have seen significant improvements, resulting in smoother gameplay for many users.
Winging It
While Skies Above the Great War doesn't aim to be a hardcore flight simulator, it does offer a satisfying middle ground that captures the feel of WWI aerial combat without overwhelming players with complex flight physics.
The flight mechanics, though simplified, provide a convincing sense of piloting early 20th-century aircraft. You'll feel the sluggish response of these primitive flying machines as you bank and turn, with the game simulating some basic principles of flight. For instance, you'll experience a slight loss of altitude during sharp turns, mimicking the real-world effect of reduced lift.
The game incorporates rudimentary modeling of factors like stall speed and engine performance. Push your aircraft too hard in a climb, for instance, and you'll feel the telltale shudder of an impending stall. Similarly, diving builds up speed, allowing for more aggressive maneuvers but requiring careful management to avoid structural damage.
Wind effects are also present; albeit in a simplified form. You'll notice your aircraft drifting slightly in crosswinds; adding an extra layer of challenge to precision flying and gunnery. While not hyper-realistic, the damage model does a commendable job of representing the fragility of WWI aircraft. Hit certain critical areas, and you'll experience reduced performance or control issues, forcing you to adapt your flying style mid-combat.
Where the game falls short of accurate simulation are in areas like prop torque effects, complex aerodynamic modeling, and highly detailed engine management. You won't be adjusting mixture ratios or dealing with realistic fuel consumption. Additionally, the flight envelope feels somewhat forgiving compared to the unforgiving nature of real WWI aircraft.
Reaching for the Skies
All in all, Skies Above The Great War is an ambitious project that, while not yet soaring great heights, shows potential for those willing to brave its learning curve. At its current price point of just under $10, it might be worth spinning for history buffs and aspiring aces.
Kudos to Punti Games for this little title. Didi's dedication as a solo developer shines through in every aspect of the game, from the intricate mechanics to the immersive atmosphere. The sounds and visuals are spot on, creating a palpable tension. While it may not fully satisfy hardcore flight enthusiasts, the game strikes a compelling balance between realism and playability. It also offers an accessible yet engaging taste of WWI aerial combat, with just enough depth to keep players returning for more.
Pros:
Unique perspective of playing as German air forces in WWII
Combination of strategy and aerial combat gameplay
The large, detailed game world
Ability to directly control planes or manage at strategic level
Customizable planes and squadrons
Realistic damage modeling
Developed by a small indie studio, showing ambition
Cons:
Lacks comprehensive tutorials and explanations, especially for campaign mode
Flight mechanics can feel jittery at times
Graphics are functional but not particularly impressive
As an Early Access game, still needs polish and further development
May be overwhelming for new players due to complexity
Who is this game for:
History buffs interested in WWI aerial combat
Strategy game fans who enjoy both tactical and grand strategy elements
Players who appreciate supporting indie developers
Those looking for a middle ground between arcade flight games and hardcore flight sims
Gamers who enjoy managing resources, pilots, and technology development
Those interested in experiencing both strategic command and direct piloting gameplay
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
Drill Core could be more simply and accurately marketed, if not for copyright reasons, as Subterranean Lemmings. The game's setup finds the player arriving at the planet Xerxes to pry mineral riches from its virgin soil. Alas, for the budding capitalist, Xerxian labor laws demand that entrepreneurs employ one of the four native races for this endeavor.
Hungry Couch Games, the team behind the pixelated sky-pirate adventure Black Skylands, have struck gold, or should we say, rare earth elements, with their latest offering, Drill Core. Launched into Early Access on September 2024, this planetary mining strategy game promises to blend resource management, tower defense, and roguelike elements.
Digging Deep into Gameplay
At its, um, core, Drill Core, players take on the role of an interstellar mining magnate, tasked with extracting valuable resources from alien worlds. But don't expect this to be a walk in the par; as day turns to night on these distant planets, local fauna transform from docile creatures into ravenous beasts intent on destroying your carefully constructed mining operation.
The game's charm lies in its dual-phase gameplay: by day, you'll direct your alien workforce to drill, build, and expand your mining platform. Come nightfall, however, you'll switch gears to defend your hard-earned riches from waves of hostile creatures.
More Quirks Than Perks
One of the game's nifty features is the inclusion of four playable alien races, each with their own unique abilities and quirks. Will you opt for the industrious Zorblings, known for their efficiency but prone to spontaneous naps? Or perhaps the Quxxians, whose telekinetic abilities are matched only by their insatiable appetite for shiny objects?
