MENACE wasn’t on the radar for me initially but we went ahead and took a chance on it just before it’s early access release. I was skeptical going in and then unimpressed after the first few hours. Thankfully I gave it enough time.
The squad leaders and overall squad system in enjoyable to upgrade, equip and plain just tinker around with. Combat really started to shine once we got away from the first fight against the cliche giant alien bugs and onto fighting pirates. Relationship building with factions brings you different ship upgrades.
It’s X-COM with squads. It’s Jagged Alliance. I think after some time it has a chance to be it’s own thing.
Early access means it’s not done though:
- Place holder artwork doesn’t hurt much, but flamethrower and smoke grenades having the same icon can.
- Balance probably needs to be tweaked. The Challenging difficulty didn’t feel too challenging.
- Bugs, and not the ones you fight against. Well, not the ones you want to fight againt.
- Still some lack on information in a lot of areas. UI and tooltips work please.
It’s not dead though. Perhaps after some time on ice the developers will find a cure to keep it out of the morgue.
Pronouncement: Cryostasis, guaranteed to be unthawed.