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Mercs is a turn-based tactical combat game that is still in Early Access and will get more content in the future. The game has singleplayer, local and online multiplayer modes. For this review, I have only tested the singleplayer mode.
The player is introduced to the game through a good and funny tutorial (always welcome, in my opinion).
Your goals are displayed at the top of the screen. You earn victory points by reaching your goals. The person with the most victory points at the end will win the game.
You get to deploy your Mercs at the beginning of a level… Each level has 10 turns, and you need to reach your goal in those allowed turns.
When you begin each level, you can select from various Mercs, with some that need to be unlocked. In the beginning, you can choose from 4 different Mercs. Each turn, your Mercs can move one hex block. Each Merc has different skills that can be used. You are allowed to only use the same skill per turn on one enemy unit. Some skills cannot be used after movement, while others can be used only if no other skills have been used that turn. You just have to make the best decisions in order to achieve victory.
As expected, most skills cost action points, some skills require you to accrue enough before using. There are flags on the map, you gain control of it by placing a Merc on the space. When you do, this will earn you an action point each turn by staying there. In addition, loot boxes fall out of the sky each turn, if you open those, you also get an action point as well.
Each Merc has a specific amount of HP. Should this drop to zero, the Merc will die. However, HP loss is not carried to the next turn, so every Merc is fully recovered by the beginning of each turn. While this is nice for you, this also applies to your enemies.
Some map hex locations will provide you cover, and you should make good use of these spots. Both you and your enemies can go into cover. This means that you have hit them twice as hard to destroy them.
After you run out of moves for the turn, you click to progress to the next turn. At this point, your enemy will take its turn.
This is not an easy game by any means. Even on the easiest levels, the AI is still rather challenging to beat.
The board can be rotated for better view.
Winning games awards you stars. These then further unlock new Mercs and progression in the game.
The graphics in the game are very bright and colorful.
The fonts used are slightly difficult for me to read.
The developer is very helpful and responds quickly, should you encounter any problems. It would be nice for the game to have achievements, but that is certainly not required to enjoy the game.
This game has a really low asking price for the amount of content. If you like tactical turn-based battle games and want a game that is easy to learn, then this is a good choice for you. Despite its early access nature, it has enough material to keep you occupied for a while. You can play in short spurts too, so if you are in a time squeeze, you can still have some quick fun. I would recommend this game.
Disclaimer: The copy of the game was provided by the publisher, however, it did not influence my opinion in any way.
