Menace, the latest strategy game from Hooded Horse, offers a fresh take on turn-based gameplay, diverging from the well-known XCOM series. While initial impressions might suggest similarities, Menace carves its own niche, drawing more parallels to Company of Heroes with a sci-fi twist.
Gameplay Mechanics and Style
Unlike XCOM's focus on small squads and tactical cover, Menace expands the battlefield with larger-scale missions and objectives. Players command named characters leading up to eight soldiers, transforming squads into small armies. This shift emphasizes focus fire and raw power over precise, surgical strikes. The game incorporates cover mechanics but on a grander scale, with missions that involve holding areas against waves of enemies and tracking high-value targets.
Character Dynamics and Player Experience
Menace features distinct, voiced troops, yet the larger squad sizes can dilute player attachment, making losses feel more irritating than tragic. The game balances its sci-fi power fantasy with challenging gameplay, rewarding players while keeping them on their toes. Early access feedback suggests that adjusting expectations can enhance the experience, as the game shows promise despite some rough edges in its current build.
