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. 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
  2. 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
  3. xchaotic
    Mar 21, 2018
    10
    I have spent 60 hours in-game already. The game mechanics are very rewarding - relatively simple to start with and 'brute force' your wins, to more elaborate positional plays. It's a game like chess - the basic rules are simple, but so many elaborate ways to outmanoeuvre your opponent.
    The setting is superbly done - you are quite literally the saviour of humanity against the horrible Vek    I have spent 60 hours in-game already. The game mechanics are very rewarding - relatively simple to start with and 'brute force' your wins, to more elaborate positional plays. It's a game like chess - the basic rules are simple, but so many elaborate ways to outmanoeuvre your opponent.
    The setting is superbly done - you are quite literally the saviour of humanity against the horrible Vek insects.
    You can stop and save the game anytime (but you won't), the music is great.
    There's lots of attention to detail - from mech design to crowed cheering and sci-fi and cultural references.
    There's only 10/10 I can give to this game, a true gem that I can recommend to almost anyone.    … Expand
  4. Danielo944
    Feb 28, 2018
    10
    Into the Breach is a good example of a game that fosters creativity out of its limitations, one mainly being the 8x8 grid. The game may look simple at the surface, but it gets deep pretty quick, especially once you start grabbing modifications to add to your mechs.

    Additionally, although the game may look like just another pixelated indie title, I found the graphics to be quite pleasing    Into the Breach is a good example of a game that fosters creativity out of its limitations, one mainly being the 8x8 grid. The game may look simple at the surface, but it gets deep pretty quick, especially once you start grabbing modifications to add to your mechs.

    Additionally, although the game may look like just another pixelated indie title, I found the graphics to be quite pleasing to the eye, and the soundtrack is stellar.

    If you like turn-based strategy games with a mix of rogue-like elements and fighting kaiju in badass mechs, then this game should be right up your alley!    … Expand
  5. dpursanov
    Oct 20, 2022
    10
    Superb and very addictive strategy gem. By the way can be played with controller without any problems, tested on steam deck.
  6. adrenilinmatt
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    amazing game, just like ftl. easy to understand, really hard to master. this game is worth your time if you love strategy games.
  7. Raggot
    Apr 10, 2018
    10
    Excellent game. Always challenging, often overwhelming, but almost never impossible.

    A true strategy game that gives you time to think through each turn to optimize all moves, allows some mistakes (the single turn reset per level is a great relief from frustration) leaving all remaining ones to be fairly unforgiven. Although attacks cannot be undone, all moves are free to rewind in    Excellent game. Always challenging, often overwhelming, but almost never impossible.

    A true strategy game that gives you time to think through each turn to optimize all moves, allows some mistakes (the single turn reset per level is a great relief from frustration) leaving all remaining ones to be fairly unforgiven. Although attacks cannot be undone, all moves are free to rewind in time, so that one can freely test scenarios and think properly (and believe me, you will need it). All enemies intentions are known and can be used at your own advantage, and there are no such things as lucky critical hits or damage ranges, removing therefore an enormous chunk of unnecessary randomness. Perfect game design.

    Although the game can be finished in a human amount of time and attempts (unlike FTL) the value of replaying and the complete strategic rearrangement required by the many tech squad really gives an enormous replay value, which tends to extinguish only after finishing the game many many times.    … Expand
  8. gracjanski
    Feb 13, 2022
    10
    This game is surely not bad: The treasure is the gameplay: minimalistic, but gives so many opportunity, this is an art, how to make gameplay: easy to understand but hard to master. It is like chess, but shorter: a battle need only few minutes and the campaign needs only 3-4 hours. Therefore you can play it a little bit and return to real life. In comparison to chess I see here moreThis game is surely not bad: The treasure is the gameplay: minimalistic, but gives so many opportunity, this is an art, how to make gameplay: easy to understand but hard to master. It is like chess, but shorter: a battle need only few minutes and the campaign needs only 3-4 hours. Therefore you can play it a little bit and return to real life. In comparison to chess I see here more possibilities: An unit has more options, you can upgrade the units and buy new attack modes. In addition you have different maps, different objections. There are so many genius design elements...I would need too much time to write them all here..
    This game is one of the few games, that I want to play it after beat it, because you can unlock new squads, that have different abilities and therefore changes the strategy. Perfect gameplay and thats why this game has so many rewards. There is another element, I like: Do you also ignore achievements, because they are stupid? Not in this game. With achievements you get points to unlock squads and the goals to get them fits nicely to invent strategies. Nice idea.

