Miasma Chronicles (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): May 23, 2023
- Release Date (EU): May 23, 2023
- Publisher: 505 Games
- Developer: The Bearded Ladies
- Genres: Turn-based RPG
- Also For: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Game Features:
In a world devastated by the cryptic force known as the miasma, protagonist Elvis is on a quest to find his mother. But this won’t be an easy journey as Elvis will encounter numerous obstacles as he ventures to find answers. However, this quest won’t be a lonely one as he will be aided by his robotic brother Diggs and other allies he makes on the way.
Will Elvis find his mother and is he prepared to uncover the secrets of his world? That’s what you’ll need to find out by playing Miasma Chronicles.
An original universe where sci-fi meets fantasy
With Miasma Chronicles, Swedish developer The Bearded Ladies crafted an original universe. The metallic goo-filled world is intriguing with its deserted buildings, damaged vehicles littered around and cryptic inhabitants from anthropomorphic frogs to a talkative head in a jar. The overall post-apocalyptic sci-fi scenes with fantasy elements add to the game’s originality.
The game’s universe is further fleshed out by audio logs that you can collect while exploring as well as through side quests to learn more about your fellow inhabitants. Dialogues are also voice acted, although I found that it can often be unconvincing.
In addition, the plot can occasionally feel rushed. Some story beats and character arcs would have benefitted from some additional exposition to feel more satisfying.
Turn-based, stealth gameplay that scratches that XCOM itch
If you’ve played one of The Bearded Ladies’ previous games, such as Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden and Corruption 2029, you’ll know what type of gameplay to expect out of Miasma Chronicles. This means it involves exploration from a top-down perspective interspersed with XCOM-styled combat sequences.
While exploring, you’ll get to see more of the world and interact with NPCs; some of whom will send you on side quests. Exploration is rewarded as you get to find audio logs that flesh out the universe and items that can help you in combat.
When it comes to facing off enemies, you will practically always be outnumbered, whether you’re facing robots, humans or cryptic creatures. To give you an edge, Miasma Chronicles incorporates a stealth mechanic that allows you to sneak around the map to position your characters. In some cases, this can allow you to covertly take down some unsuspecting enemies without sounding off the alarm.
After ambushing some targets, you might need to face some foes head-on and you can control each of your party members to do that. They each have two action points every turn, which can be used to either move, attack, reload, use items or use an ability. You’ll also want to strategically position your character to provide cover and/or fire from a height to land extra hits.
As you progress, you will have up to three party members (and rotate between more). Each character brings new combat abilities such as Jade’s sniper rifle or Elvis’ Miasma-controlling glove. They each have a skill tree of their own that you can upgrade to provide stats boots and unlock new combat abilities.
Intriguing combat, underwhelming plot
Combat is really where Miasma Chronicles shines and developer The Bearded Ladies has been focusing on its stealth-focused, turn-based formula since its first title. Witnessing your strategy play out in combat sequences delivers a satisfying feeling. However, there is a slight learning curve and in addition, I encountered post-launch bugs that would lead to screen hanging. This required a restart to fix but it should have been ironed out by now.
This title will offer decent entertainment for fans of XCOM or Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden and its combat gameplay loop will satisfy that itch. However, for a more polished package, the overall plot and character development can feel underwhelming and would have benefitted from more depth.
Miasma Chronicles Launch Trailer
Verdict
- Gripping turn-based combat
- Original universe
- Occasionally rushed plot
- Unconvincing voice acting
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