Review by Jon Donnis
Miasma Chronicles, a captivating tactical role-playing video game developed by The Bearded Ladies and published by 505 Games. The game is set in 2023, a post-apocalyptic version of the United States. Blending turn-based tactics with stealth game mechanics, this game immerses players in a world devastated by an enigmatic force known as the miasma, a substance that can transform or eliminate all living beings.
In this thrilling post-apocalyptic world, players will uncover the mysteries of the miasma and shape the fate of Elvis and the entire nation, making Miasma Chronicles an unforgettable gaming experience.
In the game, players embark on an epic journey alongside Elvis, a young man who was left as a baby in the care of a robotic older 'brother' in the mining town of Sedentary. His mother's departure, however, bestowed him with a mysterious glove that grants him the power to control the dangerous miasma.
The quest begins as Elvis and Diggs, the robotic caretaker, traverse the post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of answers. The secrets they seek have the potential to alter the course of human history forever, motivating them to push forward despite the dangers that lie ahead.
As players assume the role of Elvis, they'll guide him in his pursuit of his mother and his quest to understand the nature of the miasma. The game unfolds in real time, borrowing mechanics from stealth games to allow players to carefully navigate through the hazardous terrain. Players must be mindful of the enemies' field of vision, as staying undetected is crucial to survival.
Engaging in combat calls for tactical prowess, as battles are turn-based affairs. Players can even recruit additional non-player characters to bolster Elvis and Diggs' ranks. As the game progresses, characters can be further customized through skill trees, offering new abilities and bonuses, though they come with cooldowns to maintain balance.
Miasma Chronicles caters to players of varying skill levels, featuring four difficulty settings that let players adjust the challenge to their liking. Additionally, the tactical combat rules can be optionally simplified, making targeting easier and reducing the impact of random chance.
The Good
As you would expect from a game on the Xbox Series X/S the graphics are exceptional, the cut scenes and the way the camera moves between the action are beautiful to watch.
I loved the design of the anthropomorphic frog enemies; the voice acting is of a high quality and the mix of free roaming exploration and turn based grid combat is well balanced.
There is plenty of areas to explore, never too repetitive. There are plenty of weapons to use, all unique.
The Bad
Some of the political references and pop culture comments will leave you rolling your eyes. Some parts are ridiculously hard, and the game does have a fair few bugs, which I expect will get ironed out in future updates.
Overall
Not perfect, but a fun game that will keep you entertained for a while.
I score Miasma Chronicles on XBOX Series X/S a decent 7.5/10.
Out Now on Xbox
