THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE – TACTICS
World War Thra
RELEASED OUT NOW! Format reviewed PC
Also on Nintendo, Xbox One,
PlayStation 4
Publisher En Masse Entertainment
The magical world of Thra and tactical turn-based combat are not a natural pairing. But despite the mismatch, this earnest adaptation is surprisingly compelling, offering a well-crafted and substantial adventure across Jim Henson’s beloved setting.
The strategy battles are accessible, thanks to clear and simple mechanics, but have an impressive depth that builds over the campaign’s 20+ hours. Involving far more than just lining up your party of Gelflings and hitting the enemy until they fall over, it’s a game of carefully out-manoeuvering your enemy.
On one stage you’ll be trying to push foes into deadly Gobble pits without being shoved in yourself, in another battling your way to the high ground as floodwaters rise around you. Each fighter in your roster – familiar faces such as Rian, Gurjin and Hup – is hugely customisable, allowing for plenty of tinkering and satisfying combos. There’s even some canon-bending fun to be had, with the game happily letting you, say, turn bookish scholar Brea into a thuggish warrior, if you fancy.
While there’s plenty of depth to the strategy, the story is shallow. Loosely retelling the events of the TV show, with a handful of new side-tales to fill things out, its unvoiced dialogue scenes aren’t substantial enough to add to The Dark Crystal’s wider narrative – and anyone who hasn’t seen the series will be utterly lost.
But taken just as a way to spend a bit more time in this alien world, it’s a fuller experience than you might expect, offering a generous helping of brain-teasing action to back up its gentle fanservice.
Robin Valentine