Future Tactics: The Uprising

In some ways, Future Tactics' simplicity helps it a great deal. In others, more attention to detail (especially weapons and armor systems) is sorely needed.

Gets by on the competent execution of its unique gameplay ideas and its low retail price.

The real downfall, though, is the waiting. During the enemy turn, you're forced to wait through the individual moves of every single unit. [June 2004, p.84]

If it hadn't tried to be so cutesy and cartoon-like it would have been more gripping. It's by no means a bad game and it is quite endearing and strangely addictive in its own way, but with so many truly great console games coming out at the moment, this seems a little out of place.

Funny, challenging and at times addictive.

The basic premise is very straightforward and isn’t likely to satisfy more than casual fans of the genre.

The more you play it, the more repetitive it feels. There also isn't that much call for strategy beyond "don't die" -- due to your streamlined movements and lack of intelligent A.I.

This is a bit tedious at times, but graphically it is reasonably well done.

It has some decent ideas and concepts, let down by bad enemy A.I. and very repetitive gameplay.

It's an intriguing experiment that ultimately suffers from shallow, simplistic gameplay and an uninvolving story mode rife with bland characters.

Manages to blend a kids action game with a more mature turn based strategy game, but sadly fails to fit into either category or define a genre of its own.

Future Tactics makes a few blunders, but simple and intuitive rules, dynamic and destructible battlefields, and a few great ideas make for a fight worth fighting in the end.

As an example of unabashed, often exuberant Britsoft that pulls out the SRPG's staples and rebinds it in approachable ease, Future Tactics is remarkable, deserving of cult status. [Aug 2004, p.99]

Twitchy targeting and basic camera flaws hurt Future Tactics, but we have to admit the game has a certain charm - and it's cheap. [July 2004, p.27]

The story may not be the most earth shattering we've heard, the voice acting (though delightfully it's British!) can be a touch jarring on occasion, and it's initially frustrating and rather basic and rough around the edges in some other respects, but nevertheless it grows into something that you can happily sit down and chip away at all evening without getting too worked up.

It’s actually not a bad introduction to strategy games, and it may keep those starving for some tactics busy for a few hours. But the enemy AI, clunky controls and camera, and lack of real variety in the game make it worth not one penny more than the price tag.

For the most part, goofy fun and challenges requiring excellent tactics rule the day. Still, Tactics does a good job of reminding players that yes, it is a bargain-bin title. [July 2004, p.90]

A disappointment. It has a serious story but an ill-fitting cartoon look (or vice versa), it has fast-paced game elements tied to a slow, ponderous combat process and it’s too rough around the edges – though nothing is fundamentally wrong it has too many small flaws and they all add up.

The targeting system, offensive and defensive balance and especially the design are all surprisingly adept, as is the integrated story, about nomadic Earthlings on the run from alien hordes. [June 2004, p.61]

The graphics can only be described as awful, missions are boring, and combat ranges from dull to frustrating. [June 2004, p.123]

One of the most frustrating aspects is the unbalanced difficulty curve. You’re thrust into some tough and often unfair opening levels, only to find the challenge dropping dramatically as you progress deeper into the admittedly enjoyable storyline. [Sept 2004, p.116]

Ostensibly a real-time strategy title, Future Tactics is really a glorified game of hide-and-seek: You either fall into your enemy's sights or manage to luck out for another turn. [July 2004, p.94]

There are plenty of ideas in this game that can be fostered into something that is not only cool and innovative, but contains great gameplay. As for now, there won't be many people who'll have the patience to deal with this game.