Death is always lurking around the corner (or beneath the waves) in Depth of Extinction.
The game presents an interesting genre mix between FTL‘s overworld map exploration and XCOM‘s tactical battles. On your quest to reach certain points on the map, you travel from node to node, each of which can lead to firefights with unfriendly sea dwellers intent on causing your crew harm.
Don’t get too attached to your characters in this turn-based tactics game. Especially in the beginning of their career, as they’re unlikely to survive a mission. Of course, it hurts even more to train and have them actually be useful – and then lose them. But such is life on the high seas.
These battles are standard turn-based tactics affairs with to-hit percentages, overwatch, and huddling behind cover. They feel fairly fast-paced thanks to the huge movement range when not engaged in combat. Enemies usually go down in one or two hits, and if you play it safe, your squad will make it through the day.
Your people aren’t exactly well-equipped, and every salvaged item and weapon increases their odds of surviving the next encounter. Even if you lose your crew and are forced to begin your journey from the beginning, equipment carries over, making failure less of a disaster. This is a good, motivating mechanic – and sorely needed to even the odds in your favor.
I haven’t spent nearly enough time with Depth of Extinction to give a final verdict. However, the few hours I put into the game were immensely enjoyable. It has all the makings of a great turn-based tactics game, and I’ll be sure to sink (ha!) some more time into it.
You can purchase Depth of Extinction from Itch.io, GOG, and Steam for $19.99. For more information, visit the game’s website and follow developers HOF Studios on Twitter.
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