Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands
by Deathbulge, Five Houses LLC
The Developer Says...
A turn-based RPG where you play as DEATHBULGE, a 3-piece band of dysfunctional goofballs who unknowingly stumble into a cursed battle of the bands contest, where all entrants can attack with music and must fight to the death.
Keywords
Players Like...
❤ Innovative Turn-Based Combat
The core combat system revolves around a unique twist on traditional turn-based RPG battles. Instead of simply taking turns, both the player's party and enemy icons move along a rectangular "measure" bar. The position of these icons determines when each side gets to act, introducing real-time tactical elements. Players can use various "beats" (basic attacks) and "mods" (special abilities) to push back the enemy's icon or speed up their own, allowing for more turns and better control over the flow of battle. This system encourages players to carefully time and sequence their actions to gain the upper hand.
❤ Deep Customization Options
One of the gameplay's key strengths is the level of customization available for the three-member party. Each character can be assigned one of nine unique classes, granting them access to a distinct set of mods and beats. With over 70 mods, 36 beats, and 30 passive "patches" to choose from, players have a vast array of options to build their ideal team. This depth allows for significant experimentation and replayability, as different loadout combinations can dramatically alter the party's strengths and playstyle.
❤ Avoidable Encounters and Unique Field Abilities
The game features a refreshing approach to enemy encounters, where foes are visible on the overworld rather than triggering random battles. Each party member has a unique "field ability" that can be used to avoid or even engage these enemies, adding an extra layer of strategy and exploration. Players can choose to battle for rewards and experience, or bypass encounters entirely using their field abilities, reducing the need for tedious grinding.
❤ Streamlined Item System
The item system is praised for its simplicity and flexibility. Rather than managing consumable items, players acquire "merch" that can be used multiple times by spending a global "stock" resource. This eliminates the need to constantly manage individual inventories, allowing players to focus more on combat strategy and exploration.
