Marvel’s Midnight Suns: The XCOM-Meets-Persona Hybrid I Didn’t Expect to Love
I expected tactical combat from Firaxis, but Marvel’s Midnight Suns surprised me. One moment, I was strategically using Blade’s bleed cards and Iron Man’s repulsors to clear HYDRA goons. The next, I was back at the Abbey, choosing dialogue options to bond with Wolverine over a game of cards, or meditating with Magik to unlock new abilities. This blend of XCOM-style tactical battles with Persona-esque social simulation and relationship building was unexpectedly compelling, making me care about these iconic heroes on and off the battlefield. It was a truly unique Marvel experience.
Into the Breach: The Mech vs. Kaiju Puzzle Game Where Every Move is Critical
In Into the Breach, I commanded a squad of mechs defending cities from giant Vek monsters. Each turn was a perfectly readable puzzle: enemy attacks were telegraphed, and I had to use my mechs’ unique abilities – pushing, shielding, damaging – to mitigate civilian casualties and protect the power grid. One wrong move, one miscalculation pushing a Vek into a building instead of a chasm, meant devastating consequences. This chess-like, high-stakes tactical gameplay, where every single action mattered immensely, made for an incredibly tense and rewarding experience.
Battle Brothers: I Led a Mercenary Company to Ruin (And Glory, Eventually)
My first Battle Brothers company, the “Iron Hides,” was a disaster. We were ill-equipped, took on contracts way above our pay grade, and most of my starting “bros” died horrible, permanent deaths to orcs or bandits. I learned the hard way: armor matters, positioning is key, and never trust a recruit with the “Dastardly” trait. Eventually, after many failed companies, I forged the “Steel Gryphons” into a renowned mercenary band, clad in gleaming plate, feared across the land. The brutal permadeath made every victory, and every surviving brother, incredibly precious.
Valkyria Chronicles: The WW2-Inspired Tactical RPG with a Stunning Art Style
Valkyria Chronicles drew me in with its beautiful “CANVAS” engine, making the game look like a living watercolor painting. But its tactical combat was just as captivating. Commanding Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia against the invading Empire, I’d switch from an overhead strategic map to direct third-person control of individual soldiers. Positioning my scouts, shocktroopers, and lancers, utilizing their unique skills and managing Action Points in a WW2-inspired fantasy setting, felt incredibly unique. The blend of turn-based strategy and real-time action was a refreshing tactical delight.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire – Mastering Turn-Based (or RTWP) Naval Combat
As the Watcher of Caed Nua in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire, I wasn’t just exploring islands; I was captaining my ship, the Defiant. Naval combat, whether in real-time-with-pause or the later-added turn-based mode, was a tactical mini-game in itself. I’d maneuver for optimal cannon broadsides, manage my crew’s roles (from cannoneers to surgeons), and decide when to board enemy vessels for close-quarters party combat. Upgrading my ship, recruiting skilled officers, and mastering these maritime engagements was crucial for dominating the Deadfire Archipelago’s treacherous waters.
Midnight Suns: Why Its Card-Based Combat is Surprisingly Deep and Addictive
I was skeptical about card-based combat for Marvel heroes. But Midnight Suns made it work brilliantly. Each hero had a unique deck reflecting their powers – Spider-Man’s quick attacks and environmental interactions, Ghost Rider’s soul-draining abilities. Building my hand, using “Heroism” to play powerful abilities, and finding synergies between heroes (like setting up Doctor Strange to buff Iron Man’s AOE attacks) was incredibly strategic. The system was easy to learn but offered surprising tactical depth, making each encounter dynamic and addictive.
Into the Breach: The “Perfect Information” That Still Leads to Agonizing Choices
Into the Breach gives you all the information: you see exactly what the Vek will attack next turn. Yet, I’d still stare at the screen for minutes, agonizing over my move. Do I sacrifice a building to save my artillery mech? Can I push that Vek into another one, killing both but damaging a crucial objective? Even with perfect foresight, the limited actions and the dire consequences of failure often led to incredibly tough, sometimes unwinnable-feeling choices. This elegant design, where knowledge doesn’t always equal an easy solution, is its genius.
