Othercide Reviews
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 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!
Relentlessly stylish and relentlessly grindy turn-based tactical roguelike.
Lightbulb Crew has successfully blended a complex turn-based strategy game with layers and layers of roguelike progression.
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.
Othercide is the most time I've spent on a video game review in a few years. They've got my number.
Othercide is a modern gothic take on turn-based tactics. It's stylish, difficult and a solid addition to the genre.
Othercide manages to blend tactical RPGs and rogue-lite gameplay superbly that works to offer a compelling gameplay loop.
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.
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.
Overall, Othercide is a solid remix of the tactical turn-based genre.
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.
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.
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 is an evocative and absorbing tactical roguelike, albeit one whose style occasionally gets in the way of the substance.
Othercide is a hauntingly beautiful tactical game with a striking art style, slick combat, and deep lore just waiting to be discovered.
An impressively original take on XCOM style turn-based strategy that gains in depth and versatility what it loses in accessibility, with some of the best boss encounters of the year.
Othercide’s striking visual style is backed up by innovative and solid turn based gameplay.
Dark, Depressing and Difficult. This interesting mix of tactical combat, existential horror and rogue-like elements punishes mistakes with brutal defeat. Thanks to open information and a boatload of tactical options however, cunning strategists can keep the upper hand and guide their daughters to fight another day.
Review in German | Read full review
With its beautiful art direction, interesting mix of strategy and rogue-like elements, and addictive gameplay, Othercide is a breath of fresh air in a genre that I didn't realize needed one.