Mech Armada
- June 16, 2022
- Lioncode Games
- 14h median play time
"Mech Armada is a single-player Warfare Turn Based Strategy game, offering around 17 hours of playtime with no two runs being the same. Command your own team of custom-built Mechs, upgrading from over 80 unique parts, in deep grid-based combat against The Swarm's bosses. Procedurally generated levels with varied post-apocalyptic environments create a challenging and engaging experience."
Reviews
- Mech customization offers a wide variety of combinations, allowing for unique strategies and playstyles.
- The game provides a satisfying tactical experience with engaging turn-based combat and a good balance of challenge.
- Regular updates from the developer show commitment to improving the game and adding new content.
- The game can feel repetitive due to limited enemy variety and similar map layouts across runs.
- Some players find the difficulty spikes frustrating, especially with certain enemies being overly powerful.
- The wall of death mechanic can feel punishing, forcing players into combat before they are ready.
- gameplay68 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mix of straightforward mechanics and strategic depth, appealing to fans of tactical games like "Into the Breach" while offering unique customization options for mechs. However, some players find the roguelite progression and resource management frustrating, leading to a repetitive experience that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite its flaws, the game features engaging mechanics and a solid gameplay loop that keeps players invested, especially with its variety of enemy interactions and tactical decisions.
“Overall, for Into the Breach enjoyers who want a different spin on things, this is still a solid indie game that clearly had a lot of effort put in and has a few unique mechanics that make it different enough from Into the Breach to be worthwhile.”
“Mech customization is impactful; between game upgrades, small but stacking effects on runs, enemies are genuinely challenging, and using different mechanics such as armor, healing, stunning, and road movement is rewarded.”
“I strongly recommend giving this game a try; it's a wonderful blend of tactical gameplay, customizability, and giant mechs. What more could you want?”
“However, the gameplay... oh, the gameplay was a colossal disappointment.”
“Alas, due to the game's abysmal gameplay mechanics, the developers contrived a system that practically begged you to meet your demise, prompting you to acquire new upgrades and replay ad infinitum.”
“Gameplay is very repetitive and after defeat you start over with the same mechs.”
- story51 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally viewed as minimal and lacking depth, with many players expressing a desire for a more engaging narrative and character development. While the gameplay mechanics are praised, the missions often feel repetitive and disconnected from a compelling storyline, leading to a sense that the plot is merely an afterthought. Overall, players hope for future expansions or sequels that could enhance the story and provide a richer context for the gameplay.
“I'd love to see an expansion to the story mode of this game or a sequel; it's a really solid concept and executed very well.”
“With different mission types (protect refugees, rescue civilians, demolish swarm base/building, etc.), you could actually build a story and make the game more interesting.”
“I would love to see this game with redesigned enemies and better mission-to-mission story, but as of right now, the only thing the game has going for itself is its gameplay.”
“The story is just an intro cinematic and a voice telling you to try again after a failed run.”
“There is no story outside of the opening cinematic and the tutorial.”
“I need actual motivation to care, not just a bunch of 'go there, kill these' missions.”
- graphics20 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally well-received, with many users appreciating the aesthetic, design, and user interface. While the visuals are described as fun and acceptable, some players noted that the game is surprisingly demanding on hardware despite its appearance. Overall, the artwork and animations are considered solid, contributing positively to the gameplay experience, though there are some criticisms regarding performance and repetitiveness.
“Graphically, I really liked the design and found it easy to interpret the layout of the battlefield.”
“The rules, graphics, animations, weapons, etc., are well thought out and implemented.”
“The artwork, dialogue, and mech design is top notch and has enough content/tactical richness and overall replayability to demand your attention for a long time.”
“My only negative is that the graphics are surprisingly demanding given how the game looks.”
“I had to turn my settings down a bit to keep my slightly older graphics card happy.”
