Back in June of this year was Steam’s Next Fest event which lasted for one week from the 10th (Monday) to the 17th, Hundreds of demos from the developers that had participated. I of course at the time took a dive for gems in 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, watching developer livestreams, speculating the next big game is, etc. A lot going on whenever an event such as this when Steam Next Fest came around if you’re willing to participate in such a thing. Looked around and didn’t took very long to find something that interested me.
One thing I got from this game is it embraces the absurdity of the setting and is very self-aware of what it is. Which the developer Suspicious Developments from what I read from them. 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 quicky got me into the game with its world map.
Right then and there, I’m hooked with 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 wearing modern military gear, Wands having attachments like there guns. All of this just going along… and its amazing!
Gameplay
Gameplay for Tactical Breach Wizards is an interesting mix of turn based combat with puzzle elements. The puzzle elements are less of a focus which allow flexibility in gameplay. In the first turn at least, its very beneficial getting a strong start hence where the puzzle element comes in.
Dialogue in this game doesn’t take itself too seriously with how self-aware it is. Does break the fourth wall where the characters themselves making quips during missions. That might be turn off to some but at least it shows you that from the very beginning. Whenever or not you or anybody are okay with it is up to your digression.
Other than that, Tactical Breach Wizards is what would describes Fantasy Xcom. Which is freaking awesome by the way! Of course can’t have a game all about tactics without upgrading your playable characters! There are four playable characters in the full game but the demo introduces you to two of them. Mainly to get your feet wet before making a decision purchasing this game.
You can get upgrades faster if you do the optional missions for each character. Doing these does make the game harder but its more of a self-impose challenge onto oneself. Specifics characters missions gives you better odds throughout the game but not really required. Unless your a power level type of player and would want any kind of advantage. (That’s me!)
Of course you can deck them out with different outfits via 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 where you can play user-generated levels or making your own if your feeling creative yourself. Very few games have this feature and its very cool to see here. Tactical Breach Wizards can have longer legs and a unique way to remain relevant long after release.
Just wanting to give a quick look at the demo and since the game’s already 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 in otherwise a $20 offering or whatever the equivalent in your country.
Links
Tactical Breach Wizards Steam Page
Suspicious Developments (Devloper for Tactical Breach Wizards)