Into the Breach

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 463 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 328 out of 463
  2. Mixed: 88 out of 463
  3. Negative: 47 out of 463

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  1. hassall
    Apr 15, 2020
    7
    Good strategy game but it can get quite boring and repetitive, sometimes the game can put you thorough impossible situations.
  2. Mvrak
    Sep 9, 2020
    5
    It's like playing chess. Meaning you might not find out if you messed up until 10 turns later. And if you find out then you've lost everything and have to start over. If I could pick a word to describe this it would be masochistic. I did not find a sense of exploration anywhere in the game.
  3. Crimert
    Jun 18, 2020
    6
    It's a decent strategy game. But it gets boring after a while. 1hr on record.
  4. Vanco
    Jun 4, 2019
    7
    Interesting and fun combat mechanics, but lacks the replayability that FTL had.
  5. stherkelsen
    Mar 13, 2018
    7
    I dunno, maybe I'm the only one, but after initially being challenging, the game gets kinda boring and repetitive. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and you're just going to roll every round. I got tired of doing the same islands, same final fight, repeat. It's fun, not super replayable.
  6. denwer
    Jan 24, 2019
    7
    I totally agree with skdursh and stherkelsen. The game has good graphics, music and some interesting gameplay mechanics, although gameplay looks and feels well at first, after 2-3 hours you understand there is nothing new and interesting left that game can give you.

    The main issue with this game is the lack of content and interesting mechanics to make replayability worthwhile, i.e. if    I totally agree with skdursh and stherkelsen. The game has good graphics, music and some interesting gameplay mechanics, although gameplay looks and feels well at first, after 2-3 hours you understand there is nothing new and interesting left that game can give you.

    The main issue with this game is the lack of content and interesting mechanics to make replayability worthwhile, i.e. if you play 1 island (about 5-6 missions, which will take about 1-2 hours) you already see the most part of the game. Other islands have different enemies and you can upgrade your mechs after some time, but core mechanics stay the same and aforementioned facts don't add freshness to the game.

    Don't get me wrong it is still a good turn-based strategy game, but for me, it is not deep enough with a low variety of scenarios to call it a really great and deep game. Maybe I missed something, but for me, FTL was much deeper and more interesting.

    P.S: It's a pity that there is no PvP mode (even local) to play with friends (mechs vs insects OR mech vs mechs).    … Expand
  7. skdursh
    Apr 10, 2018
    7
    Fun little strategy game but the user reviews going full on fanboy with the 10/10's and the critic review score of a 90 is WAY overblown and just goes to show how ridiculously disingenuous the gaming industry is. It's a fun game, but it's not anything super special. Barely any story, which doesn't really matter because gameplay can make up for that and the gameplay is there, but afterFun little strategy game but the user reviews going full on fanboy with the 10/10's and the critic review score of a 90 is WAY overblown and just goes to show how ridiculously disingenuous the gaming industry is. It's a fun game, but it's not anything super special. Barely any story, which doesn't really matter because gameplay can make up for that and the gameplay is there, but after playing through a few maps you've basically already experienced everything the game has to offer in terms of gameplay. Sure, there are different types of units that you can eventually buy and play with, but the core gameplay loop is always the same. Good as a little time-killer but 10/10 territory this is NOT.… Expand
  8. sh4dow
    Mar 2, 2018
    10
    I don't get people who say that the game is short, easy, lacking in content, etc.
    I've played for 13h by now and have only finished the game once on Normal (4 islands), once on Easy (3 islands) and am half-way through Hard (2 islands). I've only unlocked a small fraction of the game (there is a whole bunch of different mechs and pilots to unlock - I guess that other reviewer "Rrichard"    I don't get people who say that the game is short, easy, lacking in content, etc.
    I've played for 13h by now and have only finished the game once on Normal (4 islands), once on Easy (3 islands) and am half-way through Hard (2 islands). I've only unlocked a small fraction of the game (there is a whole bunch of different mechs and pilots to unlock - I guess that other reviewer "Rrichard" missed the menu where you can do that...) and playing Hard for the first time, I already had a moment where the grid was down to 1 point (at 0, it's Game Over...) and am not at all sure that I will be able to finish it.

