Anomaly Collapse

The supernatural sci-fi universe of Anomaly Collapse delivers a unique blend of turn-based strategy and roguelite elements that will keep players coming back for more. RocketPunch Games has crafted an intriguing experience where adorably fierce warriors battle otherworldly beings on a one-dimensional battlefield, proving that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most engaging results. As players dive into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the city's supernatural calamities, they'll find themselves immersed in a world where every decision carries weight.

Strategic Depth in Simplicity

The game's standout feature is its deceptively simple yet deeply strategic combat system. Unlike traditional strategy games such as Into the Breach, which utilize a full grid system, Anomaly Collapse constrains movement to a single dimension. This limitation transforms each encounter into a tactical puzzle where positioning becomes paramount. Players must carefully consider their squad's placement, as a single misstep can lead to disaster. The addition of "abnormalities" - powerful artifacts that grant various effects - adds another layer of complexity to the combat, allowing for creative solutions to seemingly impossible situations.

The investigation meter adds a compelling progression system, filling up as players complete combat nodes and pushing them toward climactic boss encounters. These boss fights serve as excellent tests of players' tactical prowess and their ability to utilize their squad's unique abilities effectively. The strategic depth is further enhanced by the game's roguelite elements, which ensure that no two runs are exactly alike.

A World of Endless Possibilities

Peter McConnell's epic soundtrack sets the perfect tone for the procedurally generated adventures that await players. Each run feels fresh thanks to the variety of combat nodes, shops, and recruitment opportunities scattered throughout the map. The game's dark humor and storybook-inspired visuals create a compelling atmosphere that softens the blow of the challenging gameplay. Character customization options are extensive, allowing players to experiment with different class combinations and genetic modifications to create their ideal squad composition.

The combat nodes themselves offer diverse challenges, with random factors that keep players on their toes. While these unpredictable elements can occasionally lead to frustrating situations, they generally add excitement and require quick tactical adaptation. The shop system provides meaningful choices for squad development, forcing players to carefully consider their resource allocation and long-term strategy.

Review: 8.5/10

Anomaly Collapse successfully carves out its own niche in the strategy roguelite genre. The innovative one-dimensional combat system, combined with deep customization options and excellent presentation, makes for an addictive experience that strategy fans shouldn't miss. While some players might find the single-dimension battlefield restrictive, the depth of tactical options available more than makes up for this apparent limitation.

Pros:

• Innovative one-dimensional combat system that creates unique tactical challenges
• Deep character customization with meaningful choices
• Excellent soundtrack by Peter McConnell
• Strong replay value through procedural generation
• Engaging dark humor and distinctive art style
• Well-implemented "abnormalities" system for strategic depth
• Compelling investigation meter progression

Cons:

• One-dimensional battlefield might feel limiting for some players
• Random factors can occasionally lead to frustrating situations
• Learning curve might be steep for casual strategy gamers
• Some combat encounters can feel repetitive
• Limited battlefield variety compared to traditional strategy games