Tales from the Void
- May 20, 2016
- PortaPlay
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.
Lost 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.
Reviews
- The game features a unique narrative and immersive atmosphere, combining elements of a WW1 submarine with strange aliens, creating an original experience.
- Gameplay is engaging with a well-balanced mix of resource management and action, enhanced by a comprehensive tutorial that helps players adapt to the controls.
- The Lovecraftian story and low gravity mechanics add tension and excitement, making for a fresh and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Controls can be clumsy and awkward, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially in combat and movement.
- The user interface obstructs the player's view, making it difficult to see the action and navigate the environment effectively.
- Some players have reported bugs and issues that can disrupt the campaign, suggesting the game may need further patches and improvements.
- story22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's story is a unique blend of a World War I submarine setting intertwined with Lovecraftian elements and alien encounters, creating an intriguing narrative backdrop for missions. Players appreciate the full voice-acting during mission intros and the strategic depth provided by the dwindling supplies mechanic, which influences mission choices. The original storyline, combined with meaningful permanent death mechanics, enhances the overall experience without feeling overwhelming.
“The combination of a World War I submarine, its crew, and strange aliens is very original, and all the missions I have been on so far reflect this in an interesting and peculiar way.”
“The permanent death is meaningful but not suffocating; the story is definitely original.”
“Real time only, no saving, and for some unknown reason no matter how much you salvage during a mission you can only ever bring 2 things back onboard the ship.”
“The permanent death is meaningful but not suffocating, the story is definitely original.”
“Lovecraftian story and setting.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay features RTS-like controls that may initially confuse players, but a well-designed tutorial helps ease the learning curve. Players must navigate a low-gravity environment while managing weapon recoil, which adds a unique challenge. The dwindling supplies mechanic effectively creates tension and influences mission choices, enhancing the overall experience without feeling overwhelming.
“The gameplay's more RTS-like controls threw me off at first, but you quickly become accustomed to the game's mechanics via a comprehensive, easy-to-follow tutorial.”
“Gameplay involves attempting to come to grips with moving in a low gravity environment while shooting weapons that push you around from recoil.”
“The dwindling supplies mechanic adds a bit of tension without being suffocating - this is the first time I've enjoyed it in a game, actually.”
“Actually, the rest of the gameplay is awkward too.”
“Gameplay involves attempting to come to grasp with moving in a low gravity environment while shooting weapons which push one 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.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game to be enhanced by its unique mechanics, particularly the amusing interactions of low gravity and recoil effects. The combination of resource management and action leads to comical situations, such as accidental crew mishaps during explosive events, contributing to an entertaining gameplay experience.
“It's actually pretty funny to see how recoil works in low gravity.”
“Had this funny moment where I fired my rocket launcher, killed my crewman, and the other was pushed from the asteroid by the explosion wave.”
“After getting familiar with the alternative controls, it becomes really funny to play, and the combination of resource management and action is well balanced, providing a great gaming experience.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their beautiful style and unique atmosphere, providing a fresh feel to the game, even if they aren't considered breathtaking. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the gaming experience.
“The graphics have a nice style to them, even if they’re not breathtaking, neither was FTL.”
“This game has beautiful graphics, unique controls, an amazing atmosphere, and definitely a fresh feel.”
“Great graphics!”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively immerses players in a captivating old-time British atmosphere, enhanced by beautiful graphics and unique controls. Reviewers consistently praise the atmosphere as a standout feature, contributing to a fresh and engaging experience.
“I can't help getting sucked into the old-time British atmosphere, which is spot on.”
“This game has beautiful graphics, unique controls, an amazing atmosphere, and definitely a fresh feel.”