    But even if I will be - it certainly was challenging and I can't wait to try out other mechs and complete all sorts of achievements (which are needed to unlock more stuff ingame). There's also a fairly large amount of variety in the missions you're presented with. Sure, after the 5th playthrough or so, you will probably have tried them all but... that's nothing to sneeze at in my opinion.

    And the more you play it on Hard, the more you realize how incredibly fine-tuned the AI is. I'm not sure whether they always attack in the ideal manner because often times when I thought about my next move for like 5 minutes and at first not seeing how I can pull it off without failing an objective or sacrificing grid power, I thought of a sequence of moves that would resolve those issues. It seems like probably no other combination would have resolved this better and makes me wonder whether NPCs intentionally attack in a way that there is usually a solution that requires very little sacrifice (if any at all). I don't know but I do know that it's a great feeling every time, just like solving a really tough puzzle.    … Expand
  9. djdnauk
    Jul 27, 2018
    7
    not a bad game a lot like advance wars but no way near as good overall... will probably play this until wargroove comes out, to satisfy any turn based strategy gaming itches i get... wargroove is absolute top of the list for awesome looking turn based strategy games though, its a straight AW clone with level creator and online multiplayer etc...
  10. Esperantisto
    Mar 2, 2018
    6
    I was a huge fan of FTL, but this game is a disappointment. Unlike FTL, which was fun to play from the beginning, even though I had no idea what I was doing, this game is merely overwhelming and difficult. It also has the gratuitous complexity which made FTL: Advanced Edition a dud compared to the original game.

    Calling this a strategy game is an exaggeration. It's closer to a puzzle    I was a huge fan of FTL, but this game is a disappointment. Unlike FTL, which was fun to play from the beginning, even though I had no idea what I was doing, this game is merely overwhelming and difficult. It also has the gratuitous complexity which made FTL: Advanced Edition a dud compared to the original game.

    Calling this a strategy game is an exaggeration. It's closer to a puzzle game.

    I've learned the lesson never to buy a game on the first day, no matter how much I liked the developers' previous game and no matter how good the reviews are.    … Expand
  11. Fikthenig
    May 6, 2018
    6
    I actually found the game to be pretty hard especially since there was Permadeath built in this game. Even with difficulty, one can still find the thrill of a challenge to be highly engaging with a game like this. Unfortunately, that was not the case for this strategy-combat puzzle game. Art style was great and felt like playing and old style arcade game. However, this game just isn'tI actually found the game to be pretty hard especially since there was Permadeath built in this game. Even with difficulty, one can still find the thrill of a challenge to be highly engaging with a game like this. Unfortunately, that was not the case for this strategy-combat puzzle game. Art style was great and felt like playing and old style arcade game. However, this game just isn't worth the high ratings it's receiving now. With its lack of true engaging game play, it feels like yet another clone of other combat-puzzle games that we see so much of today. Good Luck and Farewell Time Breacher!!… Expand
  12. nitorita
    Apr 11, 2018
    8
    Where do I begin? This game is a tactical turn-based strategy game similar to Fire Emblem or Advance Wars, but plays out more like a puzzle game. The unique factor of this game is that you can see what enemies will do beforehand.

    Permadeath is introduced into this game, with the only benefit being that you can reclaim a hero for use in the next "timeline" once you lose the last one. The    Where do I begin? This game is a tactical turn-based strategy game similar to Fire Emblem or Advance Wars, but plays out more like a puzzle game. The unique factor of this game is that you can see what enemies will do beforehand.

    Permadeath is introduced into this game, with the only benefit being that you can reclaim a hero for use in the next "timeline" once you lose the last one. The game is designed so that you cannot be hasty with your decisions. Logical thinking and patience is actually required or else you will lose.

    This game is actually quite short. Your first winning playthrough should occur around 10 hours in if you are prudent. The game is by no means easy, but it gradually reduces in difficulty the more you understand how everything works. It doesn't take long to catch on and learn all the tricks necessary to win. Proper execution is still important though.

