評論

• gamedeal user

  Oct 6, 2021

  Fantastic game that does a lot of things right: - Minimal story. The absolute last thing I want in a tactical combat game is an overload of lore standing between me and the next fight. Urtuk has enough lore to set the scene, but doesn't bother me with walls of text. - Lots of playable creatures and factions. Pretty much any creature you encounter can be unlocked or recruited. - No RNG in combat. You're never guessing if you'll do X damage or hoping your ranged attack hits. You know. Combat feels very fair and is purely skill-based. You just never have to rely on luck. - Great artwork. I do wish there were more decorative objects, i.e. houses or fences in villages or more plant variety, but that's purely cosmetic. - Lots of freedom. The Mutation feature lets you customize abilities and traits of creatures, and enhance gear however you like. There are very few limitations (i.e. a mutator can only be forged into a specific weapon type). No restrictions on party size either - if you want a band of 40+ characters, you can have it. Or slaughter some for resources. The one thing I'd like to see changed or otherwise addressed: Creatures don't have skins. There are plenty of banners to pick from to tell them apart, and each creature type can unlock a champion skin, but sometimes it is still difficult to see who is who if all are piled up in one spot or partially covered by larger creatures. Darkest Dungeon-style skins with different colors would help a lot. It's a very minor issue and mostly a cosmetic one though.
• gamedeal user

  Oct 8, 2021

  I felt a little dirty having completed Urtuk but not leaving a recommendation, despite it being such a hidden (if unpolished) gem, so here goes. Let's get the obvious stuff out of the way first: Hurr durr, it looks like Battle Brothers with a Darkest Dungeon aesthetic. I know. But those two games are pretty unhelpful comparisons because they both rely heavily on RNG as a crutch for both difficulty and variety in combat - in both of these games you can pick the objectively best course of action and still have a 5% chance of getting critically fistf****d by RNG. Urtuk does not need to do this because of the large variety of enemies, their passive and active skills, and the interactive nature of the fairly large pool of map layouts. The difficulty presents itself in the amount of variables you have to take into account when you make decisions - you have a lot of options available to you, and you can spend many hours in the game and still feel like you're getting progressively better at making decisions. This is, in my opinion, the core of what makes a good strategy game - and that's exactly just what Urtuk is. I feel like that needs spelling out: This is [b]all[/b] Urtuk is. Consider that a compliment as well as a bit of a warning - A small indie team made this game (one guy). Story, voice-acting, world-building... all the fat, fluff and filler went out the window to make a robust combat system. You'll need the mindset of "I'm here to make interesting tactical decisions for the next 50 to 70 hours and that it". Waiting for plot-twists, character development, romance options and interactive minigames will leave you disappointed and the game will quickly feel monotonous and the encounters become repetitive. But play this game for the right reason, exclusively tactical combat, and there's a lot of fun to be had in the diversity of how you build your party roster and individual characters. The AI is a little abusable, but it won't break the game before you have played enough to get your moneys' worth of playtime, and honestly I think that criticism can be targeted at most tactical games that doesn't rely on RNG to invalidate your decision-making. Anyway, easy recommendation. Hopefully the dev will calm down being such a cool dude and start working on something I (brainwashed consumer that I am) can pay for rather than free content. Would love to see Urtuk 2, maybe with just a little more fluff to break the monotony next time. I'm sure Urtuk 2 would go mainstream if it just had a flesh monster dating minigame.
• gamedeal user

  Oct 12, 2021

  The game is like into the breach meets battle brothers, with the style of Darkest Dungeon. The battles and tactics are so good. I have to force myself to stop playing, because I consistently have that "one more battle before I quit" feeling. Highest recommendations! So glad I discovered this game.
• gamedeal user

  Jan 17, 2022

  Decent game, but has some issues. Biggest, is that it is incredibly grindy. Mutator grind - RNG to get them, and you need to get each to drop 4 times to not give a serious health debuff, or need ~25 battles to absorb. A few to start the process, then ~20ish to actually absorb. Then your guys need traits, and these are finicky to get, and get harder to get as the game progresses, making it much more of a pita to swap to a new character. Executioner - when an enemy has less than 40% hp do 3x damg. To get: Kill an enemy with 50%+ hp in a single strike. 6 times, or more, as you actually need to get it to start tracking them. Still, it is pretty fun, and does scratch that tactical itch. If you're looking for a new tactical rpg, it'll def fill that want.
• gamedeal user

