These Are Them

These Are Them is an indie action-defense game from OugenSoft that blends fast-paced combat, survival mechanics, and strategic decision-making within a dark fantasy setting. Rather than focusing on a lengthy narrative or extensive progression systems, the game centers its experience around challenging encounters and the constant struggle to defend fragile sources of life against relentless waves of hostile creatures. The result is a focused experience that rewards patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn through repeated attempts. The game's world is portrayed as a place consumed by corruption and destruction. Civilization has largely collapsed, leaving only a handful of survivors capable of resisting the forces responsible for the world's downfall. At the center of this conflict are the mysterious hearts known as the These, precious remnants that represent hope and survival. Opposing them are the Them, grotesque creatures driven by an insatiable desire to destroy what little remains. This simple conflict forms the foundation of the game, providing a clear motivation for every battle while maintaining an atmosphere of desperation and impending doom. What immediately separates These Are Them from many modern releases is its approach to teaching players. Instead of offering extensive tutorials or detailed explanations, the game expects players to discover mechanics through experience. This old-school philosophy can initially feel demanding, but it also creates a rewarding learning process. Every failure becomes an opportunity to understand enemy patterns, improve positioning, and develop better strategies. The game places responsibility firmly in the player's hands, creating a stronger sense of achievement whenever a difficult challenge is finally overcome. The core gameplay revolves around defending the These while simultaneously engaging enemies directly. Players are not passive observers placing defenses from a distance; they actively participate in combat, moving through the battlefield and responding to threats in real time. This combination of defense and action creates a dynamic rhythm where offensive pressure and protective responsibilities must constantly be balanced. Ignoring either aspect can quickly lead to defeat, making every encounter feel engaging and demanding. A major source of variety comes from the roster of five playable characters. Each survivor possesses a unique special ability that can dramatically alter the flow of combat. Some abilities excel at eliminating large groups of enemies, while others provide crucial support during overwhelming situations. Because every character offers a different approach to battle, players are encouraged to experiment and discover which playstyle suits them best. These distinct abilities also add replay value, making repeated runs feel noticeably different depending on the chosen survivor. Resource management plays an important role throughout the experience. Energy is required to activate powerful abilities, and replenishing it requires collecting Marks of Forward scattered throughout the battlefield. This mechanic introduces meaningful decision-making because players must determine the most effective moments to unleash their strongest attacks. Reckless use of resources can leave players vulnerable during critical situations, while careful management often becomes the key to surviving later waves. The system adds depth without becoming overly complicated, fitting naturally within the game's fast-paced structure. Enemy encounters are designed to keep pressure on the player from beginning to end. The creatures that make up the Them are more than simple targets; they are the driving force behind the game's oppressive atmosphere. Their strange designs and relentless aggression reinforce the feeling that the player is fighting against an overwhelming force. As stages progress, the increasing intensity of enemy assaults creates a constant sense of urgency that rarely allows players to relax for long. The game features seven stages that gradually increase in difficulty and complexity. While the amount of content may appear modest on paper, the challenge level significantly extends the experience. Success depends less on memorization and more on understanding the game's systems and developing efficient strategies. Players who enjoy overcoming difficult obstacles will likely appreciate the emphasis on mastery, while those seeking a more casual experience may find the learning curve somewhat demanding. Visually, These Are Them embraces a grim fantasy style that effectively communicates the hopelessness of its setting. Dark environments, ominous enemy designs, and intense visual effects help establish a distinct identity. The presentation is supported by energetic combat effects and dramatic audio cues that emphasize the chaos of battle. Together, these elements create an atmosphere that feels consistently tense and appropriately bleak. The game's greatest strength lies in its confidence. It does not attempt to appeal to every audience by simplifying its mechanics or reducing its difficulty. Instead, it embraces a challenging design philosophy built around persistence, experimentation, and improvement. Players who invest time in understanding its systems are rewarded with satisfying victories and a strong sense of accomplishment. The lack of hand-holding may discourage some newcomers, but it also gives the game a distinctive personality that stands out among many contemporary indie releases. Overall, These Are Them is a challenging and memorable hybrid of action and defensive strategy. Its dark world, unique premise, varied character abilities, and emphasis on learning through gameplay combine to create an experience that feels both demanding and rewarding. While its uncompromising difficulty may not suit everyone, players who enjoy skill-based progression and strategic combat will find plenty to appreciate. It succeeds by staying focused on its core strengths and delivering a tense battle for survival that remains engaging throughout its campaign. Rating: 6/10