    Replayability does exist, but it is hit or miss. Although this game is rougelike, it is only pseudo-random since every region sticks to a particular theme. The only reason why you'd play again is if you're curious about the other sets of mechs available. (Or maybe you're just an achievement hunter.)

    Overall, the game is good, but don't be misled into thinking it's GOTY material. The game is addicting though, I'll give it that much. I'm giving this game an 8/10 for the enjoyable 10 hour experience, for what it was worth.    … Expand
  13. Mandulum
    Sep 4, 2018
    7
    Haiku Review: Challenges abound / Fun until you beat it all / Still don't like rogue-likes
    Favorite Thing: The strategy component is simple with only 3 units to control but very engaging!
    Least Favorite Thing: Runs are extremely short and the only thing driving one to replay is unlockables. Date Completed: 2018-09-01 Playtime: 8h Enjoyment: 7/10 Recommendation: Yes, but it's not a    Haiku Review: Challenges abound / Fun until you beat it all / Still don't like rogue-likes
    Favorite Thing: The strategy component is simple with only 3 units to control but very engaging!
    Least Favorite Thing: Runs are extremely short and the only thing driving one to replay is unlockables.

    Date Completed: 2018-09-01
    Playtime: 8h
    Enjoyment: 7/10
    Recommendation: Yes, but it's not a strong yes. It's just not my type of game and after one completion my interest has gone downhill.    … Expand
  14. AbaddonMason
    Feb 13, 2019
    5
    В игре присутствует и челлендж испытывающий хитрость и ум игрока, но есть и рандом, когда ты по случайности проходишь уровень на изи, а следующий тупо фейлишь, потому что, не свезло. Хотя бы музыка в игре офигенная.
  15. Cafe_8bits
    Jul 10, 2020
    7
    Addicting and challenging, Into The Breach offers a very interesting gameplay and very interesting mechanics, but its so short that i wish more. Also, the gameplay often limits the player too much, id like to see new uses for itens between breaches, and more units to control. Either way, its a great game and you should take a look.
  16. EROCKQ
    Mar 7, 2018
    9
    This is one of, if not the best game I've played in quite some time. Modern games have a lot of features, mechanics, huge open worlds, giant skill trees, etc. but this doesn't necessarily make a fun game. This game is fun--and a lot of it. The two major elements this game has that I simply don't see as much as I'd like to is an excellent balance of it's entire content, and a brilliantThis is one of, if not the best game I've played in quite some time. Modern games have a lot of features, mechanics, huge open worlds, giant skill trees, etc. but this doesn't necessarily make a fun game. This game is fun--and a lot of it. The two major elements this game has that I simply don't see as much as I'd like to is an excellent balance of it's entire content, and a brilliant flow. If you enjoy puzzles, strategy games, sci-fi, or unique titles you will love Into the Breach. I feel like into the Breach does away with every tedious aspect of a strategy game and replaces it with meaningful, interlocking mechanics that unfold into a sophisticated, satisfying experience.… Expand
  17. Wiebe
    Feb 27, 2020
    3
    Too simplistic, not as engaging as FTL, just a bit boring not complex enough, there are better puzzle games around there if you like that aspect
  18. Rrichard
    Mar 1, 2018
    6
    The boss fight at the end of FTL was always too difficult for me to beat. At least the game had multiple cool ships, interesting mini quest choices, and cool upgrades.

    Into the Breach doesn't really have any of that. It's like a strategy game where you are stuck with the same 3 units and replay the same tiny maps over and over again. This game would have been better off with a far    The boss fight at the end of FTL was always too difficult for me to beat. At least the game had multiple cool ships, interesting mini quest choices, and cool upgrades.

    Into the Breach doesn't really have any of that. It's like a strategy game where you are stuck with the same 3 units and replay the same tiny maps over and over again.

    This game would have been better off with a far grander scope, sacrificing a bit of replayability if necessary.