  Mar 6, 2022

  While it has solid tactical rpg elements, it's honestly a bit dull. You just jump from one battle into the next over and over, with the objective of "reach the next area." A lot of people seem to be comparing this to Battle Brothers, but it only really seems to be because of the battle system, there's really very little else in common. There's not much of a strategy layer or campaign, you just walk from POI to POI on a randomly generated map, fighting a battle on pretty much every move. If all you're interested in is a different skin of tactical combat, go for it. But honestly, it doesn't really capture my attention like games like XCOM or Battle Brothers would.
• gamedeal user

  Jun 13, 2022

  Excellent tactical combat, with a decent character development possibilities. The overworld however is sorely lacking compared to the games it is compared to (e.g. Battle Brothers). This is not a game with towns and cities you visit for various services, no merchants, travelers, soldiers, bandits, etc moving between and around them to interact with. It has the terms "Open World" and "Exploration" in the description, but that's really stretching those definitions. You just go from node to node fighting the set battle in each node till you complete that level and advance to the next, more like FTL. If you like tactical combat and only tactical combat, you would like this game. If you like your combat games to have "Open Word" "Exploration" mechanics, this isn't it.
• gamedeal user

  Jul 2, 2022

  Tactically behexed

  Urtuk: The Desolation is one those respectable indie games which rather than strive for something grandiose, aims for a more focused and down-to-earth approach. Urtuk simply means business, and the item of the day is all-you-can-eat buffet of turn-based tactical combat, served in dystopian fantasy setting. If an endless stream of tactical skirmishes on mostly procedurally generated hex-based arenas sounds like your type of evening, the title in question is bound to sate this appetite to bursting. A bold statement? Perhaps. Let’s take a closer look at the menu and let it speak for itself. Doom and Gloom Nothing captures this title’s straight-to-business approach quite like its lore. Urtuk: The Desolation depicts a story of one Urtuk and his band of companions, facing the desolated wilderness of a dying world. One day the titular hero is saved from the dungeon of a devious alchemist along with 2 other inmates. Being a living test subject left Urtuk’s body ravaged by steadily progressing mutation – an ailment he is willing to cure, even if it means going to the other end of the world to do so. Frankly, that’s essentially all there is to the game’s story, a simple motivation to spur the band of warriors on. While it can be a letdown to some, the overworld at large serves as a respite between skirmishes rather than the opposite. Despite a general lack of narrative, Urtuk’s visuals manage to convey a remarkably dour vision of the state of the game’s world. The title’s settlements are a bunch of rugged tents, palisades and scarce walls. Battlefields are littered by peculiar statues hinting existence of some greater force in ages past. The game’s comic-styled visuals are gritty and most enemy designs are downright hideous. What possibly best captures this title’s atmosphere is the ultimate fate of unwanted party members. The player doesn’t merely kick obsolete or wounded warriors out of the party, the only option to terminate the employment of an unwanted underling is to literally butcher them for one of the resources. No one even bats an eye when the deed is done. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2828972369 Steep curves Grizzly visuals notwithstanding, Urtuk: the Desolation is foremost about the unrelenting battles, one turn at a time. I would like to say that this title fits into “easy to play hard to master” category although this is not really the case. This title starts as already challenging and with time only gradually becomes more complex, as to keep the player engaged once you get the proper grasp of the basics. When the game itself states its “adventure” mode is very challenging you better take its word for it. I was sent reeling back to the drawing board with my warband bloodied several times and there are 3 higher difficulty levels available for those seeking particularly punishing experience. What makes this title’s learning curve particularly steep is the plain, yet deviously effective way in which Urtuk raises stakes of each fight. The game takes relatively liberal approach to health, as each combatant fully heals provided they survive the current skirmish. It gets tricky when they don’t, the first “death” causes the warrior in question to enter “injured” state. Should the injured combatant fall again, they will die proper. The HP of an injured character is significantly reduced. To make matters worse, if the wounded character is not treated using a medicine, they will eventually succumb to their injuries. Thus, Urtuk has a little of a betting game worked into the mix. To gain something substantial, like taking control of a village that provides supplies necessary for production of said