Originally posted on Meteor Media.
Developed by indie studio Lightbulb Crew, Othercide is a horror-themed turn-based strategy game. The game has been recently released on PS4, Xbox One and PC. It is also aiming to release on Nintendo Switch later in 2020.
What is Othercide?
Set between 1897 and 1929, Othercide follows a powerful being called The Red Mother who is trying to push back the denizens of evil, and ultimately stopping the real world from collapsing. After being overwhelmed, The Red Mother soon realises that she cannot defeat the evil alone and creates warriors known as Daughters to do battle for her.
Here's the kicker, you are expected to fail on your first playthrough. Defeat is not the end in this game as you gain better resources on your next playthrough. The world of Othercide is stuck in what appears to be a convergence point of time and space as the game will bring you back to the beginning once you die.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves
In Othercide, you play as the Daughters and there are three different classes: Blademaster, Shieldbearer and Soulslinger. The first being the blade-wielding fighter good for close-range attacks, the second being defence in your party and the third one being the one to deal long-range damage.
Each of the sisters gain individual traits in combat that affect their style of play. This can be both a blessing and a curse in the game, as they often give the character a boost but lower another skill. It’s hit and miss with these traits but manageable once you know what kind of warrior you want.
How does it play?
Othercide is a tactical strategy game in which you must defeat the creatures in a certain time limit. If you’ve played XCOM or Mutant Year Zero, then you’ll be familiar with the turned-based combat. New players to the genre will find that it’s easy enough to pick up and play. The tutorials in the game are done well making it straightforward to play.
Once one of your warriors has died, they are sent to the cemetery. Fear not, they are not gone forever and can be resurrected by obtaining certain items. That was to be expected. As I said, Othercide is a game that expects you to fail. On my playthrough, it took me three attempts to defeat the first boss but it’s a game of trial and error.
Final thoughts?
Othercide is captivating as the tri-colour tone of red, black and white adds to the gothic feeling and aesthetic. The soundtrack is eerie with its industrial guitars and sinister synths, but works well in creating an atmosphere.
Sadly, the game isn’t perfect. The story can be confusing and there are a few bugs that I hope are fixed soon. They don’t take away from the game, but they are there.
Regardless of the problems, Othercide is a fresh and challenging game that is well worth the price tag.
8/10