    Definitely overhyped.    … Expand
  19. TatsMcGee
    Sep 9, 2018
    7
    What is the genre and subgenre of the game?

    Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game. What did I think of the story? The story is simple, you make your way through a series of Islands fighting giant bug-like creatures called Vek. Your goal is to survive the attacks but at the same time level up mechs but also the pilots flying the mechs. Ideally what you want is to make it    What is the genre and subgenre of the game?

    Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game.

    What did I think of the story?

    The story is simple, you make your way through a series of Islands fighting giant bug-like creatures called Vek. Your goal is to survive the attacks but at the same time level up mechs but also the pilots flying the mechs. Ideally what you want is to make it through each Island and then reach the final Island where you defeat the mech.

    Favorite Character?

    The game has 27 different Mechs that you can unlock by replaying the game. The mechs come in sets of 3 so there are 9 different mech sets. After about 10 hours, I unlocked 5 different sets. Unfortunately, I don't like any of the Mechs that I've unlocked and preferred the original 3.

    Are there puzzles and How are they?

    Each level is essentially a puzzle. The enemies (the Vek) their goal is not to attack your Mechs but rather the buildings because that's how the Vek actually defeat you. So sometimes your goal isn't to do as much damage to the Vek as you can but rather moving the Vek out of the way so it can't damage a building. The game requires you to rethink the way you normally approach turn-based strategy games.

    How is the sound design and music?

    I didn't pay attention to the in-game music too much. I just listened to my own music.

    How are the missions/levels designed?

    Every level is set up on an 8x8 grid. The enemies take up one space and so do your Mechs. Every grid will also include some buildings for the Vek to attack but then there is some uniqueness depending on each level and which Island you're on. Some levels are more mountainous, some have an ocean, some are in the desert and have earthquakes. There's is a good amount of variety within each level.

    Recap: The Good

    Makes you rethink classic turn-based strategy game.

    Recap: The Bad

    The unlockable mechs are not for me.

    Recap: The Okay

    The Story.    … Expand
  20. mhmdv
    Apr 26, 2020
    6
    It's good if you've never played any turn based strategy game in your life.
  21. RoosterJuice
    Mar 2, 2018
    10
    This is an extremely elegant, tightly designed strategy game with innovative dynamics. Attacking in this game is about utilizing your extremely limited actions to gain maximum benefits. You are also often unable to avoid negative outcomes, even when you are playing perfectly. The genius of the system is the way the enemies don't simply attack, they instead propose threats to variousThis is an extremely elegant, tightly designed strategy game with innovative dynamics. Attacking in this game is about utilizing your extremely limited actions to gain maximum benefits. You are also often unable to avoid negative outcomes, even when you are playing perfectly. The genius of the system is the way the enemies don't simply attack, they instead propose threats to various items on the map where they will attack NEXT TURN. The objective is to negate the enemy's attack, or use their own attacks against them. Because the enemy has more resources than you do, you are challenged with a new puzzle every turn that isn't completely solvable to your advantage. So the game is also about choosing the least horrifying outcome. All of the upgrades feel powerful and interesting. The game is amazing, yet not for those who don't believe in themselves.… Expand
  22. rxgamer
    Mar 26, 2018
    10
    I was excited to try FTL after loving Into the Breach and was surprised to learn how much better ITB is. Way more logical and quick to pick up than FTL. More fun too. After a couple hours of FTL, I have no desire to play it anymore.
  23. masterawong
    Mar 1, 2018
    8
    Subset has created another good game.
    Everything I see about this game is in a comparison to FTL. People shouldn't be comparing the two core games to each other. Subset took things from FTL and put them in this game but they play very differently.
    What you do in this game, simply put is you pick a class with mechs, you have these mechs fight enemy's through islands, you can visit as many    Subset has created another good game.
    Everything I see about this game is in a comparison to FTL. People shouldn't be comparing the two core games to each other. Subset took things from FTL and put them in this game but they play very differently.
    What you do in this game, simply put is you pick a class with mechs, you have these mechs fight enemy's through islands, you can visit as many as four islands and as little as two, you fight enemys on the fifth island to beat the game.

