Tactical Breach Wizards

Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based tactics game where Suspicious Developments Inc. has managed to merge the depth of strategy in tactical combat with whimsy, smacking it with wizards in kevlar. In this highly singular game, players will take on the mantle for leading a team of renegade wizards who happen upon modern conspiracy and turn their wrath on chock-full enemies with magical spellbound abilities. Tactical Breach Wizards offers a story-driven campaign, intricate spell combos, and a cast of lovable misfits. It's sure to keep the user engaged and entertained.

Strategic Spellcasting and Rewind Mechanics

What really makes Tactical Breach Wizards pop, however, is the emphasis on spell combining for maximum effect. It's got various wizards that come equipped with vastly different spells—one of the least obtrusive is bare-bones lightning bolts, while others are more exotic, like turning into a rabid dog. Experimentation in this regard is encouraged since players are grossly free to try out multiple spell combinations to find something nourishing and powerful.

Certainly, one of the most refreshing game-play mechanics has to be that of rewind. This game-play mechanic allows players to really play around with very wild ideas without permanent failure scaring them off. If a strategy doesn't work out, just rewind and do something else. This feature is not only frustration reducing but also leads to creativity, letting players look at different ways of approaching challenges.

Comparing Tactical Breach Wizards to something like X-COM really brings out the unique take on turn-based tactics it offers. While XCOM is a bit more serious and grounded with base-building elements, Tactical Breach Wizards delivers a shorter, more story-driven experience with even higher tactical creativity. Most especially in regards to that rewind feature, this makes Tactical Breach Wizards more forgiving and experimental in gameplay.

Character Development and Storytelling

What really sets Tactical Breach Wizards apart, however, is its character development and storytelling. The player is thrown into the mix with a crew of wizards who have personal struggles and different quirky traits. This can include optioning to delve deeper into the backstories of the team members during mission interstices by helping them overcome their issues for stronger relationships. This element of the game really adds depth in emotions to the characters, making them more relatable and likable.

The plot of the game is based on a governmental conspiracy, and the player must fight against the Rushwater PD, an oppressive religious dictatorship, a private military corporation, and the notorious Black Ops Chronomancer. As the game unwinds, a 'conspiracy map' can be used to keep track of who is who and how all of them relate—at least, most of what is going on clearly put before one.

Review: 9/10

Tactical Breach Wizards offers a mashup of tactical strategy with the whimsy in magic. Its new spell-combo mechanics, combined with rewind functionality and rich character development, provide an experience both extremely engaging and at times laughably so.

Pros:

• Unique, satisfying spell-combo mechanics
• Rewind feature allows experimentation and mitigates frustration
• Engaging character development and story
• Rich, handcrafted levels with varied enemies and challenges
• Difficulty settings customize the experience

Cons:

• Linear story with no major paths of divergence
• Campaign is short compared to other tactics games
• Low replay value once the story has been completed