Into The Breach: Defend Humanity From Insectoid Creatures

Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game developed by Subset Games, the creators of Faster Than Light (FTL). Released in February 2018, the game has been praised for its deep strategic gameplay, minimalist design, and replay ability. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Into the Breach an exceptional indie game:

Plot and Setting

Into the Breach is set in a future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to an invasion by giant insectoid creatures known as the Vek. Players control squads of advanced mechs sent back in time to protect what remains of civilization by defeating the Vek and preventing their onslaught. The narrative is relatively sparse but unfolds through mission briefings, pilot interactions, and text-based dialogues, providing context and stakes for each battle.

Gameplay Mechanics

Into the Breach focuses on tactical, turn-based combat on small, grid-based maps. Key gameplay elements include:

Squad Selection: Players choose from different squads of mechs, each with unique abilities and synergies. Custom squads can also be created by mixing and matching mechs from different squads.
Combat: Each mission involves a series of battles on an 8×8 grid. Players must use their mechs’ abilities to destroy Vek, protect civilian structures, and complete objectives. Combat is highly tactical, requiring careful consideration of positioning, enemy movement, and terrain.
Environmental Interaction: The game’s mechanics encourage players to use the environment to their advantage. This includes pushing enemies into hazards, blocking their attacks with terrain, and leveraging environmental effects like tidal waves or seismic activity.
Strategic Objectives: Besides defeating the Vek, players must manage secondary objectives, such as protecting specific buildings, securing resources, or rescuing civilians. Success in these objectives provides bonuses and resources for upgrades.
Permadeath and Time Travel: If a pilot’s mech is destroyed, they can be permanently lost unless rescued. However, if players fail a mission or the entire timeline, they can send one pilot back in time to restart with their experience and abilities intact, allowing for continuous progression despite setbacks.

Visuals and Audio

Into the Breach features a minimalist, pixel art style that prioritizes clarity and readability. The simple but effective graphics ensure that players can easily understand the battlefield and make strategic decisions. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Ben Prunty, enhances the experience with atmospheric and suspenseful tracks that underscore the tension and stakes of each battle.

Narrative and Themes

The narrative of Into the Breach is driven by its high-stakes setting and the overarching goal of saving humanity. Themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the cyclical nature of time play significant roles. The pilots, each with unique backstories and personalities, add depth to the narrative, providing personal stakes and motivations for the player’s actions.

Have you played Into The Breach? What’s your favourite Part of Into The Breach? We’d love to hear from you.

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