    Lets start with the good.
    This game has good replay. Achievements are needed in this game like FTL to unlock other classes. Which keeps you playing and thinking.
    This is a chess style game. It is turn based and to me makes it fun and re-playable.
    Classes play very differently from one another.
    Use of the map and environment makes you think a different way.
    Price point, is it worth normal price at 15 $? In my opinion, yes. But, if this game was 30$ or more I would say no.

    The Negatives.
    The Ending kind of stinks. It feels very unsatisfactory to win a run.
    Some missions can feel very repetitive. Especially if you know how to "work" them.

    Things I would like to see in the future with this game.
    I hope subset do something like FTL Advance Addition with Into the Breach. While to current state of the game is great I hope they add more classes and add maybe more guns and islands.
    Make a moble version. This would be a much better mobile game than FTL was. FTL was fun on mobile but much better on a computer. This game would be amazing on a mobile platform.

    TLDR:
    Subset made another good game that is re playable. Good Price point, unsatisfactory ending to runs. Very different from FTL and I am glad it is. Great potential, hope to see more from Subset in the future.    … Expand
  24. skykappah
    Oct 31, 2018
    1
    Not having fun at all... This game has no learning curve, it’s sky high hard from the get go. It does not ease you in at all... On your first day at karate school, you fight your sensei full contact with your hands tied behind your back and a pie in your face. That is easier.
  25. GBG_Jason
    Mar 3, 2018
    9
    It's weird to describe a game as both simple and complex at the same time, yet there's no better way to talk about this. Of course, saying it's easy may be a bit deceptive, as you will be dying over and over while playing. It doesn't take much to jump into - learning the controls and how to play won't take much time at all - but mastering the best order to attack and how to best upgradeIt's weird to describe a game as both simple and complex at the same time, yet there's no better way to talk about this. Of course, saying it's easy may be a bit deceptive, as you will be dying over and over while playing. It doesn't take much to jump into - learning the controls and how to play won't take much time at all - but mastering the best order to attack and how to best upgrade your team will take much longer than you probably anticipate.

    Starting out you'll be given control over three mechs. These will include a melee mech with knockback, a tank type mech with knockback, and a long range artillery tank with surrounding knockback. It's a pretty standard lineup, and one that anyone not overly familiar with the genre can easily become acquainted with. As you progress you'll have the opportunity of unlocking other sets of mechs, each of which have their own theme. By this I mean you may have a class of mechs that specialize in certain characteristics, such as ice. Some of the weapons you'll find on these mechs can be picked up throughout your campaigns, but these are random whereas the beginning loadout of the unlocked mechs would have them from the beginning.

    The variation in mechs adds a deeper layer of strategy, as you will have a lot of new weapon choices that bring status effects that may not only affect the enemy, but you as well. While you'll be learning all about making sacrificial choices well before using these weapons, be it taking damage to avoid an enemy spawning from underground or getting in the way of an attack that would hit a building, it's not until you start using attacks that hit you as well that each decision will start to make or break you.

    If you've played FTL, you'll see a lot of similarities in the gameplay loop for Into the Breach. There are four islands for you to explore, and once you've unlocked them all you'll be able to attack them in whichever order you choose - depending on your mech load-out, the preferred islands will change. Each island contains different territories that you can choose to play through, and when you win one, you'll unlock the adjacent areas. Each territory has a different goal such as protecting assets or destroying a certain number of Vek. Complete these and you'll boost your rewards. You only get to complete a finite amount per island though, so your territory choices are important. Keeping in mind what each island has, both in terms of environmental obstacles as well as enemies; you may decide which challenges seem most doable with your load-out.

