I have been trying to get this game over the hump of 4 stars in my head for a good while now. I finally did it when I looked through my favorite games list and really thought about my opinions on some of the older, more nostalgic games from my childhood. I fought back and forth about what was better than what. There was a lot of movement and paradigm shifts.
At least for now, this game gets bumped up to a 4.5 (along with two other previously 4-star games that I like more than this one). I am extremely invested in this game. I may not play it every hour of every day, but I do think about it a lot. I have done things for this game that I haven't for others. I have joined the official Discord server, bookmarked web resources about the game, and subscribed to a YouTube channel that keeps progress on the war. I even have a phone app that details what is happening in-game. The game is so much fun and is even better with friends. The stratagems all feel cool and have a unique way to use them. The enemies are challenging, but still satisfying to beat. The galactic war aspect is what's keeping me enthralled and I love how it is designed to make it feel like everyone is participating toward a mission.
My only negative is that once you find your build there isn't a lot of incentive to deviate from it. I settled into a loadout rather early and haven't changed it since. Rarely, I will do it if the mission dictates it, but otherwise no. I would like to see something that causes you to change equipment, but the dominant strategy exists for a reason. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
Overall, this was a surprise hit for me. I don't usually want these games, let alone fall in love with them like I have. I am glad I took a chance on it and can fairly say that this will (probably) be my game of the year.
At least for now, this game gets bumped up to a 4.5 (along with two other previously 4-star games that I like more than this one). I am extremely invested in this game. I may not play it every hour of every day, but I do think about it a lot. I have done things for this game that I haven't for others. I have joined the official Discord server, bookmarked web resources about the game, and subscribed to a YouTube channel that keeps progress on the war. I even have a phone app that details what is happening in-game. The game is so much fun and is even better with friends. The stratagems all feel cool and have a unique way to use them. The enemies are challenging, but still satisfying to beat. The galactic war aspect is what's keeping me enthralled and I love how it is designed to make it feel like everyone is participating toward a mission.
My only negative is that once you find your build there isn't a lot of incentive to deviate from it. I settled into a loadout rather early and haven't changed it since. Rarely, I will do it if the mission dictates it, but otherwise no. I would like to see something that causes you to change equipment, but the dominant strategy exists for a reason. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
Overall, this was a surprise hit for me. I don't usually want these games, let alone fall in love with them like I have. I am glad I took a chance on it and can fairly say that this will (probably) be my game of the year.