Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Slitherine Ltd.
- Publishers: Studio Nyx
Legions of Steel: A Triumph of Tactical Gameplay
In the annals of video gaming, few genres have captured the imagination of strategy enthusiasts quite like turn-based tactics. From the hallowed halls of X-COM to the frozen wastes of BattleTech, these games have challenged players to outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast their opponents in a never-ending dance of strategy and consequence. Legions of Steel, a 2015 release from independent developer Bulkhead Interactive, proudly takes its place among these greats, offering a deeply immersive and rewarding tactical experience that will keep you glued to your screen for hours on end.
A War of Machines
Legions of Steel thrusts players into a gripping science fiction universe where humanity and its alien allies find themselves locked in a desperate struggle against the relentless Empire of Machines. These sentient robots, driven by a cold and calculating logic, seek to conquer all organic life in the galaxy. As the commander of a squad of elite operatives drawn from both human and alien races, you must lead the charge against the machine hordes and liberate the galaxy from their tyranny.
Tactical Brilliance
At the heart of Legions of Steel lies its exceptional tactical gameplay. Each mission presents a unique battlefield, filled with destructible environments, overwatch positions, and a variety of enemy units. Your squad, composed of a mix of specialized classes such as assault troopers, snipers, and engineers, must carefully navigate these battlefields, using cover to their advantage and exploiting enemy weaknesses.
The game’s turn-based combat system is both accessible to newcomers and deeply rewarding for experienced strategy veterans. Each unit has a limited number of action points per turn, which can be used for movement, attacking, or using special abilities. Positioning is crucial, as units can flank enemies for bonus damage or hunker down behind cover to reduce incoming fire. The game also features a robust cover system, allowing units to take advantage of walls, crates, and other objects to shield themselves from enemy attacks.
A Diverse Cast of Characters
One of the strengths of Legions of Steel is its diverse cast of characters. Each squad member has their own unique backstory, personality, and abilities, making them feel like more than just interchangeable units. From the grizzled human veteran Sergeant Rex to the enigmatic alien operative Anya, each character brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the battlefield.
As you progress through the campaign, you will have the opportunity to recruit new squad members and customize their loadouts with a variety of weapons, armor, and equipment. This allows you to tailor your squad to your own playstyle, whether you prefer to go in guns blazing or adopt a more stealthy approach.
A Dynamic and Destructible World
The battlefields of Legions of Steel are not static environments. Cover can be destroyed, walls can be breached, and explosions can leave craters in the ground. This dynamic environment adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as you must constantly adapt your tactics to the changing conditions.
The game’s destructible environments also play a significant role in the game’s physics system. Objects can be pushed, pulled, and even used as weapons. For example, you can use a crate to block an enemy’s line of sight or push a barrel into a group of enemies to cause an explosion. This level of environmental interaction adds a welcome dose of chaos and unpredictability to the game.
A Gripping Campaign
Legions of Steel features a lengthy and engaging campaign that will take you across a variety of planets and environments. The story is well-written and the voice acting is top-notch, bringing the characters and their struggles to life. The campaign missions are also varied and challenging, offering a good mix of objectives and enemy types.
In addition to the campaign, Legions of Steel also features a number of side missions and challenges that can be completed for additional rewards. These missions are a great way to earn experience points, credits, and new equipment for your squad.
A Must-Play for Strategy Fans
Overall, Legions of Steel is a triumph of tactical gameplay. Its diverse cast of characters, dynamic and destructible environments, and deeply rewarding combat system make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to turn-based tactics, Legions of Steel is sure to provide you with hours of challenging and enjoyable gameplay.
Review Score
7.5/10