How come I didn't hear about this game before?! Could buy it on a special promo (for the deluxe version), and I must say, I didn't regret my 15 bucks at all! Installed it just today, and already played 7+ hours on it. Contrary to some claims here, I didn't experience one single bug, as of yet. The gameplay is of classic RTS staple, much like starcraft and many others RTS-games: the gamemechanics are nothing super-novel, but decent. Could have used a bit more complexity in regard to base-building mayhaps, but maybe I'm still not far enough into the campaign to have more complex options available yet. All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised; this has a high-quality feel to it, with eye for detail. The story is fairly interesting, and I'm intrigued by the plot; you start off with playing as a girl of the resistance, joining the army to search for someone whom will have an influence on the war - well, I won't spoil it any further. Very well told through cut-scenes. But also the worldbuilding is quite novel and original. The story is set in a sort of alternate history of a parallel world to ours, were the great world-powers engage in the... well, first World War, but then between 1920-30 instead of 1914-18, and with tech that is, indeed, from between that period. As for the warmongering countries/empires; the names are slightly changed, but it's clear which powers are at war. :-) I liked how one had the option to let every army/country speak in their native language, btw: that was a nice touch of extra immersive realism. Though you can set it just on English as well for comfort, of course. Additionally, their tech in this timeline has some peculiar changes; they primarily use mechs instead of tanks, and those feel like steam-punk-y, but with oil/petrol instead of steam. ;-) Really cool concept, imho. They're very well done, giving the impression of both new and old tech. All in all, this game so far has impressed me, and is underrated, imho. Strongly recommended!
I've seen a lot of comments, positive and negative. I think most of the latter come either from nostalgic purists, whom think it's not close enough to the old BT's (made more than 30 years ago!!), or of people who're used to FP shooters or ARPG's. Also; when launched, the original game DID have many bugs still, which affected ratings as well; but those are now mostly gone with the DC version. Having played through the original, and now almost 300 hours into the DC, I can say that BT4 is a pretty good game. Is it perfect? No, but for an indie game, they've done really well. Some will complain about bugs, but that was more of a problem with the OG at launch, far less so with the DC version. I thought it a very interesting and compelling game. The only thing needed to thoroughly enjoy it - aside from a keen drift for exploration and a waft of RPG-love - is to realize it's an indie game and not an AAA game of some big-shot studio, so manage your expectations (it's NOT a Witcher 3). But if you don't sweat the small stuff, love a modern take on an old-school RPG with puzzle-elements in it, and want to have a go at an interesting grid-based combat-system, you're bound to have fun. The combat was engaging and intricate, the small-talk of the characters endearing and funny, the atmospheric vibe amazing and fairytale-ish, and the Gaelic music absolutely wonderful and captivating. The puzzles were about at the right level for me: not too difficult, but not too easy neither (though they get progressively harder). But if you're less puzzle-inclined: the DC has a song now that let's you bypass most puzzles if you're not fond of that. It also has master-crafted weapons now, and it has an extra, large(ly) combat-oriented high-level dungeon (Haernhold) as well. It has a good vibe, and while one can always find some room for further improvements, all in all, it's one of the better indie RPG's I played in years. I would highly recommend it for the target audience as described.
I've seen a lot of comments, positive and negative. I think most of the latter come either from nostalgic purists, whom think it's not close enough to the old BT's (made more than 30 years ago!!), or of people who're used to FP shooters or ARPG's. Having played it, I can say the game is very good and fun, IF one manages ones' expectations. It's a game of a small indie developer, NOT an AAA title of some big studio. So don't expect a witcher 3. Also, it's a modern take on an old-school RPG genre, so it's not about fast-pace hack&slash ARPG style playing. The combat is a quite rate and novel chess-like grid system, where your party setup, the combo's of the masterskills of your different partymembers, and your overal playing tactics come into play. The game also involves a lot of puzzles, exploration, and crafting. Now, it's not without faults; the occasional bug can happen, and the inventory system could have been better done. But anyone who doesn't sweat the details, has an open mind to try out something that is unorthodox, or who likes old-school RPG's, puzzles, exploration, and novel combat, is sure to love this party-based RPG. I had a blast and more fun with this little gem than with lots of other, more renowned games. Since it's not new, but a 2-3 year old game, I would recommend buying it when is on promo, not full price. But if one can buy it for half the price or less on summer or winter sales, its a steal, and well worth it. Highly recommended.
