Space, a limitless cosmos filled with danger, darkness, and silence. In other words, it’s the perfect arena for your team of pirates to go head to head in fiery, explosive battles against the domineering Federation. Developed by Fair Weather Studios, Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows is a tactical turn based RPG that will have you testing your wits and strategic prowess in the heat of the ever ongoing conflict for resources and power. You do not need to have played the first game in the series, Ancient Frontier, but it is available as well if players would like to further delve into this multifaceted adventure.
Your battlefield is like a chessboard, if the chessboard was filled with massive asteroids, space debris, and explosive meteoroid clumps. Every move must be made in clever consideration as the wrong choice can become your last. As captain, you will also need a good crew to fill your awesome ships. There are plenty of characters to choose from and each have their own specialized attributes to benefit your fleet. As you progress, the battles will only become more difficult and your ships will have to be fitted with better equipment to survive your upcoming battles. Hydrium, proto-energy and data are scattered throughout and as your need for a larger crew and better ships increase, so will your need for these resources.
Although the Federation is an ever-present threat to your banditry, they are not the only enemy to watch for. There are few who follow the honorary code of thieves as you must also be wary of other pirates who may at first come as friends and leave as foes. The outer reaches of space are also home to non-human organisms that do not take kindly to invaders either. In conclusion, don’t get blown up, use your environment to your advantage, kick ass and take names.
Every battle and map will slightly differ and the game’s A.I. will continue to try and best you. However, if turn-based games are not your area of interests, then it is easy for this RPG to feel as if it’s dragging on. For example, the tutorial, though it was in-depth and crucial to understanding the gameplay, was very long. Another issue that was difficult to ignore, is the font and size of specific windows. Some areas are fine, such as when you are viewing the market or research areas, however text for dialogue after completing the mission or the stats of your ship during battle are quite tiny. This may not be an issue for larger screens, however in comparison to the rest of the graphics, it’s jarring and inconvenient.
With a rich sci-fi lore, stimulating visuals, and an interesting storyline, Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows will keep you entertained for hours. This futuristic space RPG is not for those who prefer idle and basic games. Instead, this will endlessly challenge your use of logic and ability to plan ahead. Having patience, good eyes, and a clever modus operandi will certainly play to your advantage.
Pros: World building, mentally thrilling, and fitting sound designs.
Cons: Drags on, possible dialogue bugs, and areas with text or windows that are too small.
SCORE: 6.7/10
Check Out the Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows Trailer:
Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows is available for PC via Steam.
Steam Review
Video games have always been a huge influence in my life and have definitely shaped me to who I am today . Some of my best memories growing up were the many adventures and stories I was able to experience and become immersed in. If my hands aren't either covered in clay, typing, editing, creating, or helping shoving food in my mouth, they would either be gripped to a controller, tapping away at the screen of my phone, or clicking away on my PC. I am always up for trying something new because why live just one life when you can live many.
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