Battle Brothers: The Brutal Permadeath That Makes Every Recruit Precious
In Battle Brothers, when one of your mercenary “bros” dies, they’re gone for good. I learned this the hard way when Wilhelm, my starting archer with surprisingly good aim, took an unlucky crossbow bolt to the head. His loss was a tangible blow to my company’s effectiveness. This brutal permadeath makes every decision in combat critical. You weigh every risk, cherish every veteran survivor, and mourn every fallen comrade. It transforms nameless recruits into valued individuals whose survival feels genuinely important.
Valkyria Chronicles: The BLiTZ System – A Unique Blend of Turn-Based and Real-Time
Valkyria Chronicles’ “BLiTZ” (Battle of Live Tactical Zones) system was revolutionary. From a command map, I’d select a unit, spending Command Points. Then, I’d directly control that unit in a third-person, real-time view, moving them, aiming, and taking action until their Action Points depleted. Enemies would even fire back during my turn if I entered their range. This seamless blend – the strategic overview of turn-based games with the immediate action of real-time control – created a dynamic and incredibly engaging tactical experience unlike anything I’d played before.
PoE2: Deadfire: The Best Class Combinations for a Tactical Party
My favorite party in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire thrived on synergistic multi-classing. I ran my Watcher as a “Spellblade” (Wizard/Fighter) for durable arcane might. Eder as a “Swashbuckler” (Fighter/Rogue) was a fantastic tank with high damage output. Aloth as a “Battlemage” (Wizard/Fighter, again different focus) offered incredible spell variety and survivability. Pallegina as a “Herald” (Paladin/Chanter) provided crucial buffs and off-healing. These combinations allowed for incredible tactical flexibility, covering offense, defense, and support, making even the toughest encounters manageable.
Midnight Suns: Building Relationships with Heroes (And Taking Them on Dates?)
Beyond the tactical card battles, a huge part of Midnight Suns was hanging out with Marvel heroes at the Abbey. I’d choose dialogue options to improve my friendship with Spider-Man, go “birdwatching” (it was more like a therapy session) with Wolverine, or join Magik for meditation. Increasing these friendship levels unlocked powerful passive bonuses and combo abilities. While not quite “dates,” these social interactions, akin to Persona’s social links, added a surprisingly charming and rewarding layer, making me genuinely invested in these iconic characters.
Into the Breach: The Different Mech Squads and Their Unique Strategies
Each mech squad in Into the Breach offers a distinct tactical puzzle. The “Rift Walkers” are a balanced starting squad, good at pushing and damaging Vek. The “Rusting Hulks” focus on area denial with smoke and electric attacks. The “Blitzkrieg” uses a lightning whip that chains through enemies (and buildings, if you’re not careful!). My favorite, the “Frozen Titans,” specialized in freezing Vek solid. Learning each squad’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and synergies was key to adapting my strategy and surviving the escalating Kaiju threat.
Battle Brothers: The Procedurally Generated World and Contracts
Every Battle Brothers campaign begins with a procedurally generated world map, complete with unique settlements, noble houses, and wilderness. The contracts I’d take – escorting caravans, hunting down bandits, recovering stolen artifacts – were also dynamically generated. This meant no two campaigns ever felt the same. One playthrough might see me embroiled in a war between two powerful duchies, while another might focus on battling ancient undead legions in the frozen north. This constant variety kept the mercenary life fresh and unpredictable.
Valkyria Chronicles: The Memorable Characters of Squad 7
Squad 7 in Valkyria Chronicles wasn’t just a collection of units; they were memorable individuals. Welkin Gunther, the nature-loving tank commander; Alicia Melchiott, the determined scout and baker; Rosie, the brash, song-loving shocktrooper; and Largo Potter, the stoic, vegetable-obsessed Lancer. Each had a distinct personality, backstory, and unique “Potentials” (quirks affecting their performance). I grew genuinely attached to them, celebrating their battlefield triumphs and mourning their (potential) permanent deaths, making the fight against the Empire feel deeply personal.