medicines the player must commit their warband to fights against superior enemy numbers. Make no mistake, your warriors will fall, especially at later stages of the game. The true question is how much can you sacrifice for a possible gain and can you exert sufficient control over the battlefield to keep own losses in check. Alas, the game is a constant struggle for survival with the player being constantly pressed to gather one of the game’s resources to barely get by. Tinker, Tailor, Marksman, Warrior More than deserving a separate mention are the fighters themselves. Human faction (the only one available for the first playthrough) comes with a surprising variety of classes, each with a distinctive set of skills to set them apart from the rest. Life-leeching bloodknight, javeliner able to both strike from afar and alter elevation of neighbouring tiles, an armoured guardian able to shield allies and the list goes on to impressive total of 13 different characters. The warband may be composed from any 6 warriors providing substantial room for experimentation and encouraging a myriad of viable playstyles. However, as far as this title is concerned, this is merely a warmup. Each character may be fitted with a set of mutations – passive effects capable of significantly improving or altering a warrior’s performance. Theoretically, having 6 warriors of a single class, tailored to fill different roles using mutators alone, is a legitimate option. Nuances of Urtuk only increase from there. Your warriors gain specific perks related to their performance in combat. In case the gameplay loop was getting a little stale, in spite all of the above – there are multiple factions, gradually introduced as the player ventures into the new areas. Admittedly, Human faction is by far the most varied one and serves as a framework for the others. Nonetheless, there are as many as 10 other factions, each having a distinct theme, visuals and at least a slight variation that sets every warrior apart from their counterparts in other factions. To give credit’s where it’s due, Urtuk provides tutorials for pretty much everything mentioned, however the mind-boggling level of details involved makes an attempt at keeping track of everything a fool’s errand. Especially taking into account that one may recruit from almost any faction, not just the starting one. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2828972592 Panicking! Urtuk: The Desolation’s complexity is this title’s biggest virtue or vice depending on who you ask. The game’s intricacy is likely to appeal to veterans of the tactical genre and equally likely to overwhelm and discourage any newcomers. There is an “exploration” mode designed to remedy the steep learning curve for those wishing for more laid-back experience with the game, still there is a lot to keep a track of in Urtuk. Furthermore, while the heated drumming serving as the background of each fight is functional, it is also a single looping track, which occasionally has an audible pause before starting over. Another aspect of the game that vexed me was the panicking mechanic. Provided the player can deal overwhelming damage or kill a leader of an enemy warband, some foes will cry out in anguish and expose themselves to damage. Overall a neat touch, however it also applies to non-humanoid beasts and utilizes the same lines of text as a run-of-the-mill footman for a monstrosity that doesn’t appear to have mental faculties to experience fear, let alone voice it. A little more faction-specific variety to the enemy quips would help immersion a lot. Ultimately, Urtuk: The Desolation is the exact kind of gem I enjoy playing indie games for. A title thoroughly dedicated to delivering its core premise to the best of its developer’s ability and adding a little extra on top through effort alone. I can highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys turn-based combat. Do give this title a try, it legitimately deserves more recognition than it currently receives.
• Papa Is Home

  Nov 14, 2022

  makes the goo in my brain happy
• gamedeal user

  Dec 26, 2022

  I think there is something good inside the game, but i cannot bring myself to care and continue after the first 15 mins. There is an odd lack of polish stemming from offputting font to an unexpected placement of language selection. You need to choose something (characters, items) at the very beginning of the first campaign, but you have no clue what any of that means and why you should care. The first map is very odd: instead of showing you the tactical diversity of the game, you are doing nothing more than move-hit-move-hit. Then, you are dropped into the global map, and you go like "what? why?" You can click on place and start new battles which are also not quite engaging. So, why bother?
• gamedeal user

  Jan 2, 2023

  I like Urtuk The Desolation. Please take a look if you value a more Audio / Visual experience, as I discuss the game as I battle my way through it; in some semblance of style perhaps! https://youtu.be/LtjciVxYw7g Urtuk The Desolation is an Indie, Open World, Turn Based Tactics RPG set in a Post Apocalyptic, Low fantasy land, on a freakin Hex Grid! OMG! Can you say tactical?!

