Dead Hand

About

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 Play through the game's story or campaign solo

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews

graphics1 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

Dead Hand offers a unique and challenging tactical turn-based gameplay experience, with a focus on vehicle combat and strategic decision-making.
The game features a dark ambient soundtrack that enhances the oppressive atmosphere, making each encounter feel intense and engaging.
The free-form movement and destructible environments allow for creative tactics, encouraging players to think outside the box during combat.

The enemy AI is poorly designed, often resulting in frustrating situations where enemies shoot through walls or fail to engage tactically.
The game suffers from technical issues, including spawning bugs and a clunky digging mechanic that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
Many players feel the game lacks depth and variety, with repetitive gameplay and limited progression that can make it feel stale over time.

gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
The gameplay features interesting mechanics and a solid industrial soundtrack, but it suffers from a lack of variety, leading to a stale experience as players encounter similar gear and enemies repeatedly. While the core mechanics are well-implemented and innovative, the overall execution feels crude and unrefined, particularly in the menus. Despite these shortcomings, the unique concept and gameplay loop provide a compelling experience, especially for fans of tactical games.
- “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.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
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, noting that it complements the game's mechanics and overall 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 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.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The atmosphere in the game is characterized by an oppressive ambiance enhanced by a dark ambient/industrial soundtrack, which effectively immerses players. The ability to control the camera adds depth to the experience, allowing for a more intimate connection with the environment and enhancing the overall engagement, despite the simplicity of the design.
- “Combine all of that with a dark ambient/industrial soundtrack, and you'll get the oppressive atmosphere created by Dead Hand.”
- “In general, the atmosphere draws me in, even considering how simple it is.”
- “You have a regular top-down camera that's standard in most turn-based games, but you can also freely control the camera to better see where things are and line up shots. Having the option to play through an entire level while keeping the camera close to your vehicle is incredibly atmospheric and creates a very different experience.”
- “Combine all of that with a dark ambient/industrial soundtrack, and you'll get the oppressive atmosphere created by dead hand.”
- “The atmosphere feels lifeless and uninspired, failing to engage the player.”
- “Despite some interesting elements, the overall atmosphere is flat and lacks depth.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
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 classic titles 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 in favor of 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.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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.”