PoE2: Deadfire: Ship Customization and Crew Management for Naval Dominance
My ship, the Defiant, in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire became my floating fortress. I meticulously customized it: upgrading the hull for durability, adding powerful cannons (double bronze, eventually), and choosing sails for speed or maneuverability. Equally important was managing my crew. I hired skilled sailors, gunners, navigators, and surgeons, each with unique stats and abilities. A well-fed, loyal crew with high morale performed better in combat, ensuring my dominance as I sailed the treacherous waters of the Deadfire Archipelago, seeking profit and adventure.
Midnight Suns: The Abbey – More Than Just a Hub, It’s Part of the Story
The Abbey in Midnight Suns served as my home base between missions, but it was so much more. Exploring its ancient grounds uncovered lore about the Hunter’s lineage and the history of magic in the Marvel universe. I’d upgrade facilities, craft combat items, and most importantly, interact with the other heroes. These moments of downtime, learning about their personal struggles or sharing a quiet conversation, were crucial for building relationships and understanding the overarching narrative. The Abbey felt like a living, breathing part of the game’s world.
Into the Breach: Unlocking New Mechs and Pilots – The Meta Progression
Even when the Vek overwhelmed my cities in Into the Breach, failure wasn’t a total loss. Completing achievements and winning runs earned coins, which I used to unlock entirely new mech squads, each with unique abilities and tactical challenges. I could also unlock new pilots, like the time-traveling Isaac Jones or the Vek-hybrid Archimedes, who brought powerful passive skills to any squad. This meta-progression, the constant carrot of new toys and strategies to experiment with, kept me coming back for “just one more timeline.”
Battle Brothers: The Different Noble Houses and Crises That Shape Your Campaign
The world of Battle Brothers is dominated by feuding noble houses. My mercenary company would often take contracts from House Starkenburg to raid settlements belonging to House von Kessel, or vice versa. These allegiances, or antagonisms, shaped my campaign. Periodically, major “Crises” would erupt – a greenskin invasion, a war between noble houses, or an undead scourge. These large-scale events dramatically altered the political landscape and provided lucrative, albeit incredibly dangerous, opportunities for a well-prepared mercenary captain and his hardened bros.
Valkyria Chronicles: The Importance of Scouts, Shocktroopers, and Lancers
Success in Valkyria Chronicles hinged on understanding unit roles. Scouts, like Alicia, had high mobility for reconnaissance and capturing enemy camps. Shocktroopers, such as Rosie, excelled at close-quarters combat with their machine guns, perfect for assaulting enemy positions. Lancers, like Largo, were essential for taking out enemy tanks with their powerful anti-armor weapons. Snipers and Engineers provided crucial support. Effectively combining these specialized units, using their strengths to cover each other’s weaknesses, was the key to victory on Gallia’s battlefields.
PoE2: Deadfire: The Faction Choices and Their Impact on the Archipelago
The Deadfire Archipelago in Pillars of Eternity 2 was a powder keg of competing factions: the imperialistic Vailian Trading Company, the colonizing Royal Deadfire Company, the native Huana tribes, and the secretive Príncipi pirates. My choices – who to ally with, who to betray – had significant, far-reaching consequences. Siding with one faction often meant alienating others, closing off questlines, or even leading to open conflict. Navigating these complex political waters, and shaping the future of the Deadfire, was a core part of the game’s compelling narrative.
Midnight Suns: The Best Hero Team-Ups and Synergies
Finding the perfect hero synergies in Midnight Suns was a joy. I loved pairing Iron Man, with his AOE attacks and ability to mark targets, with Captain Marvel, who could go Binary and unleash devastating single-target damage on marked foes. Doctor Strange was fantastic for buffing allies and controlling the battlefield with Bind, setting up combos for heavy hitters like Wolverine or Blade. Experimenting with different three-hero squads, discovering how their unique card decks complemented each other, was key to tackling the toughest demonic threats.
