Into the Breach review

Reviewed on: PC

Don’t mess with my mechs!!!

There you are, a citizen of a planet totally devastated after an attack by giant insects, minding your own business when suddenly you look out the window and see gigantic creatures invading your island!!! What to do??? Calling the Power Rangers and their Megazord would be an excellent idea, but given the destruction they cause wherever they battle, it’s better to be happy when 3 little-known Mechs show up to save the day.

Into the Breach is set in a world where humanity got royally screwed, with only four islands left where you are responsible for the safety of the inhabitants and the surviving physical structures. Don’t be fooled by how simple and dull this game may look: it is quite complex and can keep you glued to the PC for hours.

What’s this game about?

Produced by Subset Games, the studio behind the acclaimed FTL: Faster Than Light, ItB is a very interesting turn-based strategy game that makes great use of your reasoning ability. You start the game commanding a team with three mechs and as you progress you accumulate cash to unlock other teams, each with its own particularity. On an 8×8 territory you command your troupe in order to:
– Prevent the buildings from being destroyed;
– Get your team out alive;
– Complete some objectives that will earn bonuses and ease your progression during the adventure.

The dark creatures start the match, so you begin your turn already knowing what each of them is going to do and it will be up to you to decide the best option to take next. At first everything is quite calm, but as your campaign advances the game forces you to make somewhat more complex decisions, and a blunder you make will result in Game Over.

Speaking of blunders, this is where ItB wins your heart: each match is unique and the way the game makes you think is so addictive that you will always seek a way to save not only the buildings and civilians, but your whole team and secondary objectives. The frustration of seeing that innocent people died hits with the same intensity as the joy of closing a map at 100%, and with this mix of sensations your commitment gradually grows, and before you know it you will want to be playing more and more.

Is it worth buying?

ItB captivated me so much that I spent hours playing without noticing how long I’d been glued to the PC. The feeling of completing a mission and seeing that no civilian ended up dying is very rewarding and encourages the player to want perfect runs on every finished map.

The game’s concept is very well executed and the developer deserves praise for all the work done. The graphics and soundtrack are cool and bring a delicious nostalgic feeling for old gamers.

For me, the only thing missing was the option to play on the monsters’ team, even if only in a few extra missions. Just imagining the chance to give apocalyptic commands and see every building going up in the air makes my eyes shine, in the best Dr. Gori style (sorry for the reference that only the older guys will remember, but I felt obliged to make it).

I recommend this game with all my might, I have only praise for the developer and I’m giving a standing ovation. If a sequel comes out it’s a sure buy.

STORY: 8.5
AUDIO AND VISUALS: 9.5
MECHANICS: 10

Subset Games kindly provided Into the Breach for the review.