Capes

Capes is clearly designed to appeal to anyone who has played and liked X-COM and its tactical puzzles. The game successfully moves the action to a universe featuring superheroes. I liked the theme, although the developers don’t do much new with it. Unfortunately, the presentation, especially the graphics, isn’t as good as the mechanics. This is a video game that emphasizes a thorough understanding of one’s team and a desire to execute a mission as well as possible. Revisiting levels to get more skill points is expected. Capes is challenging and complex and offers fans of the tactics space plenty of options to experiment and optimize.

Flying into battle with a strong but satisfying difficulty curve, Capes sheds the fluff of more expansive titles to double down on the tactical acumen of an XCOM title. Missions are tough, thrilling and ultimately rewarding. Even if the story behind the carnage is lackluster and the spikes in difficulty can be positively mountainous, Capes proves you don’t need a popular licence to make a grand superhero worthy of acclaim.

If you love turn-based strategy games and are struggling to find them on PlayStation 5, Capes looks ready to fulfill your needs.

Capes is a valiant effort at a relatively unique idea, one that I personally have wanted since I heard Midnight Sons would have a card-based attack system. It isn't perfect, it could do with a little more polish, and it's occasionally a bit frustrating, but it's deep, challenging and the story is enjoyable enough if you like comic books' campy style. Considering this is Spitfire Interactive's debut game, it has absolutely convinced me to keep an eye on their future projects.

Capes is a solid turn-based strategy title that has some great ideas in the fight, and more often than not keeps things exciting.