The game with the longest name ever (Future War Tactics: SOF vs. Alien Invasion), is what I can best describe as a Xenonauts clone. But instead of being based on NATO (with the help of the Soviets), it’s entirely a Russian endeavor. It’s a bit of an oddity, since it’s very rough around the edges. The game seems to have a linear mission structure with only a few soldiers to pick from, and it’s set to be released in a month, which limits the amount of polish that can be done. Yet, somehow it’s still charmingly playable and I found the setting compelling.
Aliens, in my Ural?
Four things won me over, despite the roughness. The visuals are clean, and look realistic. The nature forest scenes feel like the real thing, but viewed from above. The story, while silly perhaps, is played sincerely, which adds to immersion, and my willingness to dive into the world and plot of the game. The combat, even when missing cool flair like ragdolls, and smoother fighting animations, is snappy and enjoyable. And the last thing: It feels like Russian X-Files (pine trees anyone?), however, more militaristic.
Since I mentioned Xenonauts, you have probably already guessed that it’s played from an isometric camera view, and is part of the turn-based tactical genre. It’s a mix between the modern Xcom titles, and classic tactics games where bullets are an actual object in the world. So, while you have action points, in which you can spend however you want, like movement, firing guns, and inventory juggling. The shooting works like Xcom, where objects don’t obscure you, it only limits your get-hit percentage. I didn’t mind it here, since it made the combat fast.
Another thing that should be pointed out, as mentioned in the introduction text, is that it seems to be a linear experience. It comes off as somewhat unusual for an X-com clone, but if the maps, and story remains strong and intriguing, I probably wouldn’t mind something simpler for once. However, the story has to be good for that to work.
It’s set to come out in one month, then we will see if it’s a disaster or not. Yet, the demo was enjoyable for what it is.
Thanks for reading.
/Thomas
Tom's Gaming Vault 