Miasma Chronicles Review: Tactical Combat Triumphs, Story Stumbles

Miasma Chronicles, the latest turn-based tactical combat game from Swedish studio The Bearded Ladies, has garnered mixed reviews since its release. According to GamesHub, while the game’s combat system is rich and engaging, its narrative and world-building leave much to be desired.

This review aims to provide a critical analysis of Miasma Chronicles, examining its strengths and weaknesses to determine whether the game is worth the investment of time and money.

Tactical combat games have always been popular among gamers, and Miasma Chronicles is no exception. It boasts a combat system that is both complex and intuitive, offering players a deep and rewarding experience. However, as we delve deeper into the game, we find that the quality of the narrative and world-building does not meet the same high standards as the combat.

In this article, we will explore the gameplay, narrative, and world-building of Miasma Chronicles to determine whether it is a game that is truly worth playing.

Key Takeaways

Miasma Chronicles is a turn-based tactical combat game with RPG elements developed by Swedish studio The Bearded Ladies.
The combat is its strongest aspect, with maps explored in real-time and guerrilla tactics rewarded, but the narrative and world-building are weak.
The game includes items and abilities that compound the decision-making during every turn, and the combat is rewarding for those who take their time and use patience.
The game receives a rating of 3 stars out of 5 and is compared unfavorably to The Bearded Ladies’ previous game, Mutant Year Zero.

Miasma Chronicles Game Overview

The game overview of Miasma Chronicles, a turn-based tactical combat game with RPG elements developed by Swedish studio The Bearded Ladies, reveals that the game was released on May 23, 2023, and is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S for $49.99.

The game’s strongest aspect is its combat, which is turn-based with two action points per turn and cover and flanking bonuses. The combat rewards guerrilla tactics and presents distinct enemy types that offer different challenges.

However, the game’s narrative and world-building are weak, with a post-apocalyptic setting that lacks clarity in tone and genre. The banter falls flat, and the main characters are unlikeable. The story gestures at humanity’s inability to respond to the climate crisis but has little to say beyond trite libertarian odes to self-reliance.

Furthermore, the game is unfavorably compared to The Bearded Ladies’ previous game, Mutant Year Zero. The review notes that Mutant Year Zero is praised for its pre-combat stealth phase and dry wit, refreshing the XCOM brand of tactics.

The combat engine in Corruption 2029 is described as reasonable but lacking in personality. In contrast, Miasma Chronicles’ combat is tactically interesting, rich throughout, and rewards patience and taking one’s time. However, the review criticizes the game for doing little to refute the idea that Mutant Year Zero was something of a fluke. The combat designers may have let loose the frogs of war, but the writers croaked it.

Miasma Chronicles Studio History

Swedish game development studio The Bearded Ladies has established themselves as a notable developer in the turn-based tactical combat genre with their previous titles, which have garnered attention for their innovative gameplay mechanics and witty writing.

Corruption 2029, their sophomore release, was deemed reasonable but lacking in personality, while their debut game, Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden, was hailed as a refreshing take on the genre, thanks to its pre-combat stealth phase and dry wit.

However, while Miasma Chronicles retains the studio’s signature turn-based combat mechanics, it falls short in terms of storytelling and world-building. Compared unfavorably to Mutant Year Zero, Miasma Chronicles’ narrative gestures at humanity’s inability to respond to the climate crisis, but ultimately fails to say anything meaningful beyond trite libertarian odes to self-reliance.

This lack of depth is particularly disappointing, considering the studio’s previous successes in creating compelling and thought-provoking narratives.

Miasma Chronicles Gameplay Details

With a combat system that rewards patience, guerrilla tactics, and decision-making, Miasma Chronicles’ gameplay is rich and tactically interesting. The game’s turn-based combat is its strongest aspect, with maps explored in real-time and cover and flanking bonuses adding to the tactical depth. Each turn allows for two action points, forcing players to be strategic with their decisions.

The game includes a meter that fills with each hit, enabling a guaranteed critical hit with the next shot once it maxes out. This mechanic adds another layer of strategy, as players must decide whether to use the critical hit immediately or save it for a more advantageous moment. The game also includes items and abilities that compound the decision-making during every turn, such as grenades, medkits, and special abilities that can turn the tide of battle.

Despite the strong combat, the game falls short in other areas. Compared unfavorably to Mutant Year Zero, Miasma Chronicles’ narrative and world-building are weak, with a post-apocalyptic setting that is unclear in tone and genre. The banter between characters falls flat, and the main characters are unlikeable. The story gestures at humanity’s inability to respond to the climate crisis but has little to say beyond trite libertarian odes to self-reliance.

Overall, while the combat system in Miasma Chronicles is excellent, the game as a whole falls short in terms of storytelling and character development.

Miasma Chronicles Frequently Asked Questions

What are the system requirements for Miasma Chronicles?

The system requirements for Miasma Chronicles are as follows: Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i5-3570K or AMD Ryzen 3 2200G processor, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 380 graphics card, and 30 GB of available storage space.

Does Miasma Chronicles have multiplayer options?

Miasma Chronicles does not have multiplayer options. The game is a single-player turn-based tactical combat game with RPG elements, developed by The Bearded Ladies and released on May 23, 2023, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S for $49.99.

Are there any major bugs or glitches in Miasma Chronicles?

Several bugs and glitches have been reported in Miasma Chronicles, including crashes, freezes, and audio issues. Players have also reported problems with pathfinding and enemy behavior. The developers have released several patches to address these issues.

How long is the main campaign of Miasma Chronicles?

The main campaign of Miasma Chronicles lasts approximately 20-25 hours, depending on player choices and exploration. However, the game’s weak narrative and world-building may leave players feeling unsatisfied with the experience, despite the strong tactical combat gameplay.

Are there any plans for future DLC or expansions for Miasma Chronicles?

No official announcement has been made regarding future DLC or expansions for Miasma Chronicles. However, given the success of the game’s combat system, it is possible that the developers may explore additional content in the future.

Conclusion

Miasma Chronicles, the latest offering from The Bearded Ladies, is a turn-based tactical combat game with RPG elements. While the game excels in its combat mechanics, the narrative and world-building fall short.

The lack of clarity in tone and genre makes it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the game’s world.

Despite its flaws, Miasma Chronicles is still worth playing for tactical combat enthusiasts. The game’s combat system is rich and engaging, offering a variety of strategies and tactics for players to explore.

The graphics are visually stunning, immersing players in a beautifully crafted world that is unfortunately let down by the weak narrative.

In conclusion, Miasma Chronicles is a game of contrasts. While it triumphs in tactical combat, it stumbles in its storytelling. However, the game’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it worth a playthrough for fans of the genre.

The game’s use of symbolism and stunning graphics will keep players engaged, while the combat mechanics will offer a challenging and rewarding experience.