Kriegsfront Tactics is an upcoming turn-based mech tactics RPG set in an alternate 1970s, during a conflict in Southeast Asia. You play as a commander of a mech squad sent behind enemy lines. You’ll need to manage your squad, resources, and mechs; complete missions, and make tough decisions.
I played the Prologue, which is releasing on Steam on the 17th of July. The prologue – which is about an hour long – introduces some of the characters, the standard gameplay mechanics and gives a good feel for the sort of moral quandaries that will arise in the main story. I’ve got to be upfront and say that I’m not overly experienced with tactics games, but I managed to complete the prologue without too many casualties!
Kriegsfront Tactics combines elements from classic tactical strategy RPGs, roguelikes, and features retro-style visuals. The vibe is very clearly 80s action movie inspired, with lots of banter and dramatics from the squad. A lot of it was fun, I love a schlocky action movie, but there were a few occasions when it seemed like it was trying a little too hard.
Each mech is different, and is customisable with different parts and weapons – although you won’t get the chance to do this in the prologue it is mentioned. The game emphasises strategic planning, requiring players to manage resources, navigate procedurally generated maps, and make tactical decisions in turn-based combat. As you navigate the overworld you’ll come across random battles outside of the main story, which you can chose to engage in or go out of your way to avoid, which isn’t something I’ve experienced in a tactics game before.
Combat involves positioning your mechs, using terrain to your advantage, and executing coordinated attacks. I particularly enjoyed the movement of the mechs, they dash across the terrain in a really fun manner, and the different abilities of the squad made me really think about my positioning and AP. The cover mechanic and fog of war also worked well; although it sometimes felt unclear as to why one of my team was no longer in cover. There’s also the classic tactics “issue” of missing your opponents – and while the evade chance is clearly stated when you set up an attack, it seemed a little arbitrary especially on the final mission.
Altogether, I had a really fun time with the prologue. It had a fun 80s action movie vibe, alongside it’s retro game aesthetics and the mechanics were well explained even to a tactics newbie like myself. If you’re a fan of mechs, tactics and Kurt Russell movies I’d recommend giving it a shot when it drops on July 17th.
