Tactics RPG
Ongoing coverage on Tactics RPG.
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Stylised XCOM-like tactics game Ex Sanguis straps Othercide's obsession with timelines to a leaner roguelike campaign
Ex Sanguis, a new tactics RPG with roguelike elements, is now available in early access. The game builds upon the time-manipulation mechanics of Othercide, featuring a leaner campaign structure and a focus on strategic turn-based combat. While the core gameplay loop of managing abilities and disrupting enemy turns is present, the article notes some mixed feelings about the new campaign format and the overall improvement over its predecessor.
"Time will tell": Bit Reactor talk queerness in Star Wars: Zero Company and whether they'll keep working with Saudi-owned EA
Bit Reactor discusses the inclusion of queer representation in their upcoming game Star Wars: Zero Company, noting the player's ability to define their character's identity. The article also explores concerns surrounding Electronic Arts' recent acquisition by a Saudi-led consortium, questioning the potential impact on games with progressive themes.
This week in PC games: GoldenEye returns (sort of), plus janky arcade football, ballpoint cities, and a game about keeping the monsters inside Area 51
This week's PC game releases feature a variety of genres, including horror titles like T.W.I.R.L. and Homeostasis, alongside city builders such as Verde and factory games like Sandustry. Notable new entries include Agent 64: Spies Never Die, a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007, and the quirky football sim Pro Jank Footy. The article also touches on the upcoming release of a highly anticipated game that has generated significant buzz among guides writers.
Coming Out in gaming this week — August 10, 2026
This week's gaming releases include a variety of genres and platforms. Highlights include the roguelike pinball deckbuilder Cult of PiN, the remastered RPG The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and the action-adventure survival game Grounded 2. Other notable titles launching include the retro spy FPS Agent 64: Spies Never Die and the arcade sports game Pro Jank Footy.
What we've been playing - "I've wanted to go to demon school for a while"
This week's gaming roundup features discussions on Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, where players are experimenting with characters like Star Lord. Demonschool is praised for its engaging tactics RPG gameplay and upbeat presentation on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, players are chipping away at Hades 2 and Slay the Spire 2, while Grand Theft Auto 5's immersive nature is noted despite motion sickness concerns. Big Walk is highlighted as a cozy cooperative experience perfect for short play sessions.
The makers of the glorious Othercide have another tactics RPG bloodbath out in September, with a playtest live now
Lightbulb Crew, the developers behind the tactics RPG Othercide, have announced their new game Ex Sanguis will launch on September 10th. A demo is currently available on Steam. Ex Sanguis appears to be a roguelite tactics game with a focus on timing, positioning, and environmental interactions, similar to Othercide but with a modern roguelite campaign structure.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several staff members shared their weekend gaming plans, with Edwin playing Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children and Darkwood, while Mark might revisit Skyrim. Others are playing Helldivers 2, Hunt: Showdown, or an unannounced embargoed game. James is trying the train-based bullet hell shooter Song of Morus: Limbo Express.
Demonschool Nintendo Switch physical release on the way, pre-orders open
A physical release for the tactics RPG Demonschool is coming to Nintendo Switch, with Fangamer handling the production. The boxed version will include the base game, poster, art cards, and two DLC packs. Pre-orders are now open.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several gaming journalists share their plans for the weekend, with titles like Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children, Othercide, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Lords of the Fallen, Replaced, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Assassin's Creed Rogue, and Assassin's Creed 3 being mentioned. Some express a desire to play tactics RPGs or action RPGs, while others are catching up on older Assassin's Creed titles.
You only get one, permakillable Jedi Padawan in Star Wars Zero Company, but that's fine because I'm going to roll an R2-D2 deathsquad anyway
Star Wars Zero Company, a tactics RPG from Bit Reactor and Electronic Arts, features a permakillable Jedi Padawan named Tel-Rea, but allows players to field entire squads of R2-D2 units. The game will be a 30-40 hour linear experience with 12 classes, no plot branching, and no modding support. Players can choose to disable permadeath, and the game launches on August 27th.
Star Wars Zero Company's story 'is a linear one from beginning to end', Bit Reactor says, so don't expect branching paths or romance options
Developer Bit Reactor has confirmed that Star Wars Zero Company will feature a linear story with no branching paths or romance options. While squad composition can influence minor story moments and dialogue, the overall narrative conclusion will remain the same for all players. The game will focus on cinematic storytelling within its turn-based tactics gameplay.
Free Play Days – Call of Duty Black Ops 7, Diablo IV, Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, and More
Xbox is offering several games for free play this weekend, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Diablo IV, and Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure. Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 are available to all Xbox players, while Ikonei Island requires an Xbox Game Pass membership. Demonschool and The Stone of Madness also feature limited-time trials.
Star Wars Zero Company looks so good it has me wishing Metal Gear would make tactics games again
The upcoming Star Wars Zero Company tactics RPG has reignited interest in the genre, prompting a discussion about the potential for a new Metal Gear Acid game. The author praises Star Wars Zero Company's XCOM-like gameplay and its potential to revitalize a dormant franchise, while also advocating for a revival of the Metal Gear Acid series, highlighting its unique blend of stealth, deckbuilding, and tactical combat.
Tactics RPG Diorama Break confirms Nintendo Switch release
Studio Massimo Gauthier has confirmed that the tactics RPG Diorama Break will be released on Nintendo Switch, following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised approximately $70,000. The game features turn-based battles, dialogue choices that influence the narrative, and gameplay inspired by fighting game mechanics.
Fantasy tactics RPG Wartales is getting a "dense, reactive" capital city in the next DLC expansion, yours to save or destroy
The tactics RPG Wartales is set to receive a new DLC expansion titled Fires in the Capital in April. This expansion introduces a dense and reactive capital city, Isandrin, where player decisions can significantly impact the city's fate. Players can choose to save the city or hasten its destruction through various actions, including combat, influencing public opinion, and managing urban scenarios.
How Marathon avoids the mistake that Concord and Highguard made
Marathon is praised for avoiding the "Blorko" problem that affected Concord and Highguard by implementing a unique "Shells" mechanic for combat avatars. The game, developed by Bungie, launched on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, offering a fresh take on shooter gameplay with depth and flexibility. The article also briefly mentions other games like Crabmeat, Pragmata, Fortnite, Super Mario Lego, Never's End, Crimson Desert, and the lawsuit against Valve regarding lootboxes.
New tactics RPG Never's End blends Final Fantasy with the turbulent spell combos of Divinity: Original Sin
Never's End is a new tactics RPG that blends the visual style of Final Fantasy Tactics with the complex spell combo mechanics found in Divinity: Original Sin. Players lead possessed villagers against undead hordes, utilizing a unique heat transfer system to manipulate the environment and create strategic advantages. The game also features town-building elements and a narrative where the player's actions might inadvertently make them the villain.
Ten games I want to play in 2025
This article lists ten games the author is looking forward to playing in 2025, spanning various genres and platforms including Nintendo Switch and PC. Titles mentioned include Fantasy Life i, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, and a collection of Tomb Raider remasters, among others.
