At first sight, the game looks completely unique compared to old fallout or other turn-based games. The plot is fairly unique, the audio is beautifully done, and did I mention, grade A voice acting. This game takes a new approach to turn-based action play with a “reversal” system that allows the player to optimize their decisions. You would think that would lower the level of difficulty, but this game cranks the difficulty up to a 10 out of 10. Even if you’re a veteran gamer, you will have to adapt and learn the game. Here is our Iron Danger review.
COMBAT
As you can see, you can control multiple characters and each has a tool kit of what they can do. They have dodge, block, sneak, and a variety of skills per character. Swapping between characters is key to best deal with enemies and avoid having to turn time back to save one of them. I did feel that the companion AI on your characters was very lackluster. I felt pinned in a lot of the first few fights, where I wasn’t provided the time to swap and deal with the situation with enough time. The combat borders action and turn-based, with it leaning more towards action inputs that really decide the fights. This, in my opinion, leaves little time to really strategize unless you spend that time rewind, which in some cases, can be too late. The time rewind mechanic is great, but it feels so short in some situations, lending to new players the need to just restart the level pretty early on.
LEVEL DESIGN
Level design is absolutely beautiful. You feel completely immersed in your surroundings, although with some of the camera angles, it can be hard to react to enemies with enough time to not have to turn back time. There is a ton of atmosphere from the very moment you start the game and I couldn’t help but take it in while listening to the creepy voices telling me to go back when I was at death’s door.
PROGRESSION
I didn’t get to experience much in terms of progression. I understand that there are 3 core characters and I hope there are more as you progress through the game. The game is very story-driven, which seems pretty linear. There doesn’t feel like much of a choice in where you were going, but I didn’t feel that holding me back from wanting more.
OVERALL
The game has some great aspects to it and was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had with games in the past 3 years. The tutorial was a bit unforgiving, probably the most difficult one I’ve ever played. I believe if they soften up on the tutorial and ease players into the game, a lot of people will fall in love with the combat if it can be crisped up a bit. The unique time-reversal mechanic is an interesting take on reinventing the genre. The story is great and well driven with accompanying voice acting. I would like to explore more of the game, but currently, it feels pretty unforgiving even for a very experienced gamer, like myself.
Thank you to Action Squad Studios for providing a key to review the game.
COMPARE TO: X-COM, Old Fallout titles, Old school ARPGs
