Ultimate Space Commando
- May 11, 2015
- Angry Cat Studios
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreUltimate Space Commando is a turn-based, squad-based tactical RPG set in a sci-fi universe. Assemble and command a team of up to four unique characters with customizable skills, weapons, and gear. Engage in tactical combat against hostile alien creatures and rival factions in procedurally generated environments. Experience a rich, immersive story with branching dialogue and multiple endings based on your choices and actions.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Ultimate Space Commando offers a deep and challenging tactical experience reminiscent of classic turn-based games like XCOM and Jagged Alliance, with a well-tuned difficulty curve and engaging combat mechanics.
- The game features a variety of tactical options, including destructible environments and a unique action point system, allowing for strategic gameplay that rewards careful planning and execution.
- Despite being developed by a single individual, the game showcases impressive attention to detail, a solid economy system, and a variety of mission types that enhance replayability.
- The game suffers from frequent crashes, bugs, and a poorly designed tutorial that can leave players confused and frustrated, especially with its cumbersome controls and UI.
- Many players find the inventory management tedious, with limited slots leading to constant micromanagement and interruptions during gameplay.
- The graphics and overall presentation feel amateurish, which may deter players who prioritize visual quality, and the game lacks sufficient variety in mission design, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- story49 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally considered weak, with some reviewers noting that while it is coherent and progresses well through missions, it lacks depth and originality. Despite its shortcomings, players appreciate the meaningful choices and multiple endings that encourage replayability, and many find the narrative sufficient to support the engaging tactical gameplay. Overall, while the story may not be the game's strongest aspect, it effectively complements the combat and mission structure.
“The story is good for this kind of game - for one, it actually exists, and for two, it's reasonably coherent.”
“You'll upgrade your gear on the way, meet increasingly scary monsters matched only in their deadliness by their ugliness, and uncover little bits of a surprisingly well-translated story along the way.”
“The randomized elements, different game modes (single mission with different challenges), the big campaign (with meaningful choices), and defend the base all feel unique and will keep the experience fresh and make you come back for more.”
“It has a single-player campaign with the story (which sucks, but who cares about it with this kind of gameplay?).”
“Even though the story isn't really good (well, you can't ask a single person to be both a good game developer and a good writer), multiple endings are enough to make you want to replay this game.”
“The missions also don't have enough variety and pretty much every single main mission here is just our usual 'kill 'em all'.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its tactical depth, challenging mechanics, and well-balanced difficulty, reminiscent of classic turn-based games like XCOM. Players appreciate the strategic elements such as ammo management, mission choices, and the tension of combat scenarios, while also enjoying the replayability offered by various modes, including single-player and multiplayer options. Despite some minor issues with the inventory system, the overall experience is described as addictive and engaging, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.
“Overall it's a great tactical game, with a very polished design, and a very tuned difficulty and gameplay design of each mission.”
“The mechanics run deep, but aren't usually very evident.”
“The game sells its theme through its gameplay very effectively, with every fight a battle for position to avoid getting surrounded, opening and closing doors to move through cramped corridors safely, enemies breaking down walls and doors to reach you; there is a lot of tension and uncertainty.”
“The basic gameplay and mechanics are more or less XCOM, but in space.”
“But even so, it doesn't feel like a game where 'one mistake costs you the game', which is one of my least favorite aspects of XCOM-like mechanics.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simplistic and functional, with an old-school aesthetic that may appeal to some but can feel cluttered and unattractive to others. While the map tiles evoke a nostalgic board game feel, the character designs are criticized for being derivative and lacking variety. Overall, the visuals are considered secondary to the gameplay experience, which remains the primary draw for players.
“Graphically, the game is a bit of a mixed bag. I love the way the map tiles look like they came straight from a Fantasy Flight board game, but on the other hand, the marines are serviceable yet obvious knock-offs of 40k marines, and I find a few of the alien designs a bit samey.”
“This gives the game a certain attractive aesthetic I quite like, with marines pouring vast quantities of lead at hordes of aliens.”
“The visuals are what you'd expect from a one-person project, but combat and gameplay trump everything, and USC has damn good combat.”
“Graphically, the game is a bit of a mixed bag. I love the way the map tiles look like they came straight from a Fantasy Flight board game, but on the other hand, the marines are serviceable but obvious knock-off 40k marines, and I find a few of the alien designs a bit samey.”
“The name sounds like a weird anime crossover thing that's got to be horribly translated, and the graphics are kind of ugly, even for a retro-esque game like this.”
“Everything is graphically cluttered: the interface, the levels which are totally full of stuff, and frequent narrow corridors (reminiscent of Space Hulk).”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as simplistic and space-themed, effectively serving its purpose but lacking depth. Overall, it contributes to the atmosphere without standing out significantly.
“The music is spacey and creates an immersive atmosphere.”
“The sound and music effectively enhance the overall experience.”
“Aside from some help with the soundtrack, it was pretty much a one-man game.”
“The music is spacey but too simplistic.”
“Aside from some help with things like the soundtrack, it was pretty much a one-man game.”
“Sound and music do the job.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent freezes, crashes, and black screens, leading to negative reviews. Additionally, the tutorial is reported to be buggy and difficult to navigate, further detracting from the overall experience.
“Constant freezes, crashes, and black screens mean this gets a negative review.”
“The tutorial is pretty buggy and hard to follow.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through its affordable price, hotseat and online multiplayer options, and engaging gameplay. However, players seeking high-quality graphics and presentation may find it less appealing.
“It's cheap, has hotseat and online multiplayer, great gameplay, and tons of replayability.”
“If you care for graphics and presentation, and want something super replayable, reconsider.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is criticized for its tedious and frustrating looting system, which can lead to campaign restarts and detracts from the overall enjoyment, particularly in missions that lack engaging mechanics.
“Tedious, at times infuriating looting system that trolls you and can cause campaign restarts.”
“Unless the mission is some sort of holdout as long as possible (and it wasn't), this is more tedious than it is fun.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently praise the game's atmosphere, highlighting its immersive experience and ability to effectively capture the intended mood.
“It nails the atmosphere and experience, in my humble opinion.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after playing.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a chaotic simulation vibe, blending fun and gameplay with a darkly humorous tone that many players appreciate.
“The game has a chaotic simulation feel that I really enjoy, combined with a fun, gamey, and dark-humorous flavor.”
“The humor in this game is brilliantly chaotic, making every moment feel unpredictable and entertaining.”
“I love how the game blends dark humor with its gameplay, creating a unique and enjoyable experience.”
