DINO MERCS
- March 12, 2024
- Unusual Undertaking
Get on SteamDINO MERCS is a roguelike deckbuilding game where you take on the role of a veteran member of Dark Solar Defense, a shadowy private military corporation. To survive, build multiple decks while conducting operations, engaging in fierce combat, and defending your base from attackers.
Reviews
- Unique mechanics that allow players to strategize not only their own moves but also their opponents', creating a fresh take on the roguelite deckbuilding genre.
- Incredible dinosaur designs and a gritty art style, paired with a hardcore synth/rock soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- The solo developer is responsive to player feedback, actively working to improve the game and address issues, which instills confidence in its future development.
- Gameplay can become repetitive and passive, with matches dragging on due to limited strategic options and a lack of meaningful choices outside of combat.
- The tutorial is more of a reference guide than a step-by-step walkthrough, which may intimidate new players and hinder their understanding of the game mechanics.
- Many core design choices, such as minimal deck customization and the overwhelming ease of maintaining stats, detract from the overall enjoyment and challenge of the game.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Dino Mercs features a detailed tutorial that serves more as a reference guide than a practical walkthrough, leading to a somewhat passive experience. While the game introduces unique mechanics and character abilities, such as a tanky triceratops and a stealthy utahraptor, players have reported that the battles can feel slow and less engaging over time. Overall, while the game offers strategic elements and varied battle types, it may not provide the satisfying gameplay experience some players seek.
“The other characters are a tanky triceratops who relies on keeping his shield charged to do big damage, and a very fluffy Utahraptor who uses the stealth mechanic in a way that results in slower, but much more strategic battles.”
“There are also two different battle types, with different decks, health bars, and slightly modified mechanics.”
“The tutorial of Dino Mercs has a lot of information that breaks down the stats and the battle screens, but it's more of a reference guide than a step-by-step tutorial that walks the player through a gameplay example in real time.”
“I'm finding the gameplay a bit boring after initially really liking that it's something unique.”
“I respect the game for its unique mechanics; I just didn't enjoy it.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a gritty art style that brings the dinosaurs to life with intricate patterns and details, making them visually appealing during gameplay. However, the focus on card mechanics detracts from the overall graphical experience, which some players found less engaging. Overall, the character designs are highly praised for their artistic quality.
“The dinosaurs are all colored in a gritty art style, with bodies patterned in spots, stripes, and scars that make them an absolute joy to look at while they're battling each other.”
“The characters are fantastic, and I love the art style so much.”
“Where it is focused more on the cards than any graphical aspects in the game, it loses the grip on my interest.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game appears to be straightforward, allowing players to grasp the basics quickly without needing to delve deeply into the narrative. While some users suggest that the story may become more complex in later missions, the initial experience is accessible and engaging.
“So, admittedly, I didn't read it all. That said, I figured out the basics of the game pretty quickly by just jumping right into a mission.”
“Perhaps it becomes significantly more challenging later on, but I've beaten it several times now, moving to more challenging missions.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music features a hardcore synth/rock soundtrack reminiscent of 80's action movies, enhancing the game's overall vibe. While there are minor bugs affecting music playback in certain scenarios, they do not significantly detract from the experience.
“Pair that with the hardcore synth/rock soundtrack that would be right at home in an 80's action movie, and the vibe is just perfection.”
“The music doesn't always play on the map screen or during merc killer/boss fights, which can be quite frustrating.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that the game features several grindy achievements, such as reaching a score of 400,000 and unlocking a hundred cards, which may appeal to those who enjoy completing challenging tasks.
“The game is filled with grindy achievements, such as reaching a score of 400,000 and unlocking a hundred cards, which can feel tedious.”
“Grinding for achievements feels like a chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“The excessive grinding required to progress can make the game feel more like a job than a fun experience.”
