Tales from the Void
- May 20, 2016
- PortaPlay
- 5h median play time
If you like classic sci-fi adventure schlock, this game may be what you're looking for. You should probably hold off until patches can fix some serious campaign-killing bugs, though.
Get on SteamLost in time and space and fighting for survival, it is up to you to save the crew of a World War I submarine in Tales from the Void, a squad-based, atmospheric real time tactics game.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique and immersive Lovecraftian narrative that combines elements of history and science fiction, providing a compelling story experience.
- Gameplay includes challenging tactical mechanics with resource management, where player decisions significantly impact outcomes, enhancing replayability.
- The sound design and atmosphere are praised for creating an engaging environment, with well-executed voice acting and a fitting musical score.
- Controls are often described as clunky and frustrating, making character movement and combat difficult to manage.
- The game lacks saving options and has a steep learning curve, which can lead to frustrating experiences for players.
- Technical issues such as bugs and camera angle problems detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- story40 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of "Tales from the Void" is an original and immersive narrative centered around the HMS E18, a British submarine that mysteriously disappeared during World War I, blending historical elements with a unique sci-fi twist involving aliens. Players navigate a series of linear missions that are influenced by their choices, with a humorous tone and engaging captain's log narrations enhancing the experience. While some players wished for a deeper exploration of the story, the combination of tactical gameplay and resource management within this peculiar setting has been well-received.
“It's a weird but good story in which you have many choices that greatly affect the outcome.”
“The story is based on the WWI historic event of a British submarine that disappeared mysteriously and was not discovered until this millennium.”
“First off, Tales from the Void delivers an immersive story that unfolds as you play.”
“It is a weird story and not the best I have seen, but it isn't bad.”
“The story can be completed in 5 hours on rookie difficulty; would've loved to see more.”
“The missions are somewhat linear, and the story progresses as you beat each mission.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring challenging tactical elements and unique mechanics that offer a refreshing take on real-time strategy. While the controls can be frustrating initially, a comprehensive tutorial helps players acclimate quickly. The dwindling supplies mechanic adds tension and strategic depth without feeling overwhelming, enhancing the overall experience.
“The gameplay and the mechanics are quite good, although the controls can be a bit frustrating from time to time.”
“Great atmosphere and challenging tactical gameplay.”
“Tales from the Void provides a refreshing take on a real-time strategy action game with unique mechanics.”
“Actually, the rest of the gameplay is awkward too.”
“Gameplay involves attempting to come to grips with moving in a low gravity environment while shooting weapons that push you around from recoil.”
“The gameplay's more RTS-like controls threw me off pretty bad at first, but you quickly become accustomed to the game's mechanics via a comprehensive, easy-to-follow tutorial.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive qualities, effectively capturing elements of old-time British charm, sci-fi themes, and Lovecraftian influences. Players appreciate the sound design, which enhances the experience with eerie effects and ambient sounds, while the graphics, despite being low-budget, contribute to a mysterious and dark environment. Overall, the atmosphere is considered one of the standout features, enriching the gameplay and drawing players into its unique world.
“I can't help getting sucked into the old-time British atmosphere, which is spot on.”
“The best thing about this game is the atmosphere; the sound effects are spot on. You can hear your marines breathing through their old diving suits and all other sorts of weird sounds.”
“The graphics, while coming across as a bit low-budget, are turned into an atmospheric advantage, and play very well with the idea of a mysterious and dark void.”
“The game does exactly that with atmosphere and a true appreciation of the sci-fi genre.”
“The song is used to set the atmosphere of men lost in space, far from home.”
“While these sections are fairly short, they do a pretty good job in creating some sort of background besides the whole weapon experiment gone wrong, adding a lot to the atmosphere.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending dark sci-fi themes with comedic moments, particularly through the captain's philosophical musings and off-topic remarks. Players find the physics of low gravity and weapon recoil leads to amusing accidents, enhancing the overall experience. The game's humor is reminiscent of classic titles like Fallout and UFO XCOM, making it an enjoyable and funny adventure.
“It's actually pretty funny to see how recoil works in low gravity.”
“The story is quite funny, and I found myself laughing a few times at the captain's off-topic remarks.”
“You get small doses of the captain attempting to wax philosophical to balance the acid sense of humor and dark sci-fi Lovecraftian themes embedded throughout the narrative.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered mediocre and low-budget, with noticeable shortcomings in the main menu and cutscenes. However, many players appreciate the atmospheric quality they contribute, enhancing the game's mysterious and dark themes, which ultimately creates a unique and immersive experience. Overall, while not breathtaking, the graphics are complemented by strong sound design, helping to establish a captivating mood.
“The graphics, while coming across as a bit low-budget, are turned into an atmospheric advantage, and play very well with the idea of a mysterious and dark void.”
“The music, sound, and visuals all together create this sort of Lovecraftian/Cthulhu vibe that, for me, make this game stand out from others.”
“This game has beautiful graphics, unique controls, an amazing atmosphere, and definitely a fresh feel.”
“The graphics are not the best and mediocre at best, but in my experience, you do not really notice it once you're playing. However, in the main menu and in the cutscenes, it is quite noticeable.”
“The graphics, while coming across as a bit low-budget, are turned into an atmospheric advantage and play very well with the idea of a mysterious and dark void.”
“The music, sound, and visuals all together create this sort of Lovecraftian/Cthulhu vibe that, for me, makes this game stand out from others.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's music and sound design have received high praise, contributing significantly to its atmospheric experience. Notably, the inclusion of historically resonant pieces like "Roses of Picardy" enhances the emotional depth, evoking themes of loss and recovery. Together with the visuals, the audio creates a unique Lovecraftian ambiance that distinguishes the game from others.
“The game has been nominated for best audio, which I fully agree with. The sound design in this game is quite good in my opinion, and the music fits well with the setting.”
“The music, sound, and visuals all together create this sort of Lovecraftian/Cthulhu vibe that, for me, makes this game stand out from others.”
“The song is used to set the atmosphere of men lost in space, far from home.”
“For example, one of the songs mentioned in-game is 'Roses of Picardy,' which played heavily during WWI, and even hearing it sung after the war reportedly helped speechless soldiers recover from shell shock to speak again.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers three distinct scenarios, providing a moderate level of replayability, as each playthrough presents slight variations that can lead to a few hours of enjoyable gameplay.
“In the game, you have three scenarios, which adds a layer of replayability. Each playthrough offers a slightly different experience, ensuring a couple of hours of fun can be expected.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes in each playthrough makes the game highly replayable, keeping the experience fresh and engaging every time.”
“With multiple endings and character paths, the game encourages players to replay it, discovering new elements and strategies with each attempt.”
“The game offers only three scenarios, which limits its replayability significantly. After a couple of playthroughs, it feels repetitive and lacks depth.”
“While there are some variations in each playthrough, the overall experience becomes stale quickly, making it hard to justify multiple runs.”
“The limited number of scenarios means that once you've played through them, there's little incentive to return, resulting in a lack of long-term engagement.”
