Bravada

Ever since I first heard of Bravada I knew I wanted it, the art style really was a selling point and on top of that it is a turned based RPG, a genre i really like to play. However Bravada is more then just an RPG, it is actually rather more a (turned based) strategy game. Still, there is another twist, the levels only go forward, in a straight line and you can't go back. You can place your companions anywhere you want, but you cannot exceed 4 lines. If you move all your team moves in the same direction unless they have an obstacle preventing them to move that way. Your team can grow to as many units as you can keep alive, each unit has their skill (the more typical RPG class kind of skills) and you can't upgrade their gear (you can for the main character). Except when they level up, it is sometimes possible to upgrade them to another kind of unit. For example a healer can heal one unit or you can opt to advance him so that he can heal multiple people but ofcourse less health will be gained. Units only have a limited field of effectiveness, so it is possible that your healer can't heal another unit because it is out of range. It's up to you to arrange your team in such a way that every unit can do its job in the best possible way. Every level brings something new to the table, that way these simple mechanics keep the game fresh. It's a funny little game, it doesn't take itself too serious and this is notable in the story (a dwarf on a quest for a beard) and it continues this humorous tone throughout the game. So, in case you expect a serious game, this is not it. I know some people are turned off by these kind of games, and sometimes it can be overdone, but i never got that feeling here. Music, sound and graphics are all very well done. Simple, but effective. I can recommend this game, it does what it does well. And if you manage to buy this in a sale it is super value for money, even though it is a bit short. I wouldn't mind a sequel at all. The game works great on Linux/SteamOS, configure your Steam controller as a mouse and it works like a charm. The game is build on the unity engine and pops up a resolution selection screen at start, because of this it doesn't work with the Steam Link.