Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game that has captivated gamers worldwide since its release in 2018. Developed by Subset Games, the game is set in a futuristic world where humanity is under threat from an alien race known as the Vek. The Vek are massive, insectoid creatures that are attacking cities across the globe, and it's up to the player to take control of a squad of powerful mechs and fight back against the invaders.
What sets Into the Breach apart from other strategy games is its unique gameplay mechanics. Instead of simply trying to overpower the enemy, players must carefully consider every move they make, as each action has a consequence. The game is turn-based, with players taking turns moving their mechs and attacking the Vek. However, the catch is that players can see the enemy's moves in advance, giving them the chance to plan ahead and try to counter their attacks.
The game's strategic depth is further enhanced by the fact that the player must also protect buildings and mechs from the Vek. If too many buildings are destroyed or all your mechs are defeated, the game is lost. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay, as players must balance their offensive and defensive actions to achieve success.
Overall, Into the Breach is a captivating and challenging game that requires careful planning and strategic thinking. With its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, and beautiful graphics, it's no wonder that the game has been widely praised by critics and gamers alike.
Gameplay mechanics
Turn-based gameplay: Into the Breach employs a turn-based gameplay mechanism, where the player takes individual turns to move their mechs and execute actions. This results in a more deliberate and tactical gameplay style in contrast to the fast-paced action of real-time games.
Grid-based movement: The game takes place on a map based on a grid system, where each unit and building occupies a single tile. The player can move their mech in four directions (up, down, left, or right) and execute various actions, such as attacking, repairing, or using special abilities.
Building protection: In addition to defeating the Vek, players must also protect buildings from damage. Each building has a certain amount of health, and if it is destroyed, the player loses power grid which if it reaches zero causes the end of the current run. This adds an extra layer of challenge and strategic depth, as players must balance their offensive and defensive actions.
Enemy telegraphing: One of the unique features of the game is the player can see the Vek's moves in advance. This means that the player can plan their moves accordingly and try to counter the enemy's actions. For example, if a Vek is about to attack a building, the player can move their mech to intercept the attack or push the Vek away from the building.
Pilot abilities: Each mech is piloted by a unique pilot, each with their own unique skills and traits. For example, some pilots have more hit points while others may have more mobility or even have passive abilities that benefit buildings. Players can choose which pilots to deploy with each robot, and can unlock new pilots with different abilities as they progress through the game.
Mech customization: The game offers a range of mechs with different abilities and weapons. Players can choose which mechs to deploy in each mission and customize their loadout with different weapons and upgrades. This allows players to tailor their strategy to different types of enemies and situations.
Time travel: One of the core mechanics of the game is time travel. After completing a mission or losing against the Vek, players can choose to send one of their mechs and pilots back in time to the start of the game, allowing them to replay the game with different mechs and strategies. This adds an extra layer of replayability and encourages experimentation with different tactics.
Mechs and pilots
There are four different main classes of mechs in the game: Prime, Brute, Ranged, and Science. The Prime mechs are the most balanced, with a mix of offense and defense capabilities. The Brute mechs are focused on dealing heavy damage and pushing enemies around the battlefield. Ranged mechs, as their name suggests, excel at long-range attacks and support roles. Finally, the Science mechs are designed to manipulate the battlefield and provide utility to the team.
Players also have the choice of two different types of pilots: CorPilots and Time Travelers. CorPilots are a team of four pilots that share experience and skills. As they level up, players can choose to specialize them in specific areas, such as increasing their health, movement, or damage output. Time travelers, on the other hand, are unique pilots that come from different timelines, each with their own special abilities.
In order to gain experience and skills for their mechs and pilots, players must complete objectives and defeat enemies during each mission. As pilots level up, they gain access to new abilities that can be used to aid the team in battle. Mech upgrades can also be purchased with the in-game currency, allowing players to customize their mechs and make them more powerful.
Overall, Into the Breach offers a diverse range of mechs and pilots for players to choose from, each with their own unique playstyles and abilities. The game's emphasis on strategic decision-making and resource management makes for a challenging and engaging experience that is sure to appeal to fans of the turn-based strategy genre.
Exploring the Unique Islands of Into the Breach
The islands in Into the Breach are the result of a cataclysmic event that occurred in the distant past. Each island represents a different region of the world, and as a result, they all have unique characteristics that make them stand out from one another.
For instance, the first island players encounter is the Archive, Inc. It is a recreation of the old world before the oceans flooded it and nearly extinguished humanity. which is a relatively easy introduction to the game. Archive, Inc is characterized by rolling hills and green pastures, and the weather conditions here are fairly mild, making battles here less challenging than on other islands.
On the other hand, the second island, the R.S.C Corporation, this desert is a much harsher environment. The climate is hot and dry, which makes it difficult for players to maintain their mechs' power grids. Additionally, sandstorms frequently sweep across the island.
The third island, the Pinnacle Robotics, a frozen tundra, is perhaps the most challenging of the starting islands. It is a frigid wasteland where the temperature regularly drops below freezing, causing the mechs' systems to malfunction. However, the Tundra also has frozen lakes that players can use to their advantage, as enemies that fall into the water will freeze and become immobilized.
The final starting island is the Detritus Disposal, an industrial island which is unique in that it is not natural at all. Instead, it is a factory where mechs are manufactured, and it is filled with hazards such as acid pools and conveyor belts that players must navigate carefully.
Here are some of the effects produced by the terrain in into the breach:
Electric Smoke : Units in Smoke cannot attack or repair. Electricity damages enemy units.
Forest Fire : Unit is inflicted with Fire.
Smoke : Units in Smoke cannot attack or repair.
Submerged : Weapons do not work when submerged in Water.
Submerged in A.C.I.D. : Weapons do not work and the submerged Mech is inflicted with A.C.I.D.
Submerged in Lava : Weapons do not work and the submerged Mech is inflicted with Fire.
Learning to make difficult decisions for the benefit of your run is the touch that sweetens this game
One of the most challenging aspects of Into the Breach is the need to make difficult decisions at every turn. In order to protect the power grid that powers your civilization's defenses, you may need to sacrifice a mech or a building. And while you're doing that, you also have to keep an eye out for the occasional time capsule, which contains valuable resources and technology that can turn the tide of the battle in your favor. Each decision you make could mean the difference between victory and defeat, and it's up to you to decide how best to allocate your resources and abilities to achieve your goals.
The game requires players to think critically and strategically at every turn, and each decision can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Do I sacrifice my buildings to avoid losing energy? Or maybe I should sacrifice one of my mechs? Is it worth going to look for the resources of that time pod? Maybe there is nothing useful inside or maybe it has a pilot or powerful weapon to fight the Vek. These are the kinds of questions that players must constantly ask themselves while playing Into the Breach, and each choice made can have far-reaching consequences.
Into the breach final thoughts and score
Into The Breach offers a diverse selection of pilot and mechanical abilities, making its tactical combat intense, satisfying, and replayable. Every turn presents a new challenge, requiring careful consideration and strategic planning. While there may not always be a perfect solution to the puzzle, players can use the available abilities to minimize damage and gain an advantage over their enemies. These tactical decisions often lead to sudden and exciting realizations, making the game addictive and enjoyable to play.
It's rare for a game of this size to offer so much depth and replayability, but Into The Breach manages to achieve both. The addictive gameplay can easily keep players engaged for countless hours, thanks to its intricate puzzles and rewarding combat system. Overall, I would give this game a score of 9.5 out of 10, as it offers a unique and satisfying gaming experience that is sure to please fans of tactical games.