Into the Breach: The Environmental Hazards That Can Be Your Best Friend (Or Worst Enemy)
The battlefields in Into the Breach are filled with environmental hazards. Acid pools, tidal waves, exploding mines, and chasms could be turned to my advantage. I’d often prioritize pushing a powerful Vek into the ocean or onto a fire tile over directly damaging it. However, these same hazards could backfire spectacularly. A miscalculated push could send my own mech into a chasm, or trigger a chain reaction that destroyed a crucial objective. Mastering the environment was just as important as mastering my mechs.
Battle Brothers: Surviving the Early Game – Tips for New Captains
My first few Battle Brothers companies were wiped out fast. To survive the brutal early game: recruit cheap, expendable bros initially. Stick to easy contracts like escorting caravans or delivering goods; avoid fighting orcs or well-equipped bandits. Invest early in basic shields and spears for your frontline – reach advantage is key. Don’t be afraid to retreat if a fight looks unwinnable. Keeping your men fed and paid, even if it means taking slightly less profitable contracts, is crucial for morale. It’s about surviving long enough to afford better gear.
Valkyria Chronicles: The Beautiful “CANVAS” Engine Art Style
Valkyria Chronicles captivated me from the first frame with its unique “CANVAS” graphics engine. It rendered the game world with a soft, desaturated palette, pencil-sketch outlines, and a textured look, resembling a living watercolor painting or a hand-drawn illustration in a history book. This beautiful, distinctive art style gave the game a timeless quality, perfectly complementing its WW2-inspired fantasy setting and poignant story. It made every scene, from pastoral landscapes to war-torn battlefields, visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
PoE2: Deadfire: The Most Challenging Boss Fights and Encounters
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire threw some truly challenging encounters my way. The optional “mega-bosses” like the Belranga, the ancient kraken, or the Dorudugan, the colossal stone guardian, required meticulous party preparation, optimized builds, and near-perfect tactical execution. Even some late-game faction leaders or unique bounties presented significant hurdles. These fights pushed my understanding of the game’s combat systems, class synergies, and resource management to their limits, making victory incredibly satisfying (and often requiring many reloads).
Midnight Suns: Is It More Marvel, More XCOM, or More Persona?
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a fascinating blend. The turn-based, squad-based combat against supernatural foes certainly screams XCOM, complete with environmental interactions and strategic positioning. The Abbey hub, with its focus on building relationships with iconic Marvel heroes through dialogue choices, gift-giving, and shared activities, strongly evokes Persona’s social simulation. And, of course, the characters, lore, and overarching threat of Lilith are pure Marvel. It’s a surprisingly seamless fusion, where each element enhances the others, creating something refreshingly unique within all three influences.
Into the Breach: The “One More Turn” Syndrome is Real (And Deadly)
Into the Breach masters the “one more turn” (or rather, “one more timeline”) addiction. Each short, self-contained battle is a bite-sized puzzle. Even after a crushing defeat, I’d immediately want to try again with a new squad or a different pilot, thinking, “This time I’ll get it right.” The quick restarts, the constant lure of unlocking new mechs, and the satisfying feeling of outsmarting the Vek make it incredibly hard to put down. Many a night, “just one quick game” turned into hours of strategic Kaiju-bashing.
Battle Brothers: The Different Enemy Types and How to Counter Them
Success in Battle Brothers requires understanding your foes. Goblins are nimble skirmishers; use nets and ranged attacks. Orcs are heavily armored brutes; focus fire with maces and hammers to break their armor. Undead are relentless; bring cleavers for extra damage against skeletons and be wary of necromancers. Bandits vary, but raiders with two-handed weapons are particularly dangerous. Learning each enemy type’s strengths, weaknesses, and favored tactics, then equipping and positioning my mercenary bros accordingly, was crucial for survival and victory.
