Boba Tryouts: Tactical Breach Wizards
Fantasy in a modern day setting with self aware humor
Back in June of this year, Steam’s Next Fest event lasted for one week from the 10th (Monday) to the 17th. Hundreds of demos were presented by the developers who had participated. Of course, I, at the time, took a dive for gems during this one-week virtual “window shopping.”
These kinds of events can be hard to navigate with so many things to look at: what demos to play, watch developer live streams, speculate about the next big game, etc. If you're willing to participate, there is a lot going on whenever an event such as this happens when Steam Next Fest comes around. I browsed around, and it didn’t take long to find something.
One thing I got from this game is it embraces the absurdity of the setting and is very self-aware of what it is. The developer Suspicious Developments from what I read from them. They are known to make these kinds of games with this style. Which might not be for everyone cup of tea but I’m willing to give a shot for the world really intrigue me.
Starting The Game
Installing the demo and pressing start quickly got me into the game with its world map.
Right then and there, I’m hooked on the game, starting right away with the tutorial mission.
I would like to talk about the screenshots above. The absurdly of it all… What I am even looking at? Mages/wizards wear modern military gear and wands with attachments like guns. Just going along with it… and it is amazing!
Gameplay
The gameplay for Tactical Breach Wizards is an interesting mix of turn-based combat with puzzle elements. The puzzle elements are less of a focus, allowing flexibility in gameplay. In the first turn, it is very beneficial to get a strong start, hence where the puzzle element comes in. Your best friends are your Rewind button at the bottom left corner, paired with the Foresee function. It doesn’t look like you get penalized for using them, so use them to your heart’s content. Besides not finishing the level quickly enough.
Dialogue in this game doesn’t take itself too seriously, given its self-awareness. It breaks the fourth wall, with the characters making quips during mission briefings. That might be a turnoff to some, but at least it shows you that from the very beginning. Whether or not you or anybody else are okay with it is up to your digression.
Other than that, Tactical Breach Wizards is what I would describe as Fantasy Xcom, which is freaking awesome, by the way! Of course, we can’t have a game all about tactics without upgrading your playable characters! The game has four playable characters, but the demo introduces you to two. Mainly to get your feet wet before making a decision to purchase this game.
You can get upgrades faster if you do the optional missions for each character. Doing these makes the game harder, but it’s a self-imposed challenge to oneself. Specific character missions add more difficulty throughout the game but are not really required. Unless you are a power-level kind of player and would want any advantage. (That’s me!)
Of course, you can deck them out with different outfits by unlocking them via leveling them up. Remember we used to do that back in the day and not have them as microtransactions? I remember…
The level creator mode allows you to play user-generated levels or create your own if you're feeling creative. Very few games have this feature, and it's very cool to see it here. Tactical Breach Wizards can have longer legs, a unique way to remain relevant long after release.
I just want to take a quick look at the demo since the game’s already been out since August 22, 2024. Its setting could've been played straight instead of the self-aware humor, but if that’s not stopping you, then I implore you to give the game a shot. The demo is still available for the undecided; otherwise, it is a $20 offering or whatever the equivalent is in your country.
Links
Tactical Breach Wizards Steam Page
Suspicious Developments (Developer for Tactical Breach Wizards)
