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.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Unique mechanics that allow players to strategize not only their own moves but also their enemies', adding depth to the gameplay.
- Incredible dinosaur designs and a gritty art style, paired with a hardcore synth/rock soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- The game shows promise with a dedicated solo developer who actively addresses player feedback and works on improvements.
- Gameplay can become repetitive and passive, with limited choices leading to a lack of engagement during battles.
- The tutorial is more of a reference guide than a practical walkthrough, which may intimidate new players unfamiliar with the deckbuilding genre.
- There are notable balance issues, such as the ease of maintaining shields and the lack of meaningful deck customization, which can detract from the strategic depth.
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Dino Mercs features unique mechanics and two distinct battle types, but players find the tutorial more of a reference guide than a practical walkthrough, leading to a lack of engagement. While the characters offer strategic options, such as a tanky triceratops and a stealthy utahraptor, many users describe the overall experience as passive and somewhat boring, despite acknowledging the game's innovative elements.
“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.”
“I didn't encounter any gameplay bugs.”
“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.”
“- passive gameplay.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their gritty art style, particularly the detailed and vibrant designs of the dinosaurs, which feature unique patterns and textures that enhance their visual appeal during gameplay. However, some players feel that the game's focus on card mechanics detracts from the overall graphical experience, leading to a loss of interest. Overall, the character designs are well-received, contributing positively to the game's aesthetic.
“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 blasting 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.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game appears to be straightforward, allowing players to quickly grasp the basics through gameplay rather than extensive reading. While some users suggest that the narrative may become more complex as the game progresses, initial missions are accessible and manageable.
“So, admittedly, I didn't read it all. That said, I figured out the basics of the game pretty quick 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.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a hardcore synth/rock soundtrack reminiscent of 80's action movies, creating a perfect vibe for players. While there are some bugs that occasionally prevent the music from playing during certain scenes, these issues are not considered game-breaking.
“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.”
“There are a few notable bugs (the music doesn't always play on the map screen or during merc killer/boss fights, for example), but nothing especially game breaking.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % 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 such challenges.
“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 like reaching a score of 400,000 and unlocking a hundred cards can be quite overwhelming if you're focused on completion.”
“There are numerous grindy achievements in the game, including hitting a score of 400,000 and collecting a hundred cards, which can detract from the overall experience.”
