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Artifice: War Tactics is a hybrid strategy title that twists your mindset. If you love Xcom but want something slightly unusual, this could be up your street. Moreover, the short levels and varied tasks ensure you can enjoy this casually whilst testing different tactical elements. Though purists may turn up their noses, gamers who love something unusual will be thrilled by the twist on familiar and well-trodden layers.
This turn-based strategy title was developed and published by Silvine Game Studios. Furthermore, it is a single-player affair that uses an isometric viewpoint. This easy-to-follow approach allows you to follow the action and plan ahead. Yet, there is occasionally a lack of guidance and clarity, which can cause unwanted problems. As such, plenty of practice and some trial and error are required if you wish to get the best from this game.
Artifice: War Tactics lets the action do the talking.
I’m sure Artifice: War Tactics tells a thrilling story. However, I cannot recall any stand-out moments. Instead, the board game-like gameplay takes centre stage. Furthermore, the special skills of each warrior and the multitude of tasks and quests focus your mindset. Consequently, if you love a lore-rich endeavour, you may be bitterly disappointed.
The action revolves around a team of warriors who must complete an array of challenging quests. As they explore each region, you must eliminate foes, escort orbs, and much more. If you are successful, you will march onto your next job and begin your quest again. Yet, failure is cruel and if you die too many times, you will lose every rare shard you hold. If this happens, the rogue-like mechanics kick in and your playthrough ends!
A game of cat and mouse.
Much like chess, Artifice: War Tactics requires patience and an eye for detail. Each of your units may attack or move once during every turn. Furthermore, they can pick up loot or smash surrounding objects. However, things aren’t quite this simple, as each hero has a particular movement and attack pattern. Subsequently, you must familiarise yourself with each one if you wish to improve your chances.
Your foes follow a similar pattern as they flit across the board. As they move, you may not automatically attack. What’s more, as long as you don’t move, your enemies cannot attack. This is where the tactical elements come to the fore. As long as you move yourself to an advantageous position, you may control the board and each mission goal. Though things often go wrong, you can manipulate certain situations to increase your chances of success.
Failure is par for the course.
I lost count of the failed playthroughs. However, with each failure comes a unique boost that enhances your chances of survival. Furthermore, as you familiarise yourself with each character’s strengths and weaknesses, you learn new ways to be successful.
Artifice: War Tactics quickly teaches you that failure is par for the course. No matter how hard you try, you must understand that sacrifice is for the greater good. Consequently, deliberately running into the crosshairs is a necessary evil. Yet, you must learn when to pull the trigger and when to keep your powder dry. Moreover, using magic and collecting loot are essential tools to turn the tide during each battle. As such, you will need to be methodical, calm, and willing to experiment if you want to complete this odd blend of tactics and chess.
Artifice: War Tactics is nicely polished.
Artifice: War Tactics isn’t an OTT game that delivers spectacular graphics. Instead, it is a nicely polished indie game that looks great on Steam Deck. The clean UI and unusual level design offer enough variety to capture your attention. Moreover, the interesting slow-motion finishing moves were great to look at. Alongside this, the character models are nicely varied and this helps to overcome some of the challenging teething issues.
The fantasy layers are complemented by the strange but enjoyable audio. The dramatic soundtrack is great to listen to. What’s more, the twang of your bow, the slash of your sword, and the scream of each fallen foe were enjoyable. The blend of sound effects wasn’t particularly unique, but they were suitable.
Excellent controls.
I love it when a game works perfectly on Steam Deck. I know you can tweak the controls, but I’m lazy, and I rarely have the time to experiment. Thankfully, Artifice: War Tactics works immediately. Furthermore, the well-explained controls and perfectly highlighted movement/attack patterns help you out. Yes, there is some trial and error, but this enhances the replay value.
Alongside this, you’ll enjoy the testing rogue-like mechanics. Each cruel playthrough is often cut short due to the testing gameplay. However, if you can expand your forces and keep your heroes alive, you have every chance of overcoming every obstacle and completing your run.
Artifice: War Tactics delivers a fresh experience.
The blend of mechanics creates a hybrid outcome and a fresh experience. Though genre purists will possibly complain, I enjoyed the unique challenge and the rewarding ideas. Furthermore, the combination of different heroes and equipment will keep you focused from beginning to end. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete every quest and complete your run? Plan ahead, manipulate the situation, and win every battle.