    Each level essentially has two types of way to lose - have all your pilots die, or lose enough of the power grid from the surrounding area. If your pilots die, it's game over for you. If the power goes out, the Vek begin to take over and you go into the breach, which puts you back in time from where you just were. However, when doing this only one pilot can go back, so you're given the option of choosing who you want to go back as. This is important as each pilot has their own skills that may buff your mech abilities in a way that make you seem unstoppable. You will be able to gain new pilots as rewards, in addition to more weapons and energy cores. Similar to FTL, you'll need to power your mechs with these cores and then allocate that energy to what you deem fit, such as increased damage for a weapon, health, or movement.
    There's not a whole lot to dislike about Into the Breach. Admittedly, it didn't grab me in the same way that FTL did. I'm not sure if it's because I knew what to expect based on the trailer, or if it was perhaps too similar to their previous game that it didn't stand out, but that's like saying Leonardo da Vinci isn't as good as Michelangelo. Ben Prunty once again scored the game and it turned out stellar. Not only does the soundtrack amplify the experience, but it kept me going while working my day job. Perhaps the weakest part of the game is the story, as the game focuses much more on gameplay. Easy mode will offer enough challenge for those that aren't adept at tactical games, while the more difficult options will have masochists praising it. Despite the game being turn-based, I found myself regretting my wife distracting me during the enemies' turn in the final mission, as there is so much going on that you really need to see each move that is made to avoid being trounced immediately.

    Into the Breach does so much for the tactical role-playing genre that I can't help but think this will influence future games in the same vein. AAA games have a lot to learn from this, as it focuses on the gameplay for a quality experience. If you enjoyed FTL, Final Fantasy Tactics, Front Mission, or any other tactical games, you owe it to yourself to give this a go. Top notch strategy coupled with an addicting gameplay loop and stellar soundtrack makes for one of the best strategy games you'll play this year.    … Expand
  26. Ensaabahnur
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    An amazing game that came out of nowhere for me, great replay value and a nice 80s or 90s vibe!
  27. RhodriM
    Mar 21, 2019
    9
    As a casual game it's near perfect. Pick up, put down, come back to. It's replaced Solitaire as my 'while my code is compiling' distraction.

    As a turn-based game it's never stressful or frustrating, but this doesn't necessarily mean it is easy. Great replay value too.
  28. LemonJus
    Apr 22, 2018
    10
    Subset Games has managed to create a heavily distilled and miniaturized strategy game that takes the best of planning many moves ahead but with the added twist that should you fail, you get to pick a character to take back in time with you to re-attempt the overall mission goal. It's a clever way to make the game easier should you push too hard too quickly. The randomness from FTL is goneSubset Games has managed to create a heavily distilled and miniaturized strategy game that takes the best of planning many moves ahead but with the added twist that should you fail, you get to pick a character to take back in time with you to re-attempt the overall mission goal. It's a clever way to make the game easier should you push too hard too quickly. The randomness from FTL is gone to some degree making it quite possible for you to go far should you plan you moves ahead of time. The premise is simple: save the earth. The execution via the graphics and UI is extremely clean and well done. Some people will complain the game is short and variety is low but the combinations thanks to the different squads are fun and very challenging. You can keep going back in time to save each timeline endlessly and it works with the plot!… Expand
  29. michaelb1928
    Dec 22, 2018
    7
    game mechanics, well-designed maps, and great core gameplay that guarantees a long entertainment. [Issue#284]
  30. Overshade
    Sep 22, 2018
    0
    There are much better games than this, doesn't even deserve to be in top 1000. I don't judge, but I can't see myself playing this kind of games in 2018.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2018
40
#40 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
31
#31 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 13, 2018
    100
    Turn-based strategy game with exceptionally original game mechanics, well-designed maps, and great core gameplay that guarantees a long entertainment. [Issue#284]
  2. CD-Action
    Jun 5, 2018
    80
    I’m very happy that FTL’s developer returned with a new game, as I spent almost 30 hours with Into the Breach and I feel like it was just a moment. [05/2018, p.76]
  3. Games.cz
    Apr 24, 2018
    90
    Into the Breach is based on the brilliant minimalism of FTL and not only does it refine its mechanics to perfection but adds its own sophisticated turn-based system, a more balanced difficulty and an extreme addiction, where the RNG frustration recedes the joy of playing. And in addition you will enjoy a breathtaking music of Ben Punty. Subsects did it, they overcame themselves.
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