Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics is one of a handful of games to come out in 2018 featuring Lovecraftian mythos. This time we are given a turn based strategy and role playing game that was backed on Kickstarter and is now available on Steam with console releases later this year. It is actually based in the same universe as a popular pen and paper role playing game with the same name. It was created by Auroch Digital and produced by Ripstone.
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics Relives World War II With a Twist
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics takes place in an alternate World War II where the Nazi’s have summoned Lovecraftian monsters to give them a big advantage in the war. You play as a member of Charlie Company. A group of Allied Force fighters who are behind enemy lines with the task to take down the Nazi’s and their monsters.
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics is an XCOM style game that has RPG style elements. After a mission is completed you level up your characters with a skill tree. Here you can also equip them with weapons and items you picked up during the levels. Side missions are available if you want to get more items or equipment. They are not required but handy if you want to get some upgrades.
What Is Hiding in the Shadows?
The Charlie Company fighters all have their unique strengths, weapons that they specialize in and different combat abilities. When the level starts there is a lot of exploring to do to uncover enemies and items that hide in the shadows. Combat Mode is triggered as soon as an enemy sees you. For your turn you have at least 12 attack points per character to spend on actions. If you leveled up your character they may have more AP.
When you move a character around going a short distance which is cheaper than if you try to go far which may cost all your points. There is a handy action bar that shows you all the options you can do each turn at the bottom of the screen. So you can figure out the best use of your points.
Whatever you do, don’t get stressed out!
Shooting the enemy costs 4 points. It is best to only target enemies that are in your viewing area or there is a high chance they will miss the shot. Keep in mind each weapon has an ideal distance to attack from, close medium and far. So this helps you choose who to send to light up and scout the area for the other characters. Be sure to watch your heart meters. Make sure no one gets too stressed out or they will go mad and you can’t control what they do!
After all of your team members have used up their points or if you decide to end your turn the enemy gets to take their turn. The AI is pretty good in this game. They do a good job of making sure they are just out of your distance or luring you to other enemies. When the enemy is fired on they try to retreat. Though at times the enemy was right beside and they never attacked.
When enemies enter the level if they aren’t in your units Reveal Cone they will be dark shadowy figures as they are in The Shroud. If an enemy is in your Reveal Cone or Cone of Vision you will have a better choice of hitting them when you attack. The enemy will then have a harder time hitting you and is more likely to miss.
You go into Overwatch if you have Momentum Points to use. If the enemy moves while you are watching them you will automatically attack. Momentum Points are earned when things go well in the level. The box on the top left of the screen shows how much MP you have.
When the enemies attack, Combat Mode starts. If a character takes damage from an enemy, his luck meter will decrease. When it hits 0, your health will start to decrease. When the encounter ends your luck is restored. Health damage isn’t recovered until the mission is over. Once you complete your objectives and defeat all the enemies you have to go to the goal. Follow the circle with the star in it to get to the finish area.
This game would have been more effective if there was more tension and suspense. If scary and creepy stuff started showing up right from the get go. On this play through, the enemy never attacked until the 4th mission. So there wasn’t really any sense of urgency or much need to be sneaky.
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics is very linear and doesn’t let you do much for exploring on the map. It feels very repetitive and was a lot easier to play in short bursts than hours at a time. If you don’t have too much time to play it’s alright. Just pause and save your mission at any point. If you are a huge turn based strategy fan there may be something here for you if you want an easier challenge.