  Procedural Generation + Hex Grid! OMG!

  You journey through the campaign, picking your own path forward, and from 5 different difficulty settings, plus an optional ironman Perma Death mode for those hungry for the Roguelike experience. Procedural Generation is present in this campaign, where you roam the open world, engaging in intense Hex grid battles where position and terrain effects really matter.

  Intensely Tactical Combat!

  The combat is a bit like Battle Brothers, but the battles here in Urtuk The Desolation are VERY defined by the closed in terrain, the elevation changes, the mud, spikes, and traps on the battlefield, and less the mostly orderly formations of Battle Brothers, designed to contain, isolate and destroy the enemy. It’s a nice change, and the truly wild and grim art style really sets it apart. Enemies have morale effects as well, and some will panic and flee if their morale drops too low, like if they see an ally fall, and their will to fight on crumbles. Stamina System + Character Initiative Present A Stamina system is present, and much like in Battle Brothers, if you drain too much stamina, your character is out of breath, and can’t use abilities until their next turn. Passing a turn restores some stamina and speed, and adds a layer of depth to the combat, as this allows 1 character to be overwhelmed by the many, reinforcing that this is a tactics RPG with many characters, not a 1 man show! Plus, when you lvl up your characters, you can specialize a character towards more stamina if you wish, enabling them to potentially swing more if the situation presents itself. In Urtuk The Desolation, by default you have a move and an action, similar to D&D aligned systems, and differing from the Battle Brothers AP system. There is also a speed system, which determines initiative order, which determines which units act next. This adds another layer of tactical depth that would simply not be present if the game adapted a much simpler ‘your team go, other team go style of play’, as seen in games offering much less tactical depth. Thankfully, Urtuk The Desolation did NOT go this way, and offers the full tactical experience for those hungry for a bit of low magic, Post Apocalyptic RPG Fantasy fun!

  The Terrain Is a Killer!

  I mentioned the closed in terrain, the elevation, the mud, spikes, and traps on the battlefield, but I did not mention how damaging and outright deadly it can be! Those vicious spikes you see on the battle map, walk on those and take 15% max hp damage! OUCH! Bashed or Pushed into a Barricade? 15% Max Hp Damage! Oh, you walked in Mud? You Fool! Lose 25 speed and take 25% more damage while there! Ouch! Walk over burning oil? Burn! For 10% Max Hp Damage! 🔥 And Catapults can launch this stuff everywhere! Elevation matters too. If you or any enemy fall 2 elevation changes or more, they will become immobilized for a turn, cool! Oh, you were Bashed off a ledge onto pointy spikes? You DEAD! 💀 Though, death is not a big deal in Urtuk The Desolation, assuming your side wins the battle, they patch you up to around 50% life, and you will slowly recover over time, assuming you don’t drop again while injured. You can also use found or crafted medicine to heal to full, but, if they drop again while injured, they are gone for good. Also, Hp damage is not the end of the world, assuming you win, characters heal to full after each battle, as long as they do not drop! And sometimes, the environment can help, as Tall Grass reduces ranged damage a targets takes by 25 %, so sometimes, the terrain can help you, and your enemies too! But in general: The Environment here is Vicious and Nasty, and HATES YOU, and Wants You Dead! I LOVE IT! Good news though, it ALSO hates your enemies; it HATES EVERYONE! Its fair like that. 👍

  Meta Progression Present, But Not Vital to Win

  Meta Progression is present, but in a more Tales of Maj’Eyal (ToME) sense, where the unlock-able alternative starting parties and extreme higher difficulties present different challenges, not a stronger party, as the starting human party choices are good. So, Urtuk The Desolation is far more Roguelike than Roguelite! So, if an Extremely Tactical, Turn-Based RPG appeals to you, give Urtuk The Desolation a glance with me, and see this Indie, Hex Grid packing, Tactics RPG in action! Did I mention the Great music too! Massive CONAN VIBES! YES! Watch?