As you progress deeper into the missions, you'll research new technologies, upgrade your defenses, and attempt to maximize profits while minimizing casualties. And let's be honest, in the cutthroat world of interplanetary resource extraction, a few alien workers are bound to meet an untimely demise. Hey, it's all in the name of progress, right?
When the Drill Hits the Fan
While the game offers an intriguing premise and moments of genuine fun, my extensive playtime has revealed some significant issues that can seriously dampen the experience. After countless hours of drilling, defending, and occasionally cursing at my screen, I've encountered frustrations that even the most patient of gamers might find testing.
One of the most glaring issues is the unit AI, which can be maddeningly obtuse at times. Picture this: you've just uncovered a motherlode of rare minerals, a veritable treasure trove that could set you up for success. But instead of efficiently mining this bounty, your workers seem to develop an inexplicable aversion to riches. They'll cheerfully dig in every direction except the one that leads to prosperity, leaving you to watch helplessly as they meander away from fortune. It's like watching a squad of lemmings with advanced mining equipment but no sense of direction.
The lack of a proper healing system for your units is also another source of frustration. As the nights grow longer and the enemies more ferocious, your unit inevitably takes a beating. Yet, there's no satisfying way to patch them up. You're left with the unenviable choice of watching your battered workers stumble about at reduced efficiency or replacing them entirely, which feels both wasteful and a bit callous, like running a TNT factory with no first aid kits.
Upgrades? More Whimper Than Bang
The upgrade system, which should be a source of excitement and accomplishment, often feels underwhelming. After hours of grinding and carefully allocating resources, you'd expect your upgrades to pack a punch. Instead, they often feel like you're trying to fend off a supernova with a slightly improved water gun. This contributes to a pervasive sense of grind, where enemies seem almost maliciously programmed to wipe out your entire operation just as you're on the cusp of a breakthrough.
But perhaps the most critical issue is the game's struggle to find a balance between resource gathering and defense. Much like, Dome Keeper, Drill Core often feels like it's pulling you in two directions at once. First, you're constantly torn between the need to dig deeper for those precious resources and two, the constant need to fortify your defenses against the nightly onslaught. This tension can be exciting when it works, but all too often it feels like you're being set up to fail, forced to choose between expanding your operation or simply surviving.
To Drill or Not to Drill?
Reading the feedback from players suggests that Drill Core hits the sweet spot between challenging and addictive. Some, however, have noted that the difficulty ramp between levels can be steep, and upgrades between runs are pricier than a black market Xerxian crystal. Still, the game's unique blend of genres and its straightforward yet engaging tower defense mechanics have garnered praise.
So, whether you're a seasoned strategy gamer or just someone who's always dreamed of becoming the Elon Musk of alien worlds, Drill Core offers an experience that's equal parts thrilling, fun, and frustrating. Just remember, when the sun sets and the creatures start crawling, it's drill or be drilled.
Pros:
Unique blend of resource management, tower defense, and roguelike elements
Engaging dual-phase gameplay (day/night cycle)
Four playable alien races with distinct abilities
Charming pixel art style
Addictive gameplay loop
Cons:
Frustrating unit AI
Lack of proper healing system for units
Weak upgrade system leading to a grindy feel
Difficulty balancing resource gathering and defense
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
Fair and Square: A Geometric Twist on the Classic RTS
Where Triangles Wage War and Circles Roll to Victory
In the early days of real-time strategy games, simplicity reigned supreme. Those who cut their teeth on classics like Dune, Command & Conquer, or Warcraft fondly remember when commanding armies was as straightforward as point-and-click. There was a charming intuitiveness to these games that allowed players to dive right in and focus on strategy rather than wrestling with complex control schemes.
It's refreshing to see modern games that harken back to this era of simplicity while incorporating a fresh touch. Fair and Square, by indie developer Octopus Engine, is one title that aims to recapture the charm of those early RTS experiences.
At its core, Fair and Square offers a familiar RTS framework, allowing players to grasp the basics quickly. Players can easily select units, order construction, manage build queues, and collect resources. The need to explore and secure new resource points as existing ones are depleted adds a dynamic element to gameplay.
Adding a host of unique runic empowerments adds depth and re-playability, ensuring that no two playthroughs are identical. These runes, akin to shrines and temples, provide buffs that introduce an element of strategy and adaptability, as players must learn to leverage their acquired abilities to overcome increasingly difficult challenges.
