October 27th, 2012 | By Alex Wilkinson
Tagged in: mac game | PC Game | permadeath | roguelike | squad based
Roguelike games and variants on the genre have really had a revival in recent years. From the zany take that Gaslamp Games managed to Edmund McMillen’s dark Zelda approach there has been a wide variety so far.
The roguelike revival has been very interesting and I have greatly enjoyed what has come from it so it gives me even more joy to see more developers heading this way. Steam Marines is a new take on the genre developed in a steampunk manner, combining two of my favourite things.
From a studio called Worthless Bums Steam Marines is a great looking new take on this vibrant genre. Taking a turn based squad approach Steam Marines is a squad based strategy that embraces a lot of what makes roguelikes really unique.
With procedural generated levels, randomization of pick-ups and of course the favorite permadeath Steam Marines looks to be a great addition to the genre.
I like the idea of a squad based game that seems to border on similar lines to that of X-Com one of the classics from yester-year that has also had a stark and recent revival. The squad dynamic really seems to add a nice level of progression and tension as you work your way through this nightmare repelling the alien invasion from your ship.
Currently still in development Steam Marines is heading to the Pc and Mac early next year and looks fantastic already. It can be voted for on Steam greenlight if this idea appeals to you and can be followed on Indiedb along with the official site here. Via the official site you are able to try the current alpha and judge for yourself if this game really is for you.
Alex Wilkinson (567 posts)
Full time gamer part time writer and a Graduate of King College London I have been playing computer games ever since the days of the much loved Amiga. Playing a broad spectrum of games over as many platforms as possible with a distinct obsession with RTS games even though lacking in much of the micro ability. Tweet me @alexwilkinson