Valkyria Chronicles: The Moral Ambiguity of War, Even in a Fantasy Setting
Despite its vibrant art style and fantasy elements, Valkyria Chronicles doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities and moral ambiguities of war. Squad 7 fights for Gallia’s freedom, but they witness prejudice against the Darcsen people within their own ranks, face difficult choices with civilian casualties, and confront the devastating power of ancient superweapons. The game explores themes of sacrifice, loss, and the dehumanizing nature of conflict, reminding players that even in a fictional war, there are no easy answers or purely heroic victories.
PoE2: Deadfire: The Build Diversity That Allows for Endless Replayability
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire’s multi-classing system offers incredible build diversity. I could combine any two base classes, creating unique hybrids like a “Templar” (Paladin/Priest) for divine smiting and healing, or a “Shadowdancer” (Rogue/Monk) for agile, high-damage strikes. With eleven base classes, the number of possible combinations, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, is staggering. This, combined with varied gear and companion builds, means I could replay Deadfire countless times and still discover new, effective, and fun party compositions.
Midnight Suns: The DLC Characters – Are They Worth It?
The DLC characters for Marvel’s Midnight Suns – Deadpool, Venom, Morbius, and Storm – each brought unique gameplay mechanics and story missions. Deadpool’s fourth-wall-breaking antics and “En Fuego” meter were hilarious. Venom’s ravenous playstyle was satisfyingly aggressive. For me, they were worth it. They integrated well into the Abbey’s social life and added fresh tactical options to combat. Each character, costing around 15 US dollars individually or available in a season pass, felt like a substantial addition, extending my enjoyment of the core game significantly.
Into the Breach: The Vek – Understanding Their Attacks to Save Humanity
The Vek in Into the Breach are not mindless monsters; each type has predictable attack patterns. Fireflies shoot in a straight line. Hornets leap and poison. Scarabs spit acid. Learning these behaviors – how far they move, what they target, the shape of their attack – is crucial. My entire strategy revolved around manipulating the Vek, pushing them to hit each other, block emerging threats, or drown in water, all while minimizing damage to civilian buildings. Understanding the enemy was the first and most critical step to saving humanity.
Battle Brothers: The Economy of a Mercenary Company – Keeping Your Bros Paid
Running a mercenary company in Battle Brothers is as much about economics as combat. My bros demanded daily wages, consumed food, and needed their gear repaired. Profitable contracts were essential, but so was managing expenses. I learned to loot battlefields efficiently, sell trade goods at favorable prices (often requiring travel between towns, costing time and food), and decide when to invest in better equipment versus hoarding crowns for payroll. A bankrupt company meant desertions and game over. Financial stability was the unsung hero of every successful campaign.
Valkyria Chronicles 4: A Worthy Successor to the Original?
Valkyria Chronicles 4 felt like a true return to form after some spin-offs. It retained the beloved BLiTZ combat system and stunning CANVAS art style of the original, while introducing new classes like the Grenadier, adding new strategic layers. The story, following Squad E on a desperate offensive into Imperial territory, was engaging, with a new cast of memorable characters. For me, it was absolutely a worthy successor, capturing the spirit and tactical depth of the first game while refining and expanding upon its best elements.
PoE2: Deadfire: The Most Interesting Side Quests and Companions
Beyond its main quest, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is packed with fascinating side content. Companion quests, like Eder’s search for his lost love or Xoti’s struggle with her faith, were deeply personal and well-written. Island-specific quests often involved complex moral choices and unique encounters, such as mediating a dispute between Huana tribes or investigating a cursed lighthouse. These optional adventures, often leading to powerful rewards or significant lore revelations, made exploring the vast Deadfire Archipelago incredibly rewarding and enriched the overall experience.
Midnight Suns: Customizing Your Hunter – Abilities and Cosmetics
Playing as the Hunter, my original character in Midnight Suns, offered deep customization. I could choose their gender, appearance, and, most importantly, their abilities, aligning them with Light, Dark, or Power playstyles. Unlocking and upgrading new cards for the Hunter’s deck allowed me to tailor their combat role, from a supporting healer to a heavy-damage dealer. Cosmetic outfits, unlocked through gameplay and exploration of the Abbey, let me personalize their look further, making my Hunter feel truly unique within the star-studded Marvel cast.