The game offers both single-player and co-op features, but the survival mode is where you will likely spend most of your time. This mode keeps players engaged by providing consecutive waves of enemies, each presenting a steadily increasing challenge. While the difficulty ramps up significantly after, say the seventh wave, it remains manageable and doesn't become frustratingly impossible
Geometric Warfare
Graphically, the game adopts a minimalist approach that is appealing in its simplicity. Initially, I thought I'd accidentally opened my old high school geometry book, as units take on the shapes of circles and squares. However, the visuals could be elevated with additional details. For example, adding shading effects to the triangle and circle units to simulate rotation or tumbling would add depth and movement, enhancing the overall 3D perspective..
As solid as the game mechanics are, the game will definitely benefit from further refinement in some vital areas. First, the limited animation, particularly during resource gathering, leaves something to be desired. Only sparkles indicate active resource collection, whereas adding visible beams or mechanical arms could significantly enhance the visual feedback and immersion.
Second, combat animations also need improvement. Despite featuring large-scale battles, the current visuals do not convey the epic scope one expects from an RTS title. The battles feel somewhat tame, lacking the intensity and grandeur typically associated with massive clashes.
Third, the game's UI and tutorials require some attention with the user interface, particularly the fonts, benefitting from being larger for improved readability. Additionally, the tutorials need to be fleshed out a bit more to provide clearer guidance and explanation, especially for new players.
Lastly, and most notable issue is the tendency for some units to become stuck when surrounded by buildings. In these situations, units flicker in place, requiring manual waypoints to guide them out of the congested area. This can disrupt the flow and may frustrate players in intense moments.
The Shape of Things to Come
Despite these areas for potential improvement, the game shows promise as an innovative entry in the RTS world. Its blend of old-school mechanics, roguelike elements, and unique unit design offers a distinctive experience for both new and seasoned strategy fans.
As Octopus Engine continues to refine and polish the game's foundation, Fair and Square has the potential to carve out its own niche in the world of real-time strategy games. Perhaps in the next update, they'll surprise us with rhombuses or trapezoids as new units. Just don't blame us if players start having flashbacks to geometry pop quizzes
This article is brought to you by the letter 'W' – as in 'Wow, I need more!' Find your next 'wow' moment in our Review section.
A Stitch in Time Saves... The World? Timemelters (Steam) Review
Dive into the time-bending world of Timemelters, a unique strategy game that combines hero defense, witch trials, and temporal shenanigans.
Witch Way to the Time Machine?
Timemelters isn't your everyday strategy game that politely asks you to save the world. Nope, in this game, the world's already gone to hell, but you, as the plucky witch Teagan, get the task of saying, "Let's not and say we did."
Created by the minds at Autoexec Games, Timemelters serves up a hearty dish of strategy, hero defense, and a generous side of time-travel shenanigans. Our heroine Teagan escapes a witch trial by the skin of her teeth and dives headfirst into a world that's as mystifying as it is in dire need of a serious do-over. The game's unique selling point? Its Time Shift mechanics.
Rewind, Reposition, Kick Butt
So, how does it work? Imagine being swarmed by a horde of relentless enemies in the forest level. You activate the rewind feature, and time reverses by 10 seconds. During this phase, you move to a higher vantage point while watching the actions you just performed in reverse. As the enemies are repositioned, you gain an opportunity to set snares and traps in their path, creating a kill zone that anticipates their future movements based on your past actions.
Of course, this isn't just about hitting rewind and watching a past version of you do all the hard work. It's about crafting those brain-twisting strategies where past-you and present-you work in perfect harmony, like an oddly synchronized dance duo whose dance floor is the open battlefield.
A Tango of Strategy and Action
The gameplay oozes and mixes up strategy with real-time action in a way that keeps you on your toes. Whether you're puzzling out a map or going head-to-head with a boss, there's always a fresh twist waiting to test your mettle and your ability to think on your feet and in the past.
Many of the reviews appreciate the rewind mechanic for its capacity to transform dire situations into manageable ones. However, there are specific drawbacks:
It can sometimes make the gameplay feel repetitive, especially if used excessively.
Its frequent use may reduce the overall challenge offered, as the stakes are effectively lowered.
Nonetheless, when used judiciously, the rewind feature offers a fresh and innovative approach to the action.
Misery Loves Company
For those who don't want to wander through time alone, Timemelters offers a co-op mode where you can drag a friend into this temporal mess, tackling the campaign together with the free Friend's Pass. It turns out messing with time is more fun when you have someone to share the "oops, that was a bad move" moments with.