    For this game you need a good AI and it is great, even too good, because the AI is already hard on normal level. There are 3 levels in the game and there should be more, because I would like to play something between easy and normal. Look at civilization, there are so many levels and this is motivating.

    The setting, story and atmosphere fits together. But the presentation of the story could be better. Especially the graphics is so bad. This is how games looked 20 or 25 years ago and it could be very easy to make better graphics.    … Expand
  9. 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.
  10. MRD010
    May 15, 2018
    10
    The game is like a chess game with so many interesting elements that requires perfect strategy in every situation
    All is perfect . Graphic is okay i think and Music is enjoyable during levels and reminds of a pacific rim atmosphere
    I give this game a perfect score 10
  11. fishu
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    As a casual dad gamer I had a tone of fun. The game is not perfect like every other 10/10 game but it was a big 10 in the fun department.

    + oldschool unlock system (new squads) + multiple playthroughs (randomized arenas, goals, abilities and the abovementioned squads) + easy to grasp hard to master + can be finished in 2 hours on the first try + music and sounds neutral:    As a casual dad gamer I had a tone of fun. The game is not perfect like every other 10/10 game but it was a big 10 in the fun department.

    + oldschool unlock system (new squads)
    + multiple playthroughs (randomized arenas, goals, abilities and the abovementioned squads)
    + easy to grasp hard to master
    + can be finished in 2 hours on the first try
    + music and sounds

    neutral: instadeath. No arena replays, you just lose 3 hours of progress and start again. It felt great to beat it but made me anxious to try another level as it could end the whole timeline.

    - a few things are not explained and you have to google/check wiki
    - the graphics could be better especially model animations are just 3 frames in idle and always face one direction at all times.
    - no coop or any kind of multiplayer
    - second and further playthroughs are easier as you keep your experienced pilot which makes the first try suck ass twice as much as you neither know the best strategies nor have a good pilot.    … Expand
  12. Macky100
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    I love the game. While its no FTL level of amazingness, it's definitely a great game. Can't wait to see more from Subset Games since they proved they're not just a one-hit-wonder.
  13. whyteabro
    Feb 28, 2018
    10
    Best Game Ever. Just buy it and play it ASAP, you won't regret it. Hope that's enough.
  14. BathSaltZombii
    Feb 27, 2018
    10
    Don't be distracted by the simple look. This game is easy to learn but far harder to master. I found it frustrating and rewarding. The soundtrack and presentation is great. If you are looking for a strategy game to scratch that itch this is it.
  15. kelvinsanchez15
    Jan 13, 2019
    10
    Excelente juego, todo se trata de estrategia en Into the breach, al poco tiempo de conocer sus mecánicas te enganchas de forma instantánea, tiene una rejugabilidad fantástica y los diferentes squads con diferentes habilidades hace que quieras probar todas las combinaciones posibles, totalmente recomendado.
  16. Hoplite
    Jul 23, 2019
    10
    If your like me, dumb and impatient, you won't like this game when you first start. It has a bit of a learning curve...not too steep, but while I almost gave up to go study, several external circumstances kept me going. Unfortunately for my studies, now I am hooked. Take the time to google a few tips to get you started in understanding the basics of the game. Once you get that, the realIf your like me, dumb and impatient, you won't like this game when you first start. It has a bit of a learning curve...not too steep, but while I almost gave up to go study, several external circumstances kept me going. Unfortunately for my studies, now I am hooked. Take the time to google a few tips to get you started in understanding the basics of the game. Once you get that, the real game begins to emerge, and man is it a dragon. I'd expect nothing less from the creators of FTL. Thank you for another amazing game. If you like chess or advance wars...this is like chess on steroids.… Expand
  17. RoadKiehl
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    This game is mind-boggling-ly good. It's a tight, clean, and replayable experience with fantastic UI and design. Every turn is a new challenge, and every mistake causes another problem on your next turn. If the idea of lifting a giant roach over your mech's head, then tossing it into the path of an incoming attack from that roach's buddy is appealing to you, this is the game for you.
  18. 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
  19. Pavelar
    Jul 5, 2018
    10
    Great little game from great developer! Nice pixel graphic, great soundtrack, smart game mechanics and more than 50h of game play if you decide to master it. Another indie gem!
  20. TheGameIsALie
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    Muito mais que um jogo de estratégia por turnos, do que um jogo com temática de ficção científica ou do que mais um jogo indie qualquer em pixel art, Into the Breach é uma obra prima. Difícil sem ser injusto, complexo sem sobrecarregar e familiar sem ser clichê, ele é perfeitamente balanceado para proporcionar uma experiência singular.
  21. Vectis99
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    One of the most excellently polished games of all time. Fully engaging, aptly paced, and well thought out, this is one of the few games on Steam which led me to explore all of its content and all of its achievements. This is one of my very few 10/10s and I would highly recommend it to virtually everyone.
  22. TenebrisProcul
    Feb 17, 2019
    10
    Игра обладает просто обалденной реиграбельностью ,хочешь возьми атакующих мехов ,хочешь мехов который просто притягиваю и отталкивают. Грубо говоря это шахматы на новый лад!
  23. ConeneTheBarty
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    Great tactical game with a high replay value. Subset Games did once again delivered. Highly Recommended.
  24. proffi2000
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    Welcome to Acceptable Losses: the game. Imagine someone took the turn based strategy of fire emblem, the setting of pacific rim and combined it with the constant fear that the aliens you're fighting are going to harm some of your precious civilians which the game's life system focuses around. This is a squad-orientated turn based strategy game which makes you consider every shot you fire.Welcome to Acceptable Losses: the game. Imagine someone took the turn based strategy of fire emblem, the setting of pacific rim and combined it with the constant fear that the aliens you're fighting are going to harm some of your precious civilians which the game's life system focuses around. This is a squad-orientated turn based strategy game which makes you consider every shot you fire. Yes, you could nuke every alien bug into oblivion, but then there wouldn't be a lot left to save, right? A developed ftl-style system of mech management allows you to build your perfect fighting machines in an enjoyable strategy game for those who enjoyed Faster than Light, the previous offering of the studio.… Expand
  25. Rollingwithkids
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    Perfect game, on both the PC and Switch. Really, so good I felt compelled to buy it on the Switch too!
  26. Theobaer
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    With Into the Breach, Subset Games has created a true masterpiece. It is down-to-earth, multi-faceted, challenging but never overwhelming. It is simply a dream come true for all fans of turn-based strategy games:

