January 8th 2025.
Tactical Breach Wizards is a game that has been gaining a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. Released in 2024, this turn-based tactics game offers a unique twist on the genre by turning wizards into spec ops soldiers. But what sets it apart from other games like it is its exceptional storytelling, which surpasses even the thrilling combat.
We were eager to dive into Tactical Breach Wizards before Christmas, but unfortunately, time wasn't on our side. However, with the lack of exciting new releases at the moment, we decided to take a step back and revisit some of the games we missed earlier in the year. And at the top of our list was Tactical Breach Wizards, with its intriguing name and countless recommendations from fellow gamers.
The game's premise is delightfully absurd, with wizards using their magical abilities to perform tactical breaches instead of traditional weapons. It's a refreshing change from the usual alien invasions and post-apocalyptic scenarios in other turn-based strategy games. But what truly sets this game apart is its well-crafted storytelling and memorable characters.
In this alternate reality, magic is a common occurrence, but everything else is relatively similar to the real world. Our main character, Jen, is not only a witch but also a private investigator who gets recruited to join the team after uncovering a conspiracy involving the Druid Mafia.
While the overall plot may not be the most exciting, the game's sense of humor and charm make up for it. The camaraderie between the characters and their witty banter make it easy to care about them. And with a diverse cast of characters like Zan, the seasoned veteran, Banks, the necromantic surgeon, and Dall, the rebel priest, there's never a dull moment.
The combat system draws inspiration from popular turn-based strategy games like XCOM, but it also has its unique elements. The maps are smaller, giving it a similar feel to Into The Breach, but with less complexity. Each character has their own specific spells and abilities, and using them in tandem with other allies is crucial to taking down enemies.
Unlike XCOM, every attack hits its mark, and you can preview the exact outcome before committing to a move. And if you have second thoughts, there's always the option to rewind your turn. The game also reminds us of the underrated Mario + Rabbids titles, where only certain characters have an overwatch ability, and each one brings something different to the table.
As you progress through the game, you'll encounter new abilities that can be upgraded using experience points. It's essential to optimize each character as you don't get to choose who goes on a mission with you. So relying on one character alone won't get you very far.
The enemy AI is surprisingly competent and can give you a run for your money. They'll use tactics like knocking back opponents and pushing them into explosive objects, forcing you to think creatively to take them down. And with the rewind feature, it may seem easy for seasoned tactics players, but it's still suitable for newcomers with a bit of a learning curve.
Unfortunately, the game is only available on PC at the moment, and there's no sign of a console version yet. The controls are optimized for a mouse and keyboard, making it challenging to play with a controller, even on the Steam Deck.
But despite that, Tactical Breach Wizards is a standout tactics game that surprised us with its excellent combat and impressive storytelling. And while it may seem easy at times, it's still a joy to play through, thanks to the well-written dialogue and endearing characters. It goes to show that no idea is too absurd, and no genre is too rigid to be improved by a good script.
In conclusion, Tactical Breach Wizards is a game that should not be missed, with its stellar combat, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters. We give it a solid 8/10 and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing take on the turn-based tactics genre.
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