Breach

and satisfying. The tiny grids represent a cityscape and each new challenge is randomly generated, adding a rogue-like element to the mix.

Your three mechs beam down to the grid, while the waiting Vek tunnel up from the under the ground.

The missions are more about protection than destruction, as you bid to defend buildings stuffed full of civilians from the tunneling Vek who pop up under them, causing their collapse.

If too many of the buildings are destroyed, the power on the grid falls to zero and it’s game over.

When that happens you simply have to start again, carrying over any pilots who may have survived the failed mission.

This tense, turn-taking minimalism is the key to the game addictivness.

You don’t have to spend hours churning to earn resources to build or maintain, you literally start the game and play turn by turn. Bouts can last as little as 10 minutes, there’s no saving or reloading, you literally play in the moment.

As cruel as Into The Breach can be, there’s no doubt that it’s just. Like it’s predecessor FTL, it gives you all the tools and information you need to win from the outset and it’s down to you to turn that information into a victory.

If you’re looking for a game which will vex, delight, annoy and enthrall all at the same time, then this is the title you’ve been waiting for.