Dead Hand

About

Dead Hand is a single player tactical role playing game. It was developed by One Man Army Games and was released on July 26, 2019. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Dead Hand is a turn-based tactical roguelike game set in a procedurally generated destructible environment. Command an Autonomous Weapons Platform, battling rogue robotic vehicles, scavenging for parts to upgrade, and engaging in intense boss fights. With freeform movement, simulated projectile ballistics, and gear-based progression, each playthrough offers a unique challenge.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 25 reviews

emotional3 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

Dead Hand offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience with its tactical turn-based mechanics and a dark, atmospheric setting that keeps players on edge.
The game features a challenging roguelike structure that encourages strategic decision-making, particularly in inventory management and combat positioning.
Players appreciate the innovative concept of subterranean warfare and the ability to control vehicles with customizable parts, enhancing the tactical depth of the game.

The game suffers from significant AI issues, with enemies often behaving in unintelligent ways, such as shooting through walls or failing to maneuver effectively during combat.
Many players find the game to be unpolished, with bugs, low-quality textures, and a lack of depth in gameplay progression, leading to a repetitive experience.
The price point is considered too high for the current state of the game, with some reviewers suggesting it feels more like an early access title rather than a fully finished product.

gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
The gameplay features intriguing mechanics and a captivating industrial soundtrack, but ultimately suffers from a lack of variety, leading to a stale experience as players encounter similar gear and enemies throughout. While the core mechanics are well-implemented and innovative, the overall execution feels unrefined, particularly in the menu design, which detracts from the experience. Despite its flaws, the game's unique concept and gameplay loop offer a solid foundation for enjoyment.
- “I really like the concept of this game and many aspects of the game mechanics.”
- “Basic gameplay overview: you are an AI weapons platform.”
- “Gear and enemies never really get too crazy and are mostly statistically superior versions of things you saw earlier; while this keeps gameplay and strategies consistent, it also keeps things stale once the novelty of the game's unique aspects wears off.”
- “The game isn't perfect; in fact, it often feels very crude and unrefined. The menus are the best example of this. However, I'm almost sure this game is made by a single developer, and while things like the menu are crude, the core mechanics and the way they were implemented and mesh with each other is mind-blowing. I take my hat off to the developer(s).”
- “The combination of this is gameplay where you are playing a single-player XCOM/Phoenix Point tank game.”
atmosphere
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a dark, oppressive ambiance enhanced by an industrial soundtrack, creating a creepy, almost horror-like experience. Players appreciate the ability to control the camera, which adds depth to the environment and enhances immersion, particularly in cave settings that evoke a cozy yet unsettling feeling. Overall, the atmosphere effectively captivates players despite its simplicity.
- “Combine all of that with a dark ambient/industrial soundtrack, and you'll get the oppressive atmosphere created by Dead Hand.”
- “Combine all of that with a dark ambient/industrial soundtrack, and you'll get the oppressive atmosphere created by dead hand.”
- “Creepy, almost horror-esque atmosphere sometimes, but it feels fitting.”
- “I almost stay zoomed in in the caves all the time just because it's such a cozy and creepy atmosphere.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The music in the game is characterized by a dark ambient and industrial soundtrack that effectively enhances the oppressive atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate its fitting and interesting composition, which complements the gameplay, although some feel it may not be enough to elevate the overall experience.
- “The graphics are sufficient for their purpose, and the music fits well with an industrial theme.”
- “Combine all of that with a dark ambient/industrial soundtrack, and you'll get the oppressive atmosphere created by Dead Hand.”
- “The graphics are sufficient for their purpose, and the music fits with an industrial theme.”
- “I really dig its dark industrial soundtrack.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game deeply moving, often evoking strong emotions that lead to tears, highlighting its powerful storytelling and emotional impact.
- “This game makes me want to cry.”
- “The story touched my heart in ways I never expected.”
- “I felt a deep connection to the characters and their struggles.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The story aspect of the game is noted to be minimal, with players expressing a desire for more narrative depth and flair to enhance the experience. While the game offers a unique gameplay style reminiscent of classics like X-COM and Worms, it lacks a compelling storyline that could elevate its overall appeal.
- “It's at the same time, unlike anything out there, and yet with a (good) familiar taste of great games like X-COM (the original, UFO Defense), Jagged Alliance, Front Mission, and even Worms to a degree.”
- “A little bit of story and flair would go a long way.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics are considered sufficient for the game's purpose, with some players willing to overlook them due to enjoyable gameplay. However, there are concerns about the game's pricing relative to its visual quality.
- “The graphics are sufficient for their purpose, and the music fits well with an industrial theme.”