    No matter how many rounds you may have played, no two games are alike. Far too numerous are the possibilities that arise from position, combination, action and effect. And I    With Into the Breach, Subset Games has created a true masterpiece. It is down-to-earth, multi-faceted, challenging but never overwhelming. It is simply a dream come true for all fans of turn-based strategy games:

    No matter how many rounds you may have played, no two games are alike. Far too numerous are the possibilities that arise from position, combination, action and effect.

    And I haven't even mentioned how different the Mechs play, how varied they are, or that they can be improved during the course of the game.

    New equipment reveals new ways of playing but also new decisions that need to be made. And no matter how many of them you make in the course of a game, they are never tiring or trivial, but always of noticeable consequence.

    Just as noticeable are the grey cells that search for answers when the opponent positions his units on the randomly generated maps, because the space beetles have come up with similarly impressive skills and agility and take their toll.

    Conclusion:

    For just under 13 Euros (as of March 3, 2018) you can already get the Game of the Year in the category: Round Based Strategy Game with Into the Breach.    … Expand
  27. DarknessK
    Sep 11, 2020
    10
    It's the best strategy game. I have spent a lot of time for that. However, its hard for new player
  28. Wargames
    Jul 14, 2022
    10
    Flawless sci-fi roguelike masterpiece and one of the best examples of an indie game design approach, where a super-polished gameplay formula prevails over anything else. S tier.
  29. drlowdon
    Jul 28, 2021
    9
    In the distant future humanity fights against an army of giant monsters, known as Vek, using giant mechs that can be equipped with a variety of weapons, armour, and other equipment.

    Into the Breach is a rouge-like turn-based strategy game played on an 8x8 grid with a limit of five turns per ‘level’. At first it may seem rather simplistic, but the variety of moves and enemy types brings    In the distant future humanity fights against an army of giant monsters, known as Vek, using giant mechs that can be equipped with a variety of weapons, armour, and other equipment.

    Into the Breach is a rouge-like turn-based strategy game played on an 8x8 grid with a limit of five turns per ‘level’. At first it may seem rather simplistic, but the variety of moves and enemy types brings an almost chess like quality to proceedings. Figuring out how to best co-ordinate your three mechs each turn is both challenging and entertaining, and it’s easy to get sucked in for hours at a time as you try to improve your performance.

    With the excellent FTL also in their catalogue, Subset Games seem to be making a real name for themselves within this genre, and I can’t wait to find out what there next project will be.    … Expand
  30. 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!
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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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