Another neat feature is the skill tree where your inner spell-crafting geek can shine. It's like being handed a magical menu and getting to pick your flavor of chaos. How you upgrade your spells opens up avenues for more potent magic and increasingly intricate strategies.
Temporal Chaos
Let's not forget to tip our hats to the soundtrack – it's the kind of music that makes you feel like you're about to do something epic... even if it's just rewinding time because you accidentally set yourself on fire. Again.
However, let's be real: while Timemelters dazzles with its gameplay, the visuals are more 'charming indie' than 'blockbuster spectacle.' But considering this game was whipped up by a trio of developers, it's pretty impressive what they've managed to conjure up.
And yes, while the game leans towards the linear side and doesn't let you roam its world freely, it's packed with enough lush visuals and strategic depth to keep you hooked. After all, who needs an open world when you have an open timeline?
A Timeless Adventure
In short, Timemelters is a delightful romp through time that offers a unique twist on strategy and hero defense. With its blend of clever mechanics, co-op fun, and just enough wittiness to keep things light, it's a game that asks you to save the world in the most unconventional way possible.
So grab your time-traveling boots (and maybe a friend), because Timemelters is one adventure where looking back and not forward is actually encouraged.
Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.
A Sobering Look into the Trenches of Medical Management: War Hospital (Steam) Review
As I fired up War Hospital by Brave Lamb Studios, I was immediately struck by the somber tone it set. Here, in front of me, is a game that's not afraid to pull you into the mud, blood, and guts of a WW1 field hospital on the Western Front.
I suppose the first thing that hits you are the graphics, which the developers have gone for a gritty look that's as desolate as it is effective. It's clear, however, that they've done their homework on the era, with every texture and torn piece of canvas whispering tales of a world torn asunder by man's greed and conflict.
Aesthetically, the color palette with its mix of morose greys and muted earth tones, perfectly captures the bleakness of war-torn Europe. The game's art style delivers a visceral impact, effectively conveying the despair of soldiers and medics alike. It's as if someone smeared all of the attributes of hopelessness onto your monitor, with every raindrop and artillery shell crater adding to the sense of impending doom.
For example, when you're shuffling through the muddied grounds between tents, there’s this palpable weight to everything you see and do. The developers didn't just recreate a historical setting, they've bottled the atmosphere of WW1 and let it loose in your living room. It's not just gritty – it's like you're sifting through history with your bloody bare hands.
The sound design and controls are, I'm happy to report, pretty good and responsive. The soundtrack especially, is a haunting melody that seems to have time-traveled straight from the 1900s, echoing the melancholy of an era where hope was as scarce as medical supplies. Your ears, for example, are treated to a symphony of somber strings and the occasional staccato of distant gunfire that remind you that the front line is always too far, yet too close, for comfort.
Gameplay wise, War Hospital is a narrative management game with simulation elements that does a commendable job of making you feel like you're running a real field hospital. The mechanics of managing staff and resources feel authentic and substantial although at tome somewhat tedious. During your initial time with the game find you'll find yourself genuinely caring about each decision you make, each soldier you treat, knowing the impact it has on both your staff's morale and the lives of your patients.
A Tale of Humanity
However, like all management-type games, once you get the hang of its core mechanics, in particular when dealing and assigning attributes and traits to your team, things start to feel a bit too comfortable.
It’s almost a paradoxical event especially when you are in an environment that should be perpetually teetering on the edge of chaos, achieving a well-oiled machine-like efficiency can take away some of the tension that should be omnipresent.
Regardless of the balancing issue, let's circle back to what makes War Hospital stand out: it's a poignant reflection on humanity's resilience in the face of overwhelming darkness. You're not just tallying resources or managing timetables; you're preserving virtual human life amidst destruction. You're making choices that weigh heavy on your conscience, embodying the struggle between duty and compassion.
The Lasting Impact of War Hospital
In conclusion and despite some nitpicks about gameplay difficulty tapering off, War Hospital is an evocative piece that manages to capture not only the essence of WW1 but also the unyielding spirit of those who fought and served behind the lines. It's also a reminder of the harrowing conditions our forbearers endured and of the horrors of war that should never be revisited or experienced again.
Through its gritty atmosphere and haunting audiovisuals, War Hospital serves as a stark lens through which we glimpse not only life and death but also the enduring question of what it means to be human in times of unspeakable strife.
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