Recent reviews by The Shadow Wizard

This has to be one of the best under-developement games I have played in a long time. The dev is active and provides constant updates on the progress and direction of developement, which always seems to make/break an EA game.

The gameplay is a nice mix between X-Com and Starpoint Gemini; you travel between planets/star systems in your space ship fighting real-time battles and fight through ground encounters with your chosen squad members in turn-based battles.

RPG mechanics are included, your squad increases in skills as they use them and leveling up allows you to apply stat points to their attributes. The currently working skills range from ground combat riflemanship to space combat piloting, but there are skills involving crafting and other mechanics planned. As you explore you find new gear to replace your old stuff which changes your character's appearance and comes with their own effects. The asthetic character customation is still relatively basic (you cannot edit the character's display model); you can only choose the character's portrait and voice.

Story-wise, the initial plot is delivered in a way that makes the multiple impending threats against humanity. Past mentioning the threats there currently isn't much directed story content outside of the starting area (which is understandable since the core mechanics are still being developed). A player can still craft their own story in the wide (and I mean WIDE) sandbox that is currently provided. You can interact with factions around the galaxy, befriending them (or frying them with laZers).

This game is a great tactical experience in its current state, but as it is still underdevelopement it lacks a directed story-line. If you enjoy the glory of tactical encounters in a big RP sandbox then this is the game for you!

It's like Skyrim, but with better wheels.

A fantastic turn-based game!

It's an amazing game (Much better than the original Matix game!), but it is short and gets a little repetitive. A player with experience playing any shooter will be able to clear the story line, which is about 25 missions long, in an hour or less.

After you finish the story line challenges and endless mode game-types will be unlocked. The challenges are simply redoing the main story line with additional constraints (time attack etc). The endless arenas are interesting, but are ultimately undersized.

On a brighter side, the game's existing content is bloody fantastic! You get to fight out the missions in slow-mostion and then view them in real-time (which makes you look like a total badass!).

I'm going to have to give it a thumbs down b/c it simply wasn't worth the price tag.
If it is on sale, grab it!

EDIT: so there is a Matrix game, but this game plays better >:D

10/10 - Everything XCOM should be.

The game feels dumbed down compared to prior Rainbow Six games and feels as though they have spliced the game it should have been with a MOBA. From playing the game you will notice the distinct lack of options (or overwhelming restrictions) when customizing your character's loadout in an attempt to refine the equipping process. This game is more aimed towards the community CS-Go has been cultivating, rather than the tactical-based, Rainbow-classic groups. Matches are quick and merciless, leading to a tense play environment where action can explode from around any corner or from behind any wall!

The Pros:
-> Maps are randomized, so there are many variables to keep things alive and fresh
-> Lobbies (usually) fill quickly
-> You stick with your team after your first match, letting you get aquianted and develope attachments
-> Classes provide unique strategies and perks, most of which are useful
-> Class system provides quicker rearm times and can lead to quick strategy changes
-> Flashbangs actually blind you
-> All new maps/classes are going to be given for free (Season's pass gives early access)

The Middle:
-> Weapon classes are defined by heroes, or "Operators" with very limited customized options
-> 3rd person is non-existant
-> Gun play can feel amazing at times, but can also feel silly at other moments (minute recoil/flinch effects, poor patterns)

The Cons:
-> The game only supports up to 10 players
-> Terrorist Hunt AI is iffy, sometimes it cheats and other times it is downright stupid
-> There is a lot of loading involved and sometimes the game randomly drops you, forcing you to load again
-> The only offline content consists of 11 missions that act as the tutorial
-> You cannot chose your terrorist hunt matches or customize anything other than their diffictulty
-> Classes are locked by points, you WILL grind to unlock them
-> The game *consumes* internet, it takes up a hell of a lot of data
-> Some classes are down-right useless
-> Bad reporting system, you will find trolls/TK'ers and will be powerless
-> The community is... hazardous, like most games, watch your step...

If you are a fan of CS-GO you will most likely enjoy this, but it is unlike previous Rainbow Six games; players of the franchise may feel like it has been dumbed down/prettied-up while others will view it as refined.

Ultimately, it's like a bad blonde joke: it's pretty and looks nice, but there's no brains or guts to it.

7.5 / 10

Most likely a CIA funding project or some sick psycological test to see how much money people will shuck out to buy DLC and gun skins.

It's neat but so damn hard to get into.

Movement can be clunky sometimes and other mechanics are just plain awkward.

That being said, if you like turn-based rouge-likes then you should pick this guy up when it's on sale!

A fantastic game that reminds me of the "Endless War" flash games!

Fantastic game that provides a feeling of forward motion, which is extremely rare in most the 'tower defense' section! It also contains a great narative that builds on events that transpired in previous games!