The Troop: A Tactical Triumph
Turning back the clock on war games with a turn-based, tactical delight
last updated Nov 14, 2023
A beautifully challenging blend of strategy, history, and tactical gameplay.
Tactical Brilliance or Historical Blunder?
The Troop, priced at $39.99, steps into the war-torn boots of WW2 platoon-level combat with a panache that's hard to ignore. This is turn-based strategy done right, folks. Reminiscent of classics like Xcom, The Troop lets you dive into the Normandy front with either British and Canadian or German forces. The gameplay feels like a blend of modern mechanics with a respectful nod to historical accuracy. The scenarios offer balanced tactical challenges that require more than just brute force to overcome. The AI? Smart enough to keep you on your toes, but not so genius that you're left banging your head against the desk. And with overwatch mechanics in place, prepare for some truly cinematic moments of warzone brilliance.
Sound of War: More Than Just Gunfire
Audio-wise, The Troop doesn't miss a beat. The soundscape immerses you in a battlefield environment that's as tense as it is thrilling. From the distant rumble of tanks to the crisp orders of your squad leaders, the audio design complements the game's tactical depth perfectly. The music? It's like someone put Wagner in a blender with Hans Zimmer - dramatic, fitting, and excellent at raising the stakes. You might not be humming these tunes in the shower, but they'll definitely keep your heart racing during a tight skirmish.
Visuals: A Mix of Grit and Glory
Graphically, The Troop is a bit of a mixed bag. It's like the developers wanted to create a war museum but had to settle for a high school history project budget. The unit models and terrain are detailed enough to keep things interesting, but don't expect any groundbreaking visuals. Performance-wise, it's as smooth as a well-oiled M1 Garand. No major bugs to report, but let's just say the graphics won't be giving your GPU a workout. It's more about substance over style here, and that's perfectly fine for the tactical purists among us.
A Few Bullets Short of a Full Clip
While The Troop excels in many areas, it's not without its minor skirmishes. The AI, while competent, can sometimes feel a tad too prescient, as if it's read your playbook. And let's talk about the RNG - it's like playing poker with someone who only kinda knows the rules. Sure, it adds to the challenge, but sometimes you just want to see your well-laid plans come together without the whims of the dice gods. On the flip side, the game's pacing is like a slow burn that rewards strategic thinking and patience, making each victory feel earned.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Giant Flame
Publisher
PLA Studios
Release Date
October 18, 2023
Verdict
The Troop is a masterful blend of tactical gameplay and historical immersion. Its balanced scenarios, intelligent AI, and solid sound design make for a compelling war game experience. While the graphics might not win any beauty contests, they serve their purpose well. The game's few quirks, like occasionally psychic AI and capricious RNG, don't detract from an overall engaging experience. For those who relish a strategic challenge and have a soft spot for history, The Troop is a battle worth enlisting in. It's a tactical triumph that proves sometimes, the old ways are still the best.
