The Cyclist: Tactics
- July 28, 2021
- Camshaft Software Ltd
- 20h median play time
Get on Steam"The Cyclist: Tactics" is a turn-based strategy game that simulates competitive cycling. Players must manage their team, plan routes, and employ tactics to win races across various terrains and weather conditions. With in-depth statistics, detailed graphics, and realistic physics, it offers a unique and challenging experience for cycling enthusiasts and strategy game lovers alike.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The Cyclist: Tactics offers a deep and engaging tactical experience that effectively simulates the complexities of road cycling, making it enjoyable for both cycling enthusiasts and strategy game fans.
- The game features a well-structured career mode that allows players to build and manage their own cycling team, with significant rider improvements and strategic decision-making involved.
- The developers are highly responsive to community feedback and continue to provide updates, enhancing the game's mechanics and overall experience.
- The game suffers from some presentation issues, including a lack of in-race graphics and animations, which can make the experience feel less immersive.
- There are concerns regarding the AI behavior, particularly in breakaway situations, which can lead to unrealistic race dynamics and outcomes.
- Some players have reported technical issues, such as crashes and limited save options, which can be frustrating and may require players to start over if they encounter bugs.
- gameplay54 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its engaging and strategic turn-based mechanics that effectively simulate road cycling tactics, offering depth and a rewarding challenge without frustrating randomness. Players appreciate the well-designed tutorials that help newcomers grasp the mechanics, while the addictive gameplay loop encourages repeated play. Despite some minor issues and a feeling of being in a beta state, the game is recognized for its solid mechanics and potential for future expansion.
“The gameplay loop is engaging; the seasons are fast, since each season is 9 months, and in each month you can pick an event, which range from 1-day races to 21 stages.”
“The mechanics are simple, but elegant, and have an incredible amount of depth, from positioning riders to high-level decisions on how to build your team for specific tours.”
“The racing gameplay itself is definitely addictive—I always want to do just one more race, one more stage.”
“Only played 1.0, which had a lot of potential but also a few wonky mechanics.”
“In its current state, it still feels like a beta version to me: the excellent core gameplay is there, but it needs to be refined on the edges to make it a great game.”
“The only problem I have now is with the slipstream mechanic.”
- graphics20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as simplistic and boardgame-like, lacking in animations and flashy visuals, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. While functional and sufficient for gameplay, they exhibit an amateurish quality and do not reach AAA production values. However, the well-crafted artwork and design contribute positively to the game's tactical enjoyment.
“While the production values are of course not at the level of a AAA game, it is very well designed and balanced, has well-crafted artwork, enjoyable mechanics, and a great background soundtrack.”
“- more immersive graphics and screens (nothing crazy, just some extra screens with podiums or race results, riders' bios, and milestones... things like that)”
“The graphics are boardgame-like; you see a part of the track, but you can scroll to plan your moves.”
“There are no in-race graphics where you see your riders battling for position, no cutscenes or flashy victory screens to reward your progress, and basically not even any animations, be it in the races or menus.”
“I don't mind the simplistic graphics; the problems lie more in the way the information is delivered to the player.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its richness and innovation, allowing players to create their own narratives through gameplay. However, reviewers express a desire for enhanced storytelling elements, deeper world-building, and more presentation in future installments to fully explore the backstory and lore of the fictional universe.
“The game is remarkably innovative and well-designed, and it is also remarkably story rich.”
“I wish there was a little bit more in terms of presentation and 'storytelling', such as:”
“I'm sure there's more backstory and lore about this fictional universe that'd be great to uncover.”
“But you make your own story, using its versatility and your wits.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization features are well-implemented, providing detailed performance charts that allow players to see the impact of their adjustments on their bikers compared to others. Helpful tutorials guide players through the mechanics, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning over casual play to achieve optimal results. Overall, effective optimization is crucial for enhancing team performance throughout the 9-month season.
“A chart shows what changes in your biker's performance compared to others when you change something on him.”
“The tutorials are nice and helpful, and that's lucky, since it is not a game to be played carelessly, without first grasping the mechanics, unless good performance is of no interest to you.”
“You plan a season of 9 months for a team of up to 6 riders, sending them to the terrain they like best and adding peak performance to that so you can make the sponsor happy.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely appreciated, contributing to a positive atmosphere that resonates well with players in shared spaces. While the production values may not match those of AAA titles, the soundtrack is well-crafted and complements the game's bright and cheerful aesthetic, enhancing the overall experience.
“The music is liked by all those sharing the same room, that's a real plus.”
“Sound is great, music is great, and the color palette used is bright and cheerful.”
“While the production values are of course not at the level of a AAA game, it is very well designed and balanced, has well-crafted artwork, enjoyable mechanics, and a great background soundtrack.”