Into the Breach: The Time Travel Narrative That Justifies the Roguelike Loop
Into the Breach’s roguelike structure – fighting, failing, and starting over – is cleverly justified by its time travel narrative. When my mech squad fails to stop the Vek, one pilot can be sent back in time to a new timeline, retaining their experience and sometimes a piece of equipment. This simple premise elegantly explains the repeated attempts and the gradual meta-progression. It transforms failure from a frustrating endpoint into a necessary step in the ongoing, desperate war across multiple realities to save humanity.
Battle Brothers: The Different Starting Scenarios and Their Challenges
Battle Brothers offers several starting scenarios, each presenting unique challenges. The default “Rebuilding a Company” starts you with three mediocre bros and a tough road ahead. “Northern Raiders” gives you a more combat-focused, aggressive start. My favorite, “Lone Wolf,” begins with a single, highly skilled but expensive veteran, forcing a completely different early-game strategy focused on careful recruitment and solo prowess. Each origin story significantly impacts your initial resources, reputation, and the types of challenges you’ll face, adding great replayability.
Valkyria Chronicles: The Emotional Story Beats That Hit Hard
Valkyria Chronicles, despite its fantasy setting and stylized art, delivered some truly powerful emotional moments. The loss of key squad members (who could permanently die in classic mode), the prejudice faced by the Darcsen people, and the sacrifices made by characters like Isara Gunther resonated deeply. The game didn’t shy away from the human cost of war, creating poignant scenes of camaraderie, grief, and hope amidst the brutal conflict. These emotional story beats elevated it beyond a simple tactical RPG, leaving a lasting impact.
PoE2: Deadfire: Exploring the Vast World of the Deadfire Archipelago
The Deadfire Archipelago in Pillars of Eternity 2 was a joy to explore. Sailing my ship, the Defiant, I discovered countless islands, each with unique cultures, quests, and dangers. From the bustling port city of Neketaka to forgotten jungle ruins and volcanic isles, the world felt vast and alive. I’d encounter pirate fleets, trade with native tribes, dive for lost treasure, and uncover ancient secrets. This sense of open-world nautical exploration, combined with deep RPG mechanics, made the Deadfire a truly captivating and immersive setting.
Midnight Suns: The Balance Between Combat, Exploration, and Social Sim
Marvel’s Midnight Suns expertly balances its three core pillars. Tactical card-based combat missions are engaging and challenging. Exploring the Abbey grounds between missions uncovers lore, collectibles, and secret areas. And the social simulation, building relationships with iconic Marvel heroes through conversations and activities, provides crucial character development and gameplay bonuses. This satisfying loop – fight, explore, socialize, repeat – ensures that no single aspect overstays its welcome, creating a well-paced and incredibly addictive overall experience.
Into the Breach: The Perfect Game for Short Bursts of Strategic Thinking
Into the Breach is ideal for when I only have 15-30 minutes. Each battle is a self-contained, highly focused tactical puzzle. I can jump in, play a few intense turns trying to save a timeline, and then jump out. There’s no lengthy setup or complex inventory management between fights. This pick-up-and-play nature, combined with its deep strategic decision-making, makes it the perfect game for satisfying, bite-sized bursts of intellectual challenge, easily fitting into a busy schedule while still offering profound strategic depth.
Battle Brothers: The Legendaries and Named Items That Can Turn the Tide
Finding a “famed” or “legendary” item in Battle Brothers felt like striking gold. These rare weapons and armor pieces, often looted from champion enemies or found in ancient ruins, possessed significantly better stats than their mundane counterparts. A famed warbrand could cleave through multiple orcs, while a legendary suit of plate armor could make a bro nearly unkillable. Acquiring these powerful artifacts, sometimes after incredibly tough fights, could genuinely turn the tide for my struggling mercenary company, transforming a good bro into an absolute battlefield terror.
