Menace: Space-Based Tactical RPG with Intense Drama
If you’re a fan of tactical RPGs like XCOM and are looking for a new challenge, then Menace might just be the game for you. Developed by Overhype Studios, known for their work on Battle Brothers, and published by Hooded Horse, Menace promises to deliver intense drama and strategic gameplay set in a space-based setting. I had the opportunity to sit down with managing director Jan Taaks and creative director Paul Taaks at Gamescom 2024 for a special preview of the game.
A Terrifying Threat
In Menace, players take on the role of a squadron of marines dispatched to the Wayback System, a sector of space isolated from the Core Worlds. Initially tasked with dealing with pirates and alien threats, the game takes a dramatic turn when a new enemy, known as the Menace, emerges. These half-man, half-machine hybrids present a formidable challenge, forcing players to rethink their strategies and alliances. With no reinforcements available from the core worlds, players may find themselves teaming up with former adversaries to combat this new threat.
Dynamic Gameplay
The core gameplay of Menace revolves around selecting planets to prioritize and completing missions to reclaim them. Each mission presents its own challenges, such as varying threat levels, valuable resources, and faction alliances. Players must carefully consider their choices to ensure success and avoid losing valuable turns on the space map. Your army is made up of multiple squads, each led by a named character with unique abilities and traits. Balancing the strengths and weaknesses of each squad is crucial to overcoming the challenges presented in the game.
Character Development and Conflict
One of the standout features of Menace is the focus on character development and conflict within your squad. Each leader is a unique, written character with their own likes, dislikes, and moral compass. Players will need to navigate the interpersonal dynamics of their team, as conflicting personalities and motivations can lead to clashes and mutinies. How you handle these conflicts will impact the outcome of your missions and the overall success of your campaign.
Visual Upgrades and Combat Mechanics
Compared to Battle Brothers, Menace offers a significant visual upgrade with full 3D graphics and detailed character models. The combat mechanics are also enhanced, with a focus on dynamic cover systems, suppression mechanics, and realistic weapon interactions. Players can utilize a variety of weapons and tactics to overcome their enemies, with each decision impacting the outcome of the battle. The game’s rock-paper-scissors approach to combat ensures that players must strategize and adapt to the changing battlefield conditions.
Challenging Gameplay and Consequences
Menace is designed to provide a challenging experience for players, with the emphasis on strategic decision-making and consequences for failure. While the game is less punishing than Battle Brothers, players can expect to face losses and setbacks as they progress through the campaign. Overhype Studios aims to create a compelling narrative where losses create stories and drive the player’s experience. Whether you can put a stop to the Menace remains to be seen, but the journey promises to be filled with drama, intensity, and strategic gameplay.
Wishlist Menace on Steam
If you’re intrigued by the premise of Menace and eager to experience its intense drama and tactical gameplay, you can wishlist the game on Steam to receive updates and notifications about its release. With a planned launch later in 2024, players can look forward to embarking on an epic space-based adventure filled with danger, intrigue, and high-stakes battles. Stay tuned for more updates on Menace and other exciting strategy games coming your way.
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