PGC NEWS

Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift, a new turn-based tactics game from Polish studio QED Games, embraces retro aesthetics and classic gameplay mechanics. This indie title harkens back to an era of board game-inspired strategy, offering a pure, unadulterated tactical experience. But does this dedication to tradition resonate with modern gamers? Let’s dive into the world of Anthracite Shift and explore its strengths and weaknesses.

A Nod to the Classics with a Modern Twist

Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift adheres closely to traditional turn-based strategy principles, reminiscent of board games. This makes the game easily accessible to newcomers, requiring minimal onboarding. The genre’s deep roots in board games are evident in titles like Sid Meier’s Civilizations and Heroes of Might and Magic, which even spawned their own physical board game adaptations.

alt=Gameplay screenshot showing character movement range and action points

Each character has a set number of Action Points (AP) that dictate their actions per turn. Movement range, attack range, and hit probability are visualized with clear indicators, influenced by character skills and equipped weapons. While these mechanics are simple to grasp, the diverse array of weapons, each with unique damage and accuracy stats, allows players to develop their own strategic approaches. Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift encourages squad-based tactics, similar to games like Broken Lines, allowing for diverse combinations of ranged, mid-range, and melee combat.

alt=Gameplay screenshot highlighting weapon variety and tactical options

The game’s most innovative feature is its emphasis on environmental interaction. Players can lure enemies into explosive barrels, utilize teleporters for surprise attacks, or exploit other environmental elements to gain a tactical advantage. This adds a layer of depth and strategic possibilities to the gameplay.

alt=Gameplay screenshot showcasing environmental interaction and strategic possibilities

The straightforward gameplay and high replay value make Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift ideal for multiplayer matches and community-created maps. Intense battles can last for hours, with every move meticulously planned and executed. This fosters a sense of strategic depth and competitive spirit, echoing the classic appeal of traditional board games.

Where Anthracite Shift Falls Short

alt=Gameplay screenshot showcasing the game's graphics and art style

Despite its engaging gameplay, Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift suffers from several shortcomings. The narrative, presented through hand-drawn illustrations and lengthy dialogues, feels tedious and outdated compared to modern storytelling techniques.

alt=Screenshot of the game's narrative presentation

The single-player campaign also suffers from pacing issues, with excessive downtime spent on uneventful movement. Some levels feel artificially lengthened, requiring players to traverse large empty spaces before encountering any enemies.

Furthermore, the game’s audio design feels dated. Repetitive music and simplistic sound effects evoke games from decades past, failing to immerse the player in the tactical experience.

Conclusion

Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift offers a nostalgic trip back to the roots of turn-based strategy, focusing on pure tactical gameplay and environmental interaction. Its simple yet deep mechanics and high replay value make it a compelling choice for fans of classic board game-inspired strategy. However, the game’s outdated narrative, pacing issues, and underwhelming audio design may detract from the overall experience for some players. While it successfully captures the spirit of classic tactical gameplay, it may struggle to compete with the more polished and feature-rich offerings in today’s gaming landscape.

Game Information

• Developer: QED Games
• Publisher: QED Games
• Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
• Release Date: TBA
• Platform: PC

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/XP/Vista (32 or 64 bit)
• CPU: Pentium IV 2GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• HDD: 700MB
• GPU: Onboard

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64bit
• CPU: Intel Core i7 8700
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: MSI RX 480 4GB Armor
• HDD: 2TB

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