Valkyria Chronicles: The “Potentials” System and How It Affects Your Soldiers
Each soldier in Valkyria Chronicles had unique “Potentials” – personality traits that could trigger positive or negative effects in battle. For example, Alicia’s “Mysterious Body” might randomly heal her, while Largo’s “Big Eater” could boost his stats if he was near food-related scenery. Some Darcsen soldiers had potentials reflecting the prejudice they faced. These quirks added another layer of tactical consideration, making me think about unit placement and team composition to maximize positive potentials and mitigate negative ones, adding unique flavor to each squad member.
PoE2: Deadfire: The God Challenges – Adding Extra Layers of Difficulty
For seasoned Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire players, the “Berath’s Blessings” and “Magran’s Fires” (God Challenges) offer customizable difficulty modifiers for new playthroughs. I could enable challenges like “Path of the Damned” (increased enemy stats), “Trial of Iron” (permadeath), or specific restrictions like “Solo” or “No Berath’s Blessings items.” These options allowed me to tailor the game’s difficulty precisely, creating incredibly demanding runs that tested my mastery of its systems and offered significant replayability for those seeking the ultimate tactical RPG challenge.
Midnight Suns: Why Firaxis Nailed the Marvel License
Firaxis, known for XCOM, handled the Marvel license in Midnight Suns with surprising deftness. They didn’t just make an XCOM clone with superheroes. They captured the personalities of iconic characters like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Wolverine through unique card decks and engaging Abbey interactions. The story, while an original dark fantasy take, felt true to the spirit of Marvel’s supernatural side. By focusing on character relationships and strategic, power-fantasy combat, Firaxis created a game that felt both authentically Marvel and uniquely their own.
Into the Breach: The Game That Makes You Feel Like a Genius (When You Don’t Fail Miserably)
When a plan comes together in Into the Breach, it’s an incredible feeling. Pushing a Vek into another Vek, which then slides into an acid pool, all while shielding a critical building and blocking an emerging monster, makes me feel like a tactical genius. The game’s perfect information allows for these intricate, multi-step solutions. Of course, the flip side is when my “brilliant” plan backfires spectacularly, leading to a city’s destruction. But those moments of perceived genius, however fleeting, are what make Into the Breach so addictive.
Battle Brothers: The Grim, Low-Fantasy World That Feels Real
Battle Brothers’ world is not a place of high magic and chosen heroes. It’s a grim, muddy, low-fantasy setting where life is cheap and survival is brutal. Mercenary companies like mine were often just desperate men trying to earn enough coin to eat. The threats – bandits, orcs, undead – feel grounded and dangerous. The art style, the writing, and the permadeath mechanics all contribute to this sense of harsh realism. It’s a world that feels lived-in, scarred, and utterly indifferent to your company’s fate, making your small victories all the more meaningful.
Valkyria Chronicles: The Soundtrack That Elevates Every Battle
Hitoshi Sakimoto’s score for Valkyria Chronicles is simply magnificent. The sweeping orchestral themes during strategic planning phases, the rousing battle anthems that kick in when you take direct control of a unit, and the poignant melodies during emotional story moments all perfectly capture the game’s epic scope and wartime drama. The soundtrack isn’t just background noise; it actively enhances the tension, heroism, and emotional weight of every scene, elevating Valkyria Chronicles from a great tactical RPG to an unforgettable audio-visual experience.
PoE2: Deadfire: Is Turn-Based or Real-Time-With-Pause the Definitive Way to Play?
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire initially launched with real-time-with-pause (RTWP) combat, a classic CRPG style. Later, a robust turn-based mode was added. I’ve played extensively with both. RTWP offers a faster, more fluid pace, demanding quick decisions. Turn-based allows for meticulous planning, precise ability usage, and a more chess-like tactical experience. Honestly, both are excellent and cater to different preferences. There’s no definitive “best” way; the definitive way is whichever mode you enjoy more for navigating the tactical depths of the Deadfire.