Lead troops in tense tactical battles, just you and your brain against the dying world. Manage a mercenary company, scavenge supplies, build an army. Go on a quest! Burn down a village or two... Inspired by Warhammer, FTL and Total War.
The core of this game revolves around its innovative tactical combat system. Players can pause the real-time battles to carefully plan and execute orders to their troops. The unique "messenger bird" mechanic forces players to ration their orders, as they have a limited number of "birds" to send commands to their units. This creates an engaging strategic challenge, as players must decide how to best utilize their limited communication resources to outmaneuver the enemy.
The game features a diverse roster of unit types, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities. For example, swordsmen excel at close-quarters combat, while archers provide ranged firepower. Players must use these units in synergy, considering their positioning and interactions, as certain abilities and formations can provide significant advantages or disadvantages depending on the situation.
A key tactical element is the fog of war and scouting mechanics. Before each battle, players only see the potential deployment zones of the enemy forces. They must then utilize various scouting units and abilities, such as scouts and lookouts, to uncover the exact placement and composition of the opposing army. This adds an engaging layer of uncertainty and information gathering to the strategic planning process.
The limited order system and diverse unit interactions create a challenging decision-making process for players. For instance, they must carefully weigh the costs and benefits of each order, such as whether to use a cavalry charge to break through enemy lines or hold them back to support the infantry. Players must also anticipate how the enemy will respond to their actions, leading to tense, nail-biting battles where a single misstep can quickly turn the tide of the fight.
Many players praise the emergent gameplay that arises from the tactical combat system. They can experiment with different unit compositions, deployment strategies, and order prioritization to overcome the challenges presented to them. This, combined with the fog of war and scouting mechanics, results in a highly replayable experience where no two battles feel the same.
Overall, the tactical depth of this game has been widely praised. The innovative systems, varied unit interactions, and challenging decision-making create an engaging and rewarding experience for strategy game enthusiasts. While the current content may be limited, the game's strong foundation has players eagerly anticipating future updates and expansions.