Skirmish Line
- March 21, 2019
- Snarktopus
- 7h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Skirmish Line" is a challenging endless defense game set in the Pacific Theater during WWII, where you lead Allied forces in fending off the Imperial Japanese military. As a tactical commander, you build trenches, call in artillery, and upgrade your squad in a randomly generated environment. With three modes to choose from, players must adapt and strategize to face off against the fanatical enemy and their exotic weapons, vehicles, and Banzai charges.
Mac OS
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Windows
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Reviews
- A nostalgic throwback for fans of the original Mud and Blood series, offering a similar gameplay experience with added depth and features.
- The game provides countless hours of fun with its challenging tactical gameplay, allowing players to develop strategies to fend off waves of enemies.
- Regular updates from the developers show commitment to improving the game, adding new content, and addressing player feedback.
- The game can feel unbalanced and frustrating, especially with sudden spikes in difficulty that can overwhelm players without warning.
- Some players find the controls clunky and the AI behavior inconsistent, leading to moments where units fail to respond effectively during critical situations.
- The lack of a clear end goal or progression can make the gameplay feel repetitive and lead to diminishing returns on enjoyment over time.
- gameplay22 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a strategic, bird's-eye view approach where players must effectively position troops, manage resources, and utilize various support options like artillery and airstrikes. While many appreciate the depth and immersive atmosphere created by mechanics such as morale and damage models, some criticize the balance and fairness of the gameplay, particularly regarding the "unfair brutality" mechanic. Overall, the game offers a unique experience with a satisfying gameplay loop, though it has room for improvement in certain areas.
“Aside from the flash-style UI, it's a small masterpiece: the concise gameplay loop delivers, even losing feels satisfying.”
“The basics of the gameplay involve watching the battlefield from a bird's-eye view, requisitioning soldiers, telling them where to go, and providing them with support (e.g., re-equipping them, calling in artillery, airstrikes, etc.).”
“The game's mechanics really lend to a brutal and immersive atmosphere with suppression, morale, and a relatively realistic damage model where it's entirely possible to get put down when you're hit by 1-2 shots.”
“Worst handling, worst gameplay, meh.”
“But the issue is, at the end of the day the 'unfair brutality' mechanic is extremely unbalanced and has a ton of flaws.”
“I just don't think the nature of the gameplay fits the objective of pushing forward.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally well-received, with many players appreciating the nostalgic, classic style that evokes memories of earlier gaming years. While some users note occasional graphical glitches and clumsy controls, the visuals are considered appealing and improved compared to previous titles in the genre, contributing positively to the overall experience.
“Graphics-wise, it still reminds me of my middle school to high school years, and that was 2012.”
“The graphics are very nice for what it is trying to do, even though it is not 'realistic' graphics.”
“It has many improvements and lots of its own unique features to set it apart, and quite obviously, better graphics.”
“It's not perfect, with some graphical issues and glitches every once in a while.”
“But graphics-wise, it still reminds me of my middle school to high school years, and that was 2012.”
“Weird controls, simple graphics.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story is presented through a campaign mode that allows players to engage in missions with specific objectives, rather than endless defense scenarios. Players can customize their squads and invest in upgrades, with surviving troops retaining combat experience for future missions, adding depth to the narrative progression. However, some users expressed frustration with being returned to the main menu after each mission.
“The game features a campaign mode where you take on missions with specific objectives rather than indefinitely defending a position until you inevitably lose.”
“Once you complete the objective of a mission, you can use your points to acquire more resources and invest in your troops with upgrades and training.”
“The campaign mode allows you to fully customize your squad using points as you send them on missions, whether it's defending or assaulting enemy lines.”
“At least don't drop us back into the main menu after each mission...”
“Campaign: this game mode will let you fully customize your squad using points as you send them on missions, whether it's defending or assaulting enemy lines.”
“If they come back alive, they will retain all of the combat experience, which will help them in future missions.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is characterized by a blend of dark and gritty elements, effectively juxtaposing the horrors of war with comedic moments. Players appreciate the well-crafted animations and dialogue that contribute to a consistently amusing experience, often finding themselves laughing even in defeat. Overall, the humor adds a unique and polished layer to the gameplay.
“I like how the horrors of war are depicted with dark humor; it's still chilling.”
“It is well made, well polished, and has an odd sense of humor.”
“The animations are hilarious, the dialogue is funny and gritty.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's strong replayability, enhanced by various challenges like the "12 man rule" and additional DLC content. Many find it enjoyable to revisit, especially once they grasp the underlying mechanics.
“The challenges also add a fair amount of replayability, with the 12-man rule being my favorite one.”
“Very fun to play, and the DLC increases the replay value.”
“This game has amazing replayability and is fairly easy once the science behind it is understood.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the quality of life improvements that reduce the tedium of grinding, making it a more enjoyable experience. Many find the challenge of navigating through numerous randomly generated waves engaging, especially for those willing to invest time in the grind. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a rewarding endeavor for dedicated players.
“These are mostly quality of life improvements to make the game less tedious.”
“Well worth the price if you want to spend a nice half hour grinding your way through 100 or more randomly generated waves of ruthless bonsai charges and artillery strikes, all the while trying to keep your men's heads on their shoulders.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as dense and immersive, creating a brutal experience that encourages extended play sessions. Its mechanics, including suppression and a realistic damage model, enhance the intensity, making encounters feel genuinely perilous.
“The game's mechanics really lend to a brutal and immersive atmosphere with suppression, morale, and a relatively realistic damage model where it's entirely possible to get put down when you're hit by 1-2 shots.”
“Dense like characters that make it perfect for an all-nighter; however, it is playable straight away once you expose it to the earth's atmosphere.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is generally acceptable, though players report occasional graphical issues and glitches. Some users have noted that the tutorial is lacking and can be buggy, particularly at higher resolutions, which may hinder the overall experience.
“It's not perfect, with some graphical issues and glitches every once in a while.”
“I like the game very much; it's a good time killer. However, it took a while to figure out how to get reinforcements and defensive structures, as the tutorial is really bare and buggy on my screen (3440x1440).”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by intense moments, such as a character's struggle and vulnerability during a confrontation, which evokes a sense of tension and empathy from the player.
