Othercide Reviews
Othercide is an evocative and absorbing tactical roguelike, albeit one whose style occasionally gets in the way of the substance.
Othercide is damn hard, but if you can push through and find your feet, it's also an incredibly satisfying and atmospheric experience. Whatever you do, don't go in expecting to play a straightforward XCOM-clone. Othercide deserves more respect than that.
Othercide could use some quality-of-life improvements, but this is one of the most stylish games I've played in years, complete with oppressive gameplay that is as thrilling as it is rewarding.
While they share plenty of the same DNA, Othercide is much more than simply XCOM in eyeliner. Sacrificing warriors to boost the stats of other units proves a compelling and flexible mechanic, while the combat encounters ramp up in difficulty at mostly the right pace. A stunning aesthetic and perfectly complementary soundtrack are the icing on the cake, only occasionally marred by unfortunate technical difficulties.
Overall, Othercide is a solid remix of the tactical turn-based genre.
Though there are plenty of other well-made SRPGs on the Switch today, Othercide does more than enough to differentiate itself from the pack and carve out for itself a unique identity. The striking art style, endlessly punishing gameplay and esoteric storytelling ensure that this one will likely only appeal to longtime fans of the genre, but it's more than worth the effort. Despite the difficulty, Othercide is quite a rewarding experience, and this coupled with its well-built gameplay systems makes for a game that we can confidently state is worth your time. Don't let its frequent struggles in the performance department or its intimidating challenge dissuade you; Othercide deserves a spot in your Switch library.
So much of Othercide hinges on how well you handle rogue-lite elements. Those able to plan accordingly will likely suffer fewer losses than reckless players, though there is always an element of luck that comes into play. For most this will be enough to drive the experience forward, ultimately to the boss or another cycle that will end with a final confrontation. It would be nice if the mechanics were deeper or there was more to the experience than punishing mechanics, though there really isn't. Still, fans of tactical RPGs will likely find it engaging and the unique elements make it worth, if nothing else, another go, just don't expect the most complicated experience around.
Othercide manages to blend tactical RPGs and rogue-lite gameplay superbly that works to offer a compelling gameplay loop.
Othercide is a modern gothic take on turn-based tactics. It's stylish, difficult and a solid addition to the genre.
Othercide is the most time I've spent on a video game review in a few years. They've got my number.
Othercide isn’t for everyone. It caters to a specific group of players that delight in more than just the art design. It also takes a lot out of you. It’ll leave you feeling drained. But all the sacrifice in the world is worth it just to make it one step further than where you were in the previous run. That makes the whole experience worth it.
Lightbulb Crew has successfully blended a complex turn-based strategy game with layers and layers of roguelike progression.
Relentlessly stylish and relentlessly grindy turn-based tactical roguelike.
Othercide is a difficult but satisfying and rewarding experience. From the art design to the music to the challenging battles and management, players will get lost in this horror strategy for hours!
What do you get if you take the framework for XCOM, sprinkle it with gothic horror and fold in a few roguelike elements? Well, what you get is Othercide, which is a strange concoction of genres indeed but it’s a peculiar mixture that on the whole, actually works. With its unique art style and a diverse mix of gameplay elements, I think most players can find something in Othercide to enjoy. I certainly did.
Othercide is a wonderfully imperfect game: you can't overlook the lack of class balance, nor the exasperation of its roguelike nature. This one, above all, is capable of inflicting hits of great playful frustration before the experience and skills acquired begin to shyly overlook your endless ordeals. The game doesn't come to terms with anyone, it proudly writes its rules and dictates its own inflexible laws. Getting in tune with this type of gameplay can provide a unique and rewarding experience. If, however, the roguelike have tired you out or have never given you a particular attraction, Othercide is certainly not the game that will change your mind.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Owns it's bleak theming completely, even if it can get a little repetitive.
As a huge fan of turn-based SRPGs, I can easily say that Othercide is one of the most unique and rewarding games that I've ever played. Even though repetition rears its ugly head after a while, there's no denying that Othercide pushes the boundaries of the genre.
There aren't many games like Othercide that dig deep into gameplay that makes players be willing to die. Although it offers great tratical and strategic elements, after players die again and again, it becomes so repetitive and boring.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Othercide is a flawed but generally fun strategy-RPG. It has some balance issues and an annoying UI, but beyond that, it does everything that it sets out to do. It's not as difficult or punishing as an XCOM title might have been, but it may be a good replacement for those who like the strategy game style without the punishment of losing so much when you die. Be prepared to do that a lot, since death is in many ways the only way to advance in the game. Overall, I had fun with Othercide, but it's the kind of game where my opinion will likely improve after a couple of patches.