“I could have forgiven, and gotten past, poor voice acting, poor graphics, or a less than stellar GUI but what I can't forgive and get past is dull, repetitive, and uninspired gameplay.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers a mix of high replayability through customization options, meta progression, and daily challenges, appealing to players who enjoy varied gameplay experiences. However, some users noted that after completing the game, the replay value diminishes due to limited build variety and a relatively short playtime. Despite these concerns, many players found the game engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
“Depth, multiple options, replayability, meta progression, daily challenges, good variety in both weapons and mech parts, good enemy variety that keeps you on your toes.”
“This game surprised me, I expected a low-effort funny game but I found something with a lot of replay value.”
“Meta progression that gives increased replay value and encourages you to try new and varied parry builds without fear of a 'bad' run.”
“After you beat the game, the replayability isn't that great.”
“This is a short game due to a lack of replayability.”
“I love the aesthetic, I love the concept, and what they have is executed well, but the lack of build variety really steps on my replayability.”
- grinding11 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience. While some appreciate the balance of progression and replayability, others criticize it for being repetitive and tedious, particularly in the early stages where strategic choices feel limited. Overall, the game is seen as somewhat grindy, but it offers potential for deeper strategy as players advance.
“Lets the game 'look alive' while not being tedious.”
“Repetitive grinding for permanent upgrades.”
“Too random, too many options for you to feel that you're improving your skill and not just grinding for a better setup.”
“It is quite grindy for a rogue-like and doesn't feel to have an incredible range of strategic choice in the early game.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate its fittingness and overall sound design, others find it underwhelming or choose to turn it off. Overall, it complements the gameplay but does not stand out as a highlight.
“Great music that fits the gameplay well.”
“Sound design in general, from angry monster sounds to booming effects and music, was nice.”
“The graphics, music, and voice acting are all a little lacking, but it's a really solid skirmish title that executes its idea really well.”
“Music is meh, but I turn that off most of the time.”
“The graphics, music, and voice acting are all a little lacking.”
- stability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized for persistent bugs nearly two years post-release, including glitches during battles and issues with the campaign map that hinder player commands. While some users appreciate the core gameplay, they note that the game is not entirely bug-free, particularly when interacting with the settings menu.
“Despite some minor bugs and a few issues with the settings menu, this game is a really solid skirmish title. If you enjoy a version of Advance Wars with smaller, quicker maps and the ability to design your own units, this game executes that idea really well.”
“The game offers a stable experience overall, allowing players to focus on strategy without being hindered by frequent crashes or major glitches.”
“While there are some graphical and audio shortcomings, the core gameplay remains stable and enjoyable, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of tactical games.”
“What is this, a 2022 release and still this buggy almost 2 years later?”
“Sometimes it glitches during battle and I can't input any command. Also, during the campaign map, if you click on a tile without continuation, you glitch and can't move anymore.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is appreciated by users, even in the absence of a strong plot, suggesting that the game's environment and mood effectively engage players.
“Even though there's not much plot, I really enjoy the atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you're truly part of the world.”
“The haunting soundtrack and detailed environments create a captivating atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players were pleasantly surprised by the game's humor, which exceeded expectations and contributed to its replay value, indicating a well-crafted comedic experience rather than a low-effort attempt.
“This game surprised me; I expected a low-effort funny game, but I found something with a lot of replay value.”
“The humor in this game is clever and keeps you laughing throughout the entire experience.”
“I love how the game balances humor with gameplay; it makes every moment enjoyable.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game requires additional polish and improved optimization to enhance overall performance and user experience.
“The game could use a little more polish and some better optimization.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate uncertainty regarding the game's monetization strategy, with some users expressing concern that it may be a cash grab due to the use of purchased assets. However, there is hope that the game could develop into a strong contender in the mech turn-based genre.
“It's too early to tell if it's a cash grab due to all the bought assets, but I hope this is not the case and that this could evolve into a contender for the mech turn-based genre, which isn't doing so well.”
“The monetization feels excessive and detracts from the overall experience, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“I was disappointed to see that many features are locked behind paywalls, which makes it frustrating for players who don't want to spend additional cash.”