BlackChain
- January 26, 2021
- Borington
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Get on itch.io Store"BlackChain" is a real-time strategy game set in 2088, where corporations ruthlessly rule the Solar System. The game features a single-player campaign with 12 story missions, base building, land and air combat, and multiplayer mode for up to 8 players. It also includes a map editor and custom games, providing a rich and immersive experience for players who enjoy technobabble and strategy.
Reviews
- A nostalgic and enjoyable RTS experience reminiscent of classic games like Starcraft, appealing to fans of the genre.
- Impressive effort for a one-man development team, showcasing solid gameplay mechanics and a well-crafted campaign.
- Great value for the price, with intuitive controls, decent AI, and a unique resource management system that adds depth to gameplay.
- Lacks faction diversity and content, with only one playable faction and limited skirmish maps, leaving players wanting more.
- Difficulty spikes in the campaign can be frustrating, with some missions feeling unbalanced and overly challenging.
- Graphics and sound design are basic, and there are issues with AI pathfinding and command responsiveness that detract from the overall experience.
- story29 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating its intriguing narrative and well-structured missions that enhance engagement, while others feel it lacks creativity and depth compared to classic RTS titles. The atmosphere, voice acting, and soundtrack are praised, contributing to a nostalgic experience, but the campaign's difficulty spikes and repetitive mission objectives detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, while the story has potential and generates interest, it could benefit from more inventive scenarios and character development.
“The story so far is intriguing and I'm interested to see where it goes next; the voice acting is actually really well done for an indie game and doesn't feel cringe at all.”
“The storyline and setting are interesting and pretty good so far.”
“So far so good, a nostalgic old-style RTS with a story-rich campaign.”
“Went through the first 4 missions, can't figure it out, but there is definitely something missing that the dev could've put in it.”
“It is not very inventive in terms of scenario objectives, or the storyline.”
“Certain missions are clearly remakes of ones from a very famous RTS.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic RTS titles like Starcraft, blending elements from both Starcraft 1 and 2 while introducing unique mechanics such as cryptocurrency themes and repair drones. While it offers a smooth and nostalgic experience for casual players, it lacks depth and variety, particularly in factions and content, which may leave some players wanting more. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for an indie title, appealing to those seeking a streamlined RTS experience.
“I've always been looking for a 'mechanics slug-fest' style RTS to replace Starcraft, and this game really itches that need perfectly.”
“The gameplay experience is smooth once you get the hang of it.”
“As for the gameplay, the combat still feels like a weird hybrid of C&C and Starcraft; it's very spammy, but the units still have some active abilities.”
“It's a neat little Starcraft 1-inspired game, it hits plenty of the same marks that Starcraft 1 hits, one of the only games to do that made in the past decade; however, I think it's really missing an extra mile somewhere, it's lacking in mechanical flair.”
“I think I still haven't grasped some of its core mechanics, and I'm still trying to use my 'classic RTS mindset', while I shouldn't.”
“As for the gameplay, the combat still feels like a weird hybrid of C&C and Starcraft, it's very spammy, but the units still have some active abilities.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players finding them acceptable for a low-cost title, while others describe them as underwhelming and in need of more polish. Despite the limitations, many appreciate the clarity in distinguishing units and buildings, as well as the overall aesthetic influenced by other popular games. While there are some positive elements, such as animated unit icons and decent visual effects, the consensus suggests that the graphics could benefit from further improvement.
“Graphics are nice and comfortable, very easy to distinguish between different units and buildings.”
“The voice acting, the soundtrack, the visuals, the mission briefing... I really liked the game's atmosphere.”
“The Starcraft influence is palpable, but it takes a lot of inspiration from that game and turns it into its own thing, somehow making it all work aesthetically.”
“Graphics are not great, but I appreciate the effort!”
“The graphics are a bit underwhelming, but it's acceptable for a $5 game.”
“Less factions, less unit diversity, bad sound design; graphics are 'okay'.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers noting its strong impact on the overall experience. While the soundtrack is described as fantastic and reminiscent of classic titles, some players feel that it lacks variety. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's appeal, especially considering it was developed by a single indie developer.
“Music and sound are surprisingly good, and provide atmosphere for the game.”
“The music is also fantastic and the story is enough to generate some interest in the missions.”
“Well balanced, with attention to animations, dubbing, music.”
“The game seriously needs more music variety, even though what little is there right now is quite good.”
“It's not the most creative game, but it's solid work for a one-man indie dev; the music is very CNC-like.”
“Well balanced, with attention to animations, dubbing, and music.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its exceptional music, sound design, and lovingly crafted visuals, which create a cozy and nostalgic experience. Players appreciate the detailed unit models, engaging voice acting, and immersive mission briefings that enhance the overall ambiance. Despite some minor inconsistencies, the atmosphere effectively captivates and draws players into the game world.
“Music and sound are surprisingly good, and provide atmosphere for the game.”
“The presentation is so lovingly crafted in those all too familiar ways that it brings a tear to my eye - those briefings, those unit portraits, those absolutely cute unit and building models, the visual effects of gunfire and explosions. I love it all; it brings a very cozy and retro atmosphere that got my attention immediately.”
“The voice acting, the soundtrack, the visuals, the mission briefing... I really liked the game's atmosphere.”
“(But now that I think about it, due to its dense atmosphere, most likely Saturn wouldn't be visible in Titan's sky. But who cares, nice touch :D)”
