Lock 'n Load Tactical Digital
- April 2, 2020
- Lock 'n Load Publishing
- 5h median play time
Get on SteamLock 'n Load Tactical Digital is a turn-based strategy wargame with a focus on realism and historical accuracy. Players command troops in tactical battles set in various historical conflicts, using a wide range of weapons and equipment. The game features a detailed combat system, multiplayer options, and a scenario editor for creating and sharing custom missions.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Excellent implementation of the board game, capturing the essence of tactical gameplay.
- Great variety of content available through DLCs, enhancing replayability and depth.
- Active developer support with frequent updates and improvements based on community feedback.
- The base game feels like a demo with only a few short scenarios, leading to concerns about value for money.
- AI performance is often poor, making solo play less engaging unless playing against human opponents.
- The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult for new players to grasp the mechanics.
- gameplay62 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Gameplay in this title is immersive and strategic, with mechanics that require players to learn and adapt to various rules and unit interactions. While the game automates many rules, enhancing the experience, it can be frustrating due to a lack of clear explanations and some bugs that disrupt gameplay. Overall, once players grasp the mechanics, the game offers engaging tactical scenarios, though replay value may be limited without additional content like a map or unit editor.
“The mechanics and rules of the game are all maintained by the PC, and all you have to do is concentrate on your strategy.”
“Once you understand what's behind the mechanics, it becomes pretty straightforward and opens up its potential as the edge-of-your-seat, one-more-play game that is hard to put down.”
“This game is one of the best examples of total immersion in tactical squad gameplay.”
“There are some gameplay flaws as well; for example, it is impossible to inflict casualties with a sniper on the first hit; the unit will only be 'shaken'.”
“Such a shame as it looks wonderful, but the programming behind the gloss is just bug-ridden and ruins all gameplay.”
“But when it’s bad, the strategy becomes secondary to rules knowledge and mechanics.”
- graphics48 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally well-received, with many players appreciating the art style and clear visuals that evoke a tabletop experience. While some describe the graphics as passable or reminiscent of traditional board games, others highlight the beauty and quality of the unit counters and interface. Overall, the graphics are considered suitable for the game's design, though they may not satisfy those seeking more modern, action-oriented visuals.
“Love the interface and graphical style.”
“The graphics are beautiful and the counters are amazing.”
“Map and unit graphics are top notch...”
“Graphically, don't expect too much: it's just the square counters on their mapboards, just like the board game.”
“Does it really matter if there's a certain number of wars to play if the largest change is just the graphics on the unit counters?”
“For comparison, I've played the original Atomic Games Close Combat series only in PvE, including the second version that covered Operation Market Garden, as well as some of the re-released Slitherine titles on Steam, but they suffer from older graphics on today's larger UHD monitors.”
- story42 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 86 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is criticized for its lack of depth and clarity, with only a few short missions that feel insufficient for a satisfying experience. Players note that mission briefings are unclear and the overall narrative is undermined by bugs and simplistic gameplay. While some find potential in the DLCs and replayability, many feel the base game does not offer enough content to justify its value.
“Takes away the fiddly aspect of the physical product and leaves the drama and storytelling of the system.”
“Some missions offer more replayability than others, but overall this is not a play through once and forget in the library game.”
“In my view, it is certainly in the same league as Combat Mission, Close Combat, and the John Tiller campaign series games.”
“While you will get mission briefings, they are not nearly as clear as looking at the scenario in a book, and the special rules are never explained in-game.”
“And rather a short one, it took me less than 2 hours to finish the 4 available missions, including multiple tries of some of them.”
“There are only 2 maps and the missions are very simple.”
- stability22 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, particularly in multiplayer modes. While some players note that it runs smoothly on certain systems and is more stable than some fully released AAA titles, the overall consensus is that the game is still in need of substantial fixes and improvements before it can be considered fully polished.
“Although at the time of writing this is classed as early access, I think the game is more stable and bug-free than plenty of AAA titles fully released.”
“Runs great on my iMac.”
“Such a shame as it looks wonderful, but the programming behind the gloss is just bug-ridden and ruins all gameplay.”
“Game is - as of January 2022 - still a bit buggy.”
“Very buggy, not ready for prime time!”
- replayability14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, enhanced by various expansions and a battle generator that provide diverse gameplay experiences. While some scenarios and missions vary with each playthrough, the absence of a map and unit editor currently limits replay value for some players. Overall, it is regarded as a game that encourages repeated play rather than a one-time experience.
“Lots of expansions and a battle generator leads to endless replayability.”
“Fun gameplay, but without a map editor and a unit editor (both may or may not be released, but they will be released as paid DLCs), the replay value is extremely poor.”
“Some missions offer more replayability than others, but overall this is not a play through once and forget in the library game.”
“Replayability is high: some scenarios seem to start out differently every time I play them.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization model is viewed positively, as it fairly compensates developers for their work without exploiting players or risking the project's sustainability. It is not considered a cash grab, but rather a thoughtful approach to funding ongoing development.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is overshadowed by numerous bugs and crashes, leading players to find the situation more frustrating than amusing. While the game has its enjoyable moments, the technical issues detract from the overall comedic experience.
- music2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised as top-notch, highlighting its quality and effectiveness in enhancing the overall experience.
“The soundtrack is top-notch!”
“The soundtrack is top-notch!”
“The soundtrack is top-notch!”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised for its authenticity, closely resembling the original experience, complemented by impressive graphics that enhance the overall immersion.
“The rules are authentic, the graphics are great too, and the atmosphere is nearly like in the original.”
