Classic DRPG but updated. Interesting story with echoes of Bioshock. Not party-based, but with a varied amount of skills and builds, it offers a high level of customization. Not an easy game (depending on difficulty), but well worth the journey.
Unmetal is one of those rare games that is actually funny. It feels like an NES game (the title gives away its inspiration) in its playstyle, but then it just toys with the mechanics and expectations of a gamer that grew up with those games (ahem, that’s me). Its humor derives from both making fun of its 1980’s popcorn macho-man aesthetic and surprising gameplay elements, but with modern twists. It is irreverent, crass, and pretty low brow most of the time, but Unmetal doesn’t seem to care. You either get on board or get blown up. I was on board, but I also got blown up a lot.
I have been following this game for a while and thought it might be a bit silly and lite tactical experience, but I was wrong on both counts. It is definitely funny, not laugh-out-loud funny, I don't think any game has ever accomplished that feat, but its irreverent, profane, and referential humor is rewarding the more you explore and talk to the dungeon's inhabitants (for example: Binsc and his pet hamster Moo...). It was also surprisingly tactical and at times and very difficult. I see some reviews say that there is sometimes some random RNG (luck) elements and battles that are too challenging, but I find that if you have experience playing games like XCOM, where you can miss at 95% hit rate, then this won't come as a surprise. The tactics are rewarded if you play close attention to hero skills and combos and their equipped tools (use those BOMBS!). You may get unlucky at times, but if you are willing to reload a save (aka "save scum") you can just apply a new strategy and hope RNG-Jesus blesses you the next time. My only detraction would be the UI. However, I've never found a UI in any RPG that is easy and fun to use. If you get used to filtering by weapon, armor, etc... you'll find it gets easier. Like most of the elements in this game, there is a bit of a learning curve at first, but once you figure it out it gets easier and quicker. In summary, I think this is a fun and funny tactical RPG that takes itself seriously in the right way (its turn-based tactical battles) and humorous in the right way too (with its story and characters). If you can get past an early challenging learning curve you will enjoy the roughly 30-40 hours you will spend.
A couple of hours in and I am really enjoying this game. It is a pixelated stealth platformer with barely any combat and really makes you think like a puzzle game, but with elemental wielding action. I had an issue with sluggish movement at the beginning, but fiddled with the graphics settings and it sorted itself out. Apparently, the dev is aware and offers these solutions if you have a similar issue: https://steamcommunity.com/app/431940/discussions/0/2252308752475369752/
I am having a great time so far with Broken Lines. The planning your moves phase feels like a turn-based game but once they take their actions it moves into a real-time strategy. It makes for a cool mix of styles as you think you've planned out the perfect turn but you have to improvise once you reveal your enemies and they start moving and reacting to your moves. I recommend going through the tutorials first since it's not inherently intuitive in how to use your skills or movement. Though it seems once you learn how it all fits together you can become an ace, probably. The story seems mysterious and interesting too as well. So very pleased so far and will come back this review if that changes.
