The story is intriguing and interesting. Yet everything else is...terrible. The system is, the design it is all something that is outdated for over a decade. The sad thing is a game from 1999 septerra core had a better flashed out system than this game. The movement is slow and janky. The graphics mostly bad, except for character art. The level design is very simple, does not leave many options for different handles. Usually there is a rush and kill option, and if you are lucky 1-2 other non-violent methods, which require...certain checks. If you have it good if not. Eff you. There are also things you either purchase or are locked out forever, which are actually very important as it save you to spend Karma (Cha+2 suit). There are also bugs where you need to restart the whole game. Especially in cyberspace i often encounter issues, where i cannot do anything. For some reason the game does not register clicks. The RNG is also terrible. Having 85% chance to hit means i can miss 9 out of 10 times. Like it is the opposite. So most of the fights are just...let us hope this time we hit. Even with aim bonus. The "supporting" crew while very well written, are quite terrible at their job beside Dieter. Glory the melee specialist has against most enemies less than 70% chance to hit. (With aim assist magic!) The sniper is similar. Using grenades or AOE often miss. Which is especially funny when you consider that is strength based and you use the troll to haul grenades. The game is very linear and very punishing if you do not do something as the devs wanted you to:(
I was really looking forward to this game. I bought it when it came out and i dont regret it. It has an original story and an original system too. In the game you both have to do micro and macro management, however often it is micro that is more important. (As you usually are facing hard deadlines. Aka if you are not prepared by that time, you lose.) There are sometimes stability issues regarding loading, however your files at least do not get corrupted, and you can continue where the game threw you out. There are a number of things that are important regarding micromanagement, however the game only lowers the game speed to normal at these times(if it even does) and not stops. In this game even 5 minutes of in game time can become a huge game changer. Especially considering research. The expeditions are quite a good flavour, and they can each be done without losing your expedition. (You just need to have certain techs researched already). Steam core lack in the game is a slight annoyance, but usually each map is designed that the average findable core number is enough to complete or pass the campaign, however if you are aiming for achievements, like no death during campaign then you will need more of them than you can get without really focusing. Final verdict I gave the game 5 stars. Actualy number would be 85% as the game still needs a bit of working and more content, but as it is an indie studio that made it, i would say they